BIG Things You Should Know About Hybrid Work

Most employees prefer flexibility and freedom to choose where and when they work, even after the pandemic. To meet this high demand for more flexible workspaces, and to stay competitive in the market, companies are adopting hybrid workplaces and there are many good reasons why.

According to research from Microsoft , 30,000 participants were evaluated for the impact of remote work on productivity.  The result is that 82% of respondents reported that their productivity did not fall, but on the contrary, increased.

Hybrid workplaces will generally find it easier to attract talent and the hybrid format helps to reduce corporate costs associated with physical work space and business travel. Nevertheless, along with the advantages, there are also drawbacks:

• Instant messaging and video calls can lead to employee fatigue and decreased motivation.
• Interaction between teams/departments may decrease. Due to the online format, employees focus more on the tasks of their own team and have less communication with other colleagues, which has a negative impact on the overall functionality and culture of the company.
• There may be technical problems. Managers rarely pay attention to the difficulties that arise in employees’ home office spaces. According to Microsoft, after a year of working from home, 42% of employees say they lack essential office supplies at home, and 1 in 10 don’t have an adequate internet connection to do their job. Yet, over 46% say their employer does not help them with remote work expenses.

How to organize an effective hybrid model:

• It is important to listen to employees’ opinions and desires. The requirement to return to the office on a permanent basis may lead to a resignation for some.
• Clearly define the work schedule and responsibilities of employees. It is important to document  job duties and the working schedule so that employees understand their responsibilities and when they should work and be available for virtual meetings.
• To motivate and retain your team, measure their performance outcomes and not the number of hours spent in an office or online.
• Set out the communication channels a company will use for virtual work and when an employee should use each of them.  For example, email should be used when confidential information is being shared, rather than instant messaging. Also articulate when you would like employees to use video rather than just audio and vice versa.
• Provide employees with necessary items and equipment to perform their job effectively. Provide laptops with a good software system and provide an internet stipend if requesting certain specifications for internet connection. Thus employees will feel attention and care from management.
• Make your office a space for team building and co-creation. Make it a space where employees want to come!

The office of the present is any place where an employee can work productively, and building a modern workspace is, first of all, a focus on productivity (results), performance and growth, and well-being.