COVID-19 certainly propelled many offices worldwide to adopt remote work, even if they weren’t prepared. If there’s anything the global pandemic has taught us, it’s that workplaces learned to pivot and successfully pilot working from home. The future of work is positively hybrid, as companies combine remote work with office time. Getting the hybrid model right will take some trial and error, but once you do, your workplace environment could operate better than ever before. Below we’re sharing practical ways to execute the hybrid work model at your office.
Returning to the Office Utilizing a Hybrid Work Model
There’s a rising interest in the hybrid work model, which you can see below with these statistics:
- 80% of full-time workers expect to work from home at least three times a week
- 23% said they would take a pay cut to work from home at least once a week
- If remote work wasn’t possible, 46% would look for another job
- 55% of full-time workers would enjoy a mix of remote and office work
- Generation Z will soon make up the majority of the workforce, and 74% said they would prefer working remotely or adopting a hybrid model
- 82% of company leads plan to allow some remote work
As you can see, these numbers largely favor a hybrid workplace. If you’re planning to return to the office with this type of setting, read our tips to help acclimate employees efficiently.
Get Employee Feedback
Before adopting this new work environment, speak with your employees and gather their thoughts on the matter. Develop a survey to get ideas and feedback from them and share what you’re planning with your staff. Ask about concerns and preferences, so you can get employee input early on. This will help get your team on board before you return to the office and ensure there are no surprises. It’s also vital to keep the communication lines open even after the office doors reopen. Continually touch base with your staff and keep a pulse on how the new hybrid environment is working.
Invest in the Necessary Technology
Research collaborative platforms that make remote simple. Since the start of the pandemic, many businesses have had the opportunity to experiment with new technologies. While some proved to be successful, others were more challenging. Whatever tools you choose, they should allow employees to work in real-time while being easy to use and budget-friendly. Another vital factor to consider is cybersecurity. Cybersecurity measures help protect shared company files and private information.
Keep Communications Open
Don’t forget about your company culture! When employing a hybrid work model, “water cooler talk” almost becomes obsolete, so it’s important to implement ways to communicate, increase engagement, and boost morale. You can continue to set employees up for success, even remotely, by:
- Acknowledging the wins with a simple “thank you” or “job well done”
- Set up regular check-ins with your employees to keep lines of communication open
- Conduct performance reviews to keep employee goals on track
- Keep up traditions – even remotely. Host a fun trivia video call, celebrate holidays with a friendly message, and offer incentives for work well done
Focus on Productivity Rather than Hours Worked
In the past, there has been a stigma around allowing employees to work remotely, stating it would make them less productive. In most cases, this is untrue, and remote workers are often more productive than their in-person counterparts. While a typical day may look different than it did in the office, the truth of the matter is that remote workers often accomplish their work in less time. Consider making a shift from valuing the number of hours worked to employee productivity.
There’s no ideal way to set up a hybrid workplace, but using these helpful tips can make the launch of this work model more successful. If you’re interested in receiving more beneficial business tips, consider contacting FocalPoint today and utilizing our small business coaching services.