Since the global COVID-19 pandemic, the hybrid workplace model is quickly becoming the new norm for businesses all around the world. This trend is being driven by the ever-growing prevalence of technology, which has allowed employees to work from anywhere at any time.
As a result, many companies are now embracing a blended workforce that consists of both traditional employees and remote workers.
While there are many benefits to this model, there are also a few challenges that business owners and managers will need to overcome. In this article, we will explore the hybrid workplace model and discuss some best practices for managing it.
What is a hybrid workplace model?
A hybrid workplace is a combination of traditional employees and remote workers with flexible working conditions, such as modified work hours and work from home options. It allows companies to take advantage of the best of both worlds, by giving employees the flexibility to work from anywhere, and by allowing them to easily team up with colleagues from around the globe.
Is the hybrid workplace model here to stay?
A publication from Stanford University found that 70% of companies worldwide, including Apple, Google and HSBC, plan to “implement some form of hybrid working arrangements, so their employees can divide their time between collaborating with colleagues on-site and working from home”.
What are the benefits of hybrid workplaces?
A hybrid workplace offers benefits for employees and employers alike.
For employees, it allows them to work from anywhere at any time, which gives them more flexibility and freedom. It also allows them to team up with colleagues from around the globe, which can help to improve teamwork and communication.
For employers, a hybrid workplace can help to reduce costs, since it allows them to hire remote workers at a lower cost. It can also help to improve productivity and morale, since employees are able to work in the environment that best suits them.
What are the downsides to hybrid workplaces?
While there are many benefits to a hybrid workplace, there are also numerous downsides that employers need to be aware of.
One of the biggest challenges is managing remote workers since it can be difficult to keep track of them and ensure that they are meeting their deadlines.
Another challenge is maintaining communication between employees who are spread out, with different teams working from the office, from home and sometimes even on the other side of the world. This can be difficult, especially if there is no clear way to track who is responsible for what tasks.
Oversight and accountability
The benefits of hybrid workplaces can be reaped if proper systems and processes are in place. This includes things such as communication protocols, tracking systems, and performance measurement tools.
If these systems are not in place, it can be difficult for employers to manage remote workers, and it can also be difficult for employees to stay connected with their colleagues.
Need help with setting up systems and processes for a hybrid workplace? Get in touch with ChandlerWoods for more information. We can help you to develop a plan that will work best for your company.
How can my organisation take advantage of the hybrid workplace model?
There are a few ways that you can take advantage of the hybrid workplace model. Here are a few tips:
Use technology to your advantage
The prevalence of technology has made it easier than ever for employees to work from anywhere at any time. Make sure that you have the right tools in place to allow your employees to work remotely.
Promote teamwork and communication
One of the benefits of a hybrid workplace is the ability to team up with colleagues from around the globe. Make sure that you promote teamwork and communication in order to get the most out of this benefit.
Train your employees on how to use technology
Not everyone is comfortable working remotely, so make sure that you train your employees on how to use technology to their advantage. This will help to improve their productivity and communication.
Be flexible with your deadlines
One of the challenges of managing a hybrid workforce is keeping track of deadlines. Be flexible with your deadlines and give employees enough time to complete their tasks.
Keep communication open
Maintaining communication between employees who are spread out all over the globe can be difficult, but it is important to keep communication channels open to avoid misunderstandings.
The hybrid workplace model is slowly becoming more popular as employers and employees alike begin to see the benefits it offers. However, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed for it to be truly successful.
With the right planning and execution, the hybrid workplace model can be a great way to improve productivity, flexibility and morale while reducing costs.
If you’re thinking of implementing a hybrid workplace model or improving upon your existing one, get in touch with ChandlerWoods for a free consultation, we can help your organisation design a plan to capitalise on the benefits of a hybrid workplace.