HYBRID WORK MODEL
Hybrid workplaces can look very different based on the organization ’ s priority of factors , including the ability to access talent , individual and team productivity , and the cost of real estate .
ADVANTAGES OF HYBRID WORKPLACES
Despite remote work being forced upon some organizations during the pandemic , a long-term approach for a hybrid workplace offers several benefits to both remote workforces and employers . Advantages of hybrid workplaces can include the following :
• Wider talent pool as a result of removed geographical limits
• Increased employee productivity
• Stronger employee engagement
• Better collaboration
• Greater schedule flexibility
• Healthier work-life balance
If the timing on leases and other workplace contracts works out , employers could also realize reduced operation costs . It ’ s essential to evaluate if any office locations or expenses are redundant or underutilized .
CHALLENGES OF HYBRID WORKPLACES
Like any new initiative or strategy , a hybrid workplace also has its shortcomings . Challenges of hybrid workplaces include the following :
• Potential for different time zones due to geographically dispersed teams
• Communication misunderstandings due to limited availability of visual cues
• Lack of real-time collaboration
• Shortage of team-building opportunities and events
• Loss of belonging and shared purpose as a separate on-site culture and remote culture emerge
• Cybersecurity and reliance on IT infrastructure
Employers can reduce the prevalence or impact of such challenges by being intentional about decisions and tradeoffs . They must be empathic and listen to individual employee needs while also being creative when developing connected and effective workplace solutions .
STRATEGIES FOR HYBRID WORKPLACES
Taking hybrid workplace advantages and challenges into consideration , employers can develop their ideal hybrid workplace and bring that idea to life in a returnto-work plan . The process may involve making an organizational culture shift , which may also reshape organizational goals and objectives .
Most organizations have norms in place for on-site employees , but they can also adapt a mirroring set of standards for those working remotely .
IT ’ S IMPORTANT FOR EMPLOYERS TO NOT ONLY ACCOMMODATE ALL EMPLOYEES BUT ALSO CREATE PRACTICES THAT TREAT ALL EMPLOYEES FAIRLY .
To best accommodate a distributed workplace , consider the following tips :
• Formalize hybrid work processes . For hybrid work processes to be effective , employers should establish clear expectations and communicate them often and openly . It ’ s especially important to formalize technology and other remote-specific policies or guidelines . If employers are accommodating custom schedules , a formal remote or hybrid schedule request process will streamline the process for managers and HR professionals .
• Be transparent about remote and hybrid work expectations and decisions . There are a variety of reasons why some employees may be expected to work on-site while others are granted the opportunity to work remotely . Being transparent about decisions can facilitate a friendly and open environment for distant teams to effectively collaborate .
• Plan meetings to be friendly to all employees . Remote employees attending a meeting via a conference line or video platform can be just as active as those sitting in the conference room chairs . At the beginning of a meeting , leaders should introduce participants joining remotely and ensure that all participants have a chance to share their thoughts or ideas .
• Create an open chat . Chat tools can facilitate dialogue for both remote and on-site employees . Channels can be created for efficient work-related communication — or even to replace water cooler conversations and help build camaraderie within teams .
• Ask for and listen to feedback . It ’ s equally important to elicit employee feedback and concerns to optimize return-to-work plans or working arrangements .
A thoughtful hybrid workplace approach combines the best aspects of an organization ’ s on-site and remote workplaces .
CONCLUSION
Hybrid workplaces can help maintain a great work-life balance for employees and an employee-centric work environment for employers and organizational leaders . In general , employers should prioritize employee engagement and well-being in workplace strategies and plans . Contact us today , spectruminsgroup . com to learn more about developing and managing a hybrid workplace . +
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