The Ultimate Checklist For Adopting A Flexible Work Environment In The Hybrid Workplace | Hopping Into 2021’s Hottest Trend
It’s 20–21 already! Still going with the work from home trend?
Last year in March, when the deadly virus forced organizations from all over the world to quickly indulge themselves in the work from home culture, IT teams worked 24*7 to set up network configurations, creating infrastructure, etc., to present virtual connectivity to all the employees. Though it took 03–04 months, employees made themselves all settled into a rhythm and started enjoying the perks of WFH.
But now, 01 year later, fatigue has stepped in, and WFH seems to be no longer enticing. Even the companies are facing productivity and other issues since this WFH period started. Thus, to manage the productivity and workforce, many companies decided to bring on 50% of employees to the workplace. Yeah, I know that’s not a new thing. Some employees were still going to offices due to network issues, system issues, etc. Genuinely speaking, this Hybrid work culture is sooner going to be the new normal for all the organizations. After all, increased productivity is what every company wants.
Being the new reality, hybrid work culture comes along with a lot of advantages. However, this does not mean that the employees are all set to return to the pre-Covid era! Freedom and a flexible work environment are the hot topics that employees are seeking this 2021. They actually want to decide where, when, and for how long they should be in the office! According to a study, most employees favor working from office for 03 days in a week while the rest of the days, they want to work from home.
Confused? Wait! Let us clear your confusion by explaining the hybrid model. So, in the new hybrid model, companies will be a mixture of 03 groups based on role division:
- Office Employees
Now, this group’s roles and, in some cases, whole industries like manufacturing will necessitate workers to work from the office.
2. Hybrid Employees
For these types of employees, it is mandatory to work from the office. They can work from anywhere! But to be more efficient, they tend to meet in person regularly.
3. Remote Employees
Just like the Hybrid community, these employees can work from home or from anywhere without having the need to visit the office. It is vital to have this community because it helps employers tap into a much wider talent pool.
That’s all! Yet, there is a crucial question that companies raise for the Hybrid Workplace. Can it guarantee a seamless and flexible work experience for all the employees?
Calm down. Here we will list down some of the vital aspects to consider for a flexible work arrangement. So, let’s make that happen!
But before that, many readers might have a question.
Why Go Hybrid?
As we said earlier and now also, we would say, flexibility is the only key for the successful future of work. And that’s what Hybrid Workplace guarantees; a flexible work environment.
Organizations all over the world have learned a valuable lesson from the COVID outbreak. Technology has shown businesses that work can be done more profoundly virtually. Employees and employers alike recognize the value of a flexible work climate. As a result, it’s hard to go back in time to the old way of doing things at work.
And why would anyone want to? From increased efficiency to lower turnover rates, stress levels & burnouts, and commuting times, remote work has many advantages.
Hybrid Workplace Tips To Balance The Remote Work Culture And Maintain Flexible Working Environment
- Provide A Variety Of Meeting Spaces
The hybrid workplace will force companies to reconsider how they design their office meeting spaces. Well, this will require concerns for both the office and remote workers! As well as the fluid movement between these types.
While more people find their stride doing solo work from home, the office will increasingly become a place of communication and collaboration for others. A variety of meeting spaces that can accommodate varying numbers of people and allow them to spread out across the room are among the design considerations.
Although the office may have increasingly become a hub for collaboration, most meetings are likely to be hybrid meetings — involving at least some remote members. So remote employees are just as vital to consider when planning and rethinking meeting spaces as those who meet regularly in the office.
2. Make Sure To Support Video Call Meetings
With the rise of WFH culture, any meeting is likely to have at least one remote member. As a result, there is a higher demand for spaces that are equipped to accommodate video conferencing. As it is vital to provide meeting spaces, it is also essential to make sure that all meeting spaces, large and small, are designed to allow a seamless link to remote employees! Not just video conferencing, but the usual voice call meetings as well.
3. Use Workplace Analytics To Better Understand Hybrid Workplace Needs
The pandemic has shown how quickly life can be interrupted, resulting in major workplace restructuring. Data on collaboration spaces are more crucial than ever before in order to make informed decisions about facility and technology planning in the short and long term.
Workplace analytics will reveal information such as preferred meeting rooms, peak meeting hours, maximum attendance, the number of on-site vs. remote meeting attendees, the most common video conferencing systems, and the devices staff use to transfer content!
4. Set Clear Objectives
To set up a flexible hybrid workplace, companies need to have a clear objective. Well, flexibility in the workplace revolves all-around quality over quantity. Therefore, to manage the time successfully, employees need to understand what they want to achieve, their long-term & short-term goals, and how to handle multi-tasking.
Advantages Of Stepping Into A Hybrid Workplace
- Reducing Maintenance Costs
Organizations will now incorporate remote working instead of carrying out regular activities in the office. As a result, running expenses get reduced and businesses are relieved of the need to invest in physical office space.
Of course, workers will occasionally work from the office, but companies will also have the ability to work remotely with a hybrid workplace. As a result, additional commuting expenses get reduced, and a significant amount of money is saved.
2. Increased Productivity
Employees will become more responsible and accountable in a blended workplace. Employees feel more independent and optimistic in completing their assignments because they are less likely to be micromanaged. They try their best and become more conscious of their obligations, resulting in discipline, sincerity, and accountability. It thus helps in increasing productivity.
3. Enables Distributed Teams
By transforming the company into a hybrid workplace, remote employees can continue to function without interruption. It enables them to cooperate with other teams to increase productivity while maintaining the quality of the work. Furthermore, by combining remote and on-site work, versatility becomes a viable choice, improving overall efficiency.
Also Watch : How To Manage & Monitor Employees | EmpMonitor Shift Management
Summing It Up
Finally, that’s the end of this article! Readers who have been reading this article so far are actually super excited to step into the hybrid work culture. And why not! Well, a hybrid workplace is going to be the new normal for all companies worldwide. But along with that, maintaining a flexible work environment for the employees is even crucial. And that’s where this article can help you with!
So, all the lovely readers who are giving their 100% attention to this article, do not forget to hit the like button given below.
