The hybrid workplace model, combining remote and in-office work, is taking over the world thanks to its flexibility and popularity with employees. This article provides essential tips and strategies to help you create a successful hybrid workplace strategy that prioritizes employee well-being, productivity and success for your organization.
Hybrid working: the world tried it, liked it – and now it wants more. A whole lot more. And that shift is creating a huge change not only in the way we work, but also affecting trends in real estate as organizations rethink their workplaces to suit the new demands of employees.
Just in case you’ve been too busy to notice, the hybrid workplace model brings together a combination of remote work and office-based work.
Did you know: According to Forbes, 83% of businesses believe remote work is here to stay in some capacity, and Gartner predicts that by 2024, remote workers will represent 30% of the workforce.
It just goes to show how important it is for workplace leaders to understand the fundamentals of the model before developing your hybrid workplace strategy.
AS per the workplace influencer Luis De Souza, CEO of NFS Technology, there are 7 key elements to consider regarding organizations making a successful transition to the hybrid workplace, which are:
- Get your employees onboard from the start
- Set out clear guidelines
- Provide the right technology and tools
- Configure space to fit
- 5Create a culture of collaboration and digital inclusion
- Deploy and train properly
- Evaluate and adjust regularly
Get your employees onboard from the start
No strategy can succeed without buy-in from the people who need to implement and use it. To create an effective hybrid workplace strategy, involve your employees from the beginning.
The most effective way to accomplish this is to conduct surveys and feedback sessions to determine their preferences, issues, and wants about remote and office-based employment. Every organisation is unique, and this information will be essential in developing a strategy that caters to the wellness and productivity of your employees.
Set out clear guidelines
In hybrid working, it’s essential to establish clear guidelines and policies the ensure consistency and fairness. According to Gartner, 69% of HR leaders reported that the top challenge in managing a hybrid workforce lies in maintaining an equitable employee experience.
Delivering a satisfying employee experience has never been so important as it is now, with managers keen to retain talent by providing the ideal working environment. So in setting out your hybrid workplace strategy, clearly define expectations regarding working hours, communication methods, hybrid meeting schedules and deliverable deadlines to address this challenge.
Provide the right technology and tools
Equipping your employees with the necessary technology and tools is vital for seamless collaboration and communication.
Hybrid workplace technology enables staff to book a hybrid meeting with all the relevant equipment and services, or locate an available desk near colleagues they are collaborating with, all via a mobile app.
To tackle the increased potential security risks posed by people working in remote locations, and also by the IoT, you also need to ensure cybersecurity measures are in place to support both remote and in-office teams.
Configure space to fit
For employees who are working from the office, redesigning the physical workspace is essential to make sure every trip in ‘earns the commute’ . That means creating a flexible and adaptable environment that supports collaboration, creativity, and social interactions.
Using a workspace management system connected with sensors gives precise space utilisation data, allowing for smart space planning and reconfiguration – for example, some organisations have discovered that their formal conference rooms are better used as informal collaborative spaces.
Create a culture of collaboration and digital inclusion
Hybrid working is not always suitable for some employees, either because of the job they do of because of their own needs and preferences.
Your hybrid working strategy should be flexible enough to accommodate all requirements, and should also include digital inclusion policies to make sure everyone has accessibility to digital tools if required, and the support to use them.
Luis emphasizes fostering an inclusive and collaborative atmosphere by organizing regular team-building events – hybrid workplace technology makes meetings and one-on-ones more convenient to plan. Set up virtual social gatherings and training sessions, and encourage cross-departmental collaboration to give your staff a sense of belonging.
Deploy and train properly
The importance of this just can’t be overstated. How often have you seen someone put aside a device or program because they just don’t know how to use it?
Transitioning to a hybrid workplace requires careful planning and execution. Implement your strategy in phases and choose as your supplier professional consultants who will support your organization through the whole process and beyond.
Allow your staff to adapt gradually but to a planned schedule. Offer training and support to ensure everyone can effectively navigate the NWOW (new way of working). This training should cover both technical skills and tips for managing time and staying productive while working remotely.
Evaluate and adjust regularly
Use your meeting room booking software to monitor all outcomes and gather feedback at each stage to make necessary adjustments and improvements. Remember, your needs and those of your employees are evolving, and this means the hybrid workplace is a constantly developing environment.
Conclusion – why people-centric is best
Creating a successful NWOW workplace strategy requires a people-centric approach that prioritizes employee well-being and productivity, and provides the hybrid workplace solutions that support it fully. Remember that establishing your hybrid workplace strategy is a continuous activity. To create a sustainable and effective workplace, embrace feedback, be open to making changes, and be tuned in to the changing requirements of your employees. Your organisation may reap the benefits of flexibility and creativity while preserving a strong feeling of community and purpose with the proper approach and hybrid working technology.