When the pandemic hit workplaces were forced to change. That forced change has created a widespread shift in workplace mentality. Many workers are questioning if they really ‘need’ to be in the office to be productive. That’s where the hybrid workplace model comes into play.
Employees split their time between being in the office and working remotely. A study by Great Place to Work shows … that three out of five Fortune 500 executives believe that up to 25% of their workforce will continue to work remotely full-time post-pandemic.
A recent study by Reimagining Human Experience shows that “70 percent of employees prefer hybrid work”.
The pandemic brought the concept of the hybrid model to the forefront and it is here to stay.
4 Strategies to Help Implement a Hybrid Workplace Model
Have a plan
As an employer you need to make clear policies and procedures about how the hybrid workplace model will work. Ensuring that various departments have a voice. Key pieces to include are:
- Who will be in the office and who will be remote?
- When will they be in the office?
- How will you track who is in the office?
- How and when does this new hybrid model begin?
- Will it be phased in? Will the office space change?
- How will the work get done? Consider the workflows you currently use.
- Are there redundant tasks?
- Can tasks be automated?
- Is the office space best used the way it is set up
Make collaboration accessible
Different departments and teams may consist of both in office and out of office staff. But they all need to be able to work together and feel like part of the same team. This is the perfect opportunity to include staff from all locations across the world in the hybrid workplace model. Research technology that will help with collaboration. Ideas for collaborative technology could include:
- Shared drives
- Online Meetings
- Chat options
Trust and listen to your employees
Without trusted hard-working employees your business can’t meet its goals. Using a people-centric style of leadership will help bridge the gap of understanding. Use the feedback to inform changes to the hybrid model. Ways to ask your employees for feedback include:
- Feedback forms / surveys
- Round table brainstorm
- One on one meetings
- Periodic check-ins
Equality for all employees
No matter how and where they are working they need to feel like part of the team. Proximity bias is a leading concern with a hybrid model of work. This bias states that managers subconsciously favour employees who are physically close. As a manager your job is to recognize all employees and give equal opportunity. Opportunities such as:
- Promotions
- Projects
- Working remotely
- If their position cannot be done remotely offering some other type of flexibility
Using the above tips as a launching point you can begin to build a working hybrid model for your business. Remember, a hybrid model can mean happier employees leading to job retention and career enjoyment.
SH Consulting is here to help guide you and answer any questions you have about how to make a hybrid model work for your business.