As the return-to-work schedules approach, many businesses are considering using a hybrid work model, which allows employees to switch between in-person and remote work as they and their employer see it appropriate.
HR managers had been debating the merits of remote employment before the pandemic. During the global lockdown, businesses were compelled to permit remote work for their staff members and subcontractors.
According to some data on remote work, employees seemed to be more efficient when they operated from home.
A hybrid working strategy, which offers the advantages of both in-office and offsite work settings and fulfills employees’ requests for more freedom, is frequently seen as the future of work, according to studies.
The predicted funeral of office spaces has not happened yet. The employees seem to be at crossroads. While some favor returning to the office, others are happier and more productive while working remotely. This constant turmoil has given rise to a new strategy — the hybrid model.
The Hybrid Model
Many businesses are starting to advocate for the harmony of a hybrid work paradigm, which is a framework that permits both in-person and remote labor. The idea that the hybrid work paradigm will dominate the future workplace is growing.
Combining in-person and remote work environments, depending on organizational and personal needs, fosters flexibility and collaboration within a team.
Hybrid offices indicate that some people may miss out on the office’s spontaneous conversations while others may find it more challenging to drive in every day. Employees may welcome the flexibility to work from home as it gives them the comfort of a favorable environment.
Tips to Maintain Productivity in a Hybrid Working Model
Being the manager of a distributed team can make it challenging to handle communication and projects. How can we encourage a hybrid workplace environment while maximizing productivity?
Planning and communication across the numerous departments and teams within a business are necessary for hybrid work environments to function efficiently. When trying to increase productivity within your company, BC Jobs is sharing tips that will help you take into account the following factors:-
1. Clarity in Communication is Key
The first step to ensuring a mixed work paradigm is successful is open communication. To prevent confusion and disagreement, every company employee, whether they work in the office or remotely, must be aware of their tasks and responsibilities as well as their working hours (when they should be in the office or at home).
Misinterpretation and poor communication are common pitfalls, particularly when leading distributed teams. Employees who work remotely may also miss out on important company discussions.
This can be avoided by setting up daily or weekly team meetings, which allow team members to align on priorities and expectations, address any issues, and celebrate accomplishments. In addition, these meetings give team members a chance to connect and help foster a sense of belonging, which is a major factor in engagement.
2. Establish Culture
Recognize the power of organizational culture and its capacity to create cooperation, communication, and teamwork while increasing engagement, productivity, and dedication. This translates into a great employee experience, optimal performance, and, in the end, a healthy bottom line.
Every organization has its own culture, although it frequently reflects the fundamental principles of that organization. Most bosses looked to the guiding principles of their business as they navigated the pandemic’s upheaval to help their team stay grounded.
They managed to stay connected, engaged, and in alignment despite working in different locations by concentrating on the core of who they are.
3. Have Clear Expectations and Boundaries
It’s crucial for employees to feel trusted at work, especially when everyone isn’t physically present. 55 percent of managers and employees trust individuals more in a physical environment than in a virtual one, according to research by The Workforce Institute at UKG of nearly 4,000 business leaders and employees across 11 nations.
Integrating openness and transparency into your culture is one method to encourage trust in a hybrid workplace. Transparency can take many, many forms, including being open and vulnerable, providing frequent feedback, establishing expectations, and keeping all staff members informed and engaged.
Focusing on openness helps guarantee that both employee and employer expectations are adequately set and met. Transparency also demands people hold themselves accountable for the information they receive.
4. Incorporate Technology
Any hybrid organization relies heavily on technology to function. It improves coordination, encourages information sharing between users in different time zones, and helps managers and their teams remain on top of activities.
Additionally, it can avoid silos in the workplace. Teams are always in contact with one another, which reduces the communication gap between office-based employees and those who operate remotely.
5. Keep an Eye on Mental Health
Employees are eagerly anticipating their return to the office for several reasons, including the social integration and connection that working remotely has deprived us of.
It’s crucial to include and respect those workers who may not feel comfortable returning or who may be coping with additional concerns like obtaining care for family members or children, even while some employees may be eager to return to their jobs.
Managers may promote inclusivity and assist the mental health of their employees by communicating openly that they are available to offer support and space, checking in frequently, and scheduling weekly one-on-one meetings.
Additionally, it is necessary to redesign meeting preparation, execution, and follow-up to incorporate both in-office and remote workers.
Conclusion
In the end, every working culture has its quirks and difficulties to overcome. Encourage managers and staff to adopt a growth attitude so they can continually assess what is working and what can be improved while examining what will be required to make your hybrid working environment successful.
Keep in mind that you still have time to develop your culture and implement it into this hybrid office. A successful and effective hybrid working environment may be achieved with careful planning and communication, regardless of whether a hybrid model is just your current reality or a long-term commitment.
About the Author
BCjobs.ca is Western Canada’s largest job board, and host of “Innovators” a weekly podcast interviewing top recruiters in BC and across Canada. Check out our recent interview with Peloton Technologies co-founder and CEO, Craig Attiwill (Podcast link) and Chris Taylor, CHRO at Best Buy Canada (Podcast link).
