Hybrid Workplaces
Workplaces can set forth which days hybrid employees will come in for work – either throughout the company or per team.
Leaders should foster an inclusive work culture that embraces remote and hybrid work environments, so all employees feel included. This may include providing quiet areas to concentrate, as well as using video conferencing technology that enables equity among remote employees in meetings.
Culture
Success of hybrid work requires a change in company culture. Without staff feeling connected with organizational goals, adapting and flourishing in a hybrid work model may prove challenging. Therefore, creating a new culture that emphasizes team cohesion and collaboration as well as creating a sense of belonging and trust between onsite workers and remote workers must occur for hybrid work to work successfully.
Another key aspect is to encourage initiative-taking by giving employees the power to chart their own career paths. When employees don’t feel empowered enough to advance within the company or switch roles, disengagement, burnout and ultimately seeking new opportunities elsewhere are likely results.
Your team’s success in the hybrid model hinges on providing smart video conferencing technology and creating tailored benefits packages for both onsite and remote workers. Collaboration must also take place, with teams communicating regularly in-person. Team communication software such as Slack is an effective solution.
Communication
Hybrid work models can be an intimidating prospect for some employees who feel overwhelmed by their constantly shifting schedules and work environments. HR leaders must communicate clearly, frequently and provide support and training for remote employees so that they feel connected to company culture while feeling a sense of belonging; frequent one-on-one meetings between managers and team members, as well as regular virtual group meetings between management, HR and employees will also keep lines of communication open.
With the proper strategy in place, your team can embrace hybrid work and its many benefits. Without a comprehensive plan in place, remote workers may struggle to stay on task and miss important messages. Therefore, regular communication analyses must take place so as to prepare your team for challenges associated with hybrid workplace environments – Mural can help your organization develop such plans!
Technology
Employers need the appropriate tools for hybrid work environments to be successful. Businesses can leverage technologies like video conferencing, virtual collaboration tools and digital meeting room signage to provide engaging experiences no matter where their employees are working from. Furthermore, training on new tools should also be provided so employees know how to utilize them and can answer any queries regarding them.
One effective strategy to obtain information about employee preferences for hybrid workplace is by creating a hybrid workspace planning team composed of representatives from each department. This gives your organization a chance to see how different departments have already adopted hybrid work, which may shape future policies. For instance, some teams might require all meetings take place within the office setting while others might allow individuals choose where and when best works for them; others still may implement bring-your-own-device policies which allow employees to work from home using personal devices.
Security
Due to the Covid Pandemic, businesses have had to reconsider their work models and many are turning towards hybrid work models as a means to retain talented employees in an increasingly competitive talent pool. Hybrid work also reduces office space costs while offering employees greater flexibility and allowing more efficient management practices.
As hybrid work evolves, it’s crucial that security measures be put in place that can protect data and technology assets, including Zero Trust to secure remote and mobile access with its “never trust, always verify” mantra.
Businesses that adopt hybrid work models will see increases in employee morale and productivity as well as decreased overhead costs, but to make it successful this transition must be carefully planned and executed by leaders. They must understand each team member’s needs while anticipating possible challenges which might arise, setting clear goals and expectations both onsite and remote employees so that everyone remains on the same page.
