The shift to remote work has given birth to a new kind of office– the hybrid workplace. It’s a combination of remote and in-office work. Through this type of workplace model, employees can work in-office or remotely. The employee can have autonomy and greater work-life flexibility, and the office can save on equipment and costs.
When the hybrid workplace is in effect, there is usually a set schedule for employees to work in the office, usually when physical meetings and project launches are done, or sometimes when a goal is reached, and it’s time to socialize. Most of the time, employees can work remotely or in the comfort of their homes.
This is a change that your office may already need to prepare and adopt due to everyone’s transition to working from home because of the pandemic. Here are some steps you can take:
✔️ Provide the necessary technology and tools for remote work. Your employees will be working on a network outside of the office; this means they are exposed to more threats than your well-protected offices.
✔️ Clearly communicate the benefits and expectations to employees. Transparency is the key here. Will everyone get to be hybrid? Are the tools and equipment reliable?
✔️ Establish guidelines and protocols for remote work. Tech guidelines, communication and escalation issues, productivity reporting, meetings, and more. Make sure they are ready and well communicated before the move to hybrid.
✔️ Foster a culture of trust and autonomy among employees. Since the employees will be working independently, your leaders need to show trust in your autonomy and judgment. You have to return the favor.
✔️ Provide opportunities for collaboration and communication. There will always be a need to meet for a project or the main job itself physically. Here, technology is the key remotely, and scheduling is crucial when collaborating face to face.
✔️ Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the hybrid workplace and make adjustments as needed. Many have tried and succeeded, but it doesn’t mean there is no room for improvement. Collect as much data as possible on your hybrid move and make the proper adjustments when necessary.
When implemented properly, a hybrid workplace can lead to increased productivity, employee satisfaction, and cost savings for the company. It can also help attract and retain top talent by providing more flexibility and autonomy in the work environment. DCC knows that it will require a great degree of leadership on the company’s part. Learning to manage people from afar at this high level can only be done through our Talent Management programs. It will be a big change to know how to keep employees engaged, motivated, and ready for the work ahead. Let’s start this journey now. Please email us at info@davidcouperconsulting.com.