Strategies for creating a Hybrid workplace
To create the most successful hybrid workplace strategy, companies must understand how hybrid work works and how they fit into the total model. They should devise methods that ensure they are not only creating the best possible outcome for the customerbut also how they fit into a broader model that best serves the organization. The pandemic gave many businesses new insight into the total model. By structuring the company around the customer, the pandemic gave many businesses the confidence they needed to create a win-win hybrid strategy that best supports the customer as well as the business outcomes.
It’s no secret that 2022 was marked by the mass transition to the Hybrid workplace model. Still, many companies are behind in adopting what is considered to be the optimum workplace model of the future.
Deciding who gets to work from home and who gets to come to the office is a definite challenge. Choosing when it is better to convene in person and what the motives are behind meetings in real life are called to question. All of these elements need to be sorted out in order to generate a productive hybrid workplace strategy that works. Here are some strategies to consider as you build your version of the Hybrid workplace model.
Intertwining the physical and digital experience within the hybrid workplace
It is general knowledge that bridging the gap between in-house employees and remote employees is extremely difficult. Making the switch to hybrid work means that there will always be someone remote, even if the majority of the staff is in-house on that given day. Sometimes remote workers can become frustrated and disengaged as they feel on the fringes of the team. Something that hurts employee productivity, as well as job satisfaction. This especially applies to the brainstorming process, which is best carried out through the use of analog whiteboards and in-person interactions and the exchange of energy and ideas. Somehow, the brainstorming process doesn’t quite transmit adequately through a digital interface.
Some key concepts to consider in mitigating the gap between in-person and out-of-office employees are flow, equity, and ease. Having some team-building activities is also something that can help with relationship-building between employees who are working remotely and employees who are working in the office space.
Creating a hybrid work environment with a workflow and an office setting that maintains a high level of productivity while making employees feel engaged is key. This can entail making simple adjustments like updating the interface of your conference room meetings to feature each employee on their own monitor to make video calls feel more personal and less like one digital participant at the end of a long table.
Staggering the workflow based on employee preferences and company needs is key in order to creating a hybrid work strategy. This means sitting down to establish what the goals and expectations are for in-house employees vs. remote employees. Doing so will allow your company to practice equity in this model shift, which is supremely important to the success of your company. Access to promotions, opportunities, and new ventures should not only be limited to those who come into the officebut also to those who work remotely.
Having internal surveys where you ask for the employee's feedback on important matters will most likely enhance the employee's well-being, the employee experience, as well as the entire workforce, and, ultimately, the company's hybrid model.
Re-conceptualize the use of your physical workspace
Now that some of the staff is working from home, it’s time to rethink what your physical space is all about and how to make the most out of these new hybrid workplaces. Is your space too large? Can you afford to downsize to save money? Is it for working or mostly for meetings and social engagements? And should it all be a hot desking solution, or should there be some dedicated desks as well?
If you have more of an open space layout, you will need to consider creating private pods for employees to have privacy when connecting with their colleagues online. Your employees need to be able to hear and see their colleagues in privacy. Re-thinking the layout of the workplace to suit a hybrid work model and workforce is key in making this shift.
Balance individual vs. collaborative work for better employee engagement
The pandemic showed us that employees working from home experienced a remarkable drop in collaboration time with their colleagues and team. Too much isolation decreases productivity and dampens the overall culture of the organization. As you embark on shifting to the Hybrid workplace model, it is critical to analyze the value of collaboration and parcel out what percentage of work needs to be carried out in a team setting. Taking the time to decipher this will greatly help your company and organization as it shifts to the Hybrid workplace model.
Give equal status to onsite and remote workers
The rise of remote work has brought about many benefits for employees, such as increased flexibility and the ability to work virtually anywhere. However, it has also highlighted the need for equal treatment of onsite and remote workers.
One of the biggest issues facing remote workers is the perception that they are not as committed or productive as onsite workers. This is simply not the case. Remote employers have the same level of dedication and work ethic as those who work in an office. They can accomplish just as much, if not more, due to the lack of distractions and the ability to create a comfortable and productive working environment.
On the other hand, onsite employers may feel that they are at a disadvantage when it comes to flexibility and work-life balance. They may have to work longer hours and be on call at all times, while remote employers have the freedom to set their own schedules.
It is important to recognize that both onsite and remote employees have their own unique challenges and benefits.
Employers should strive to create a work environment that is fair and equal for all employees, regardless of where they work. This can be achieved by providing the same opportunities for career advancement and professional development, as well as ensuring that all employees have access to the same resources and support.
The rise of remote work has brought about many changes in the modern workforce. It is important for employers to recognize the unique challenges and benefits of both onsite and remote workers and strive to create a fair and equal work environment for all employees. By doing so, they can ensure that all employees have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of where they work.
Conclusion on how to best create a hybrid workplace
In conclusion, creating a successful hybrid workplace strategy requires companies to understand the needs of both in-person and remote employees and devise methods that balance the needs of the customer with the broader goals of the organization.
A key aspect to consider is how to bridge the gap between in-person and remote employees and maintain a high level of productivity and engagement for all employees.
To achieve this, companies can consider strategies such as intertwining the physical and digital experience, staggering the workflow based on employee preferences and company needs, and re-conceptualizing the use of their physical workspace.
Additionally, it is important to practice equity in this model shift by providing equal access to promotions, opportunities, and new ventures for both in-person and remote employees.
By considering these strategies and gathering employee feedback, companies can create a hybrid workplace that best supports the needs of both the business and its employees.
Feel free to reach out to our team of product experts, who can help and guide you in finding the right hybrid solution for your specific company.