The traditional 9-5 routine is no longer the only solution to complete work tasks. Hybrid working has revolutionised how business owners and employees approach their daily grind, providing flexibility with new opportunities for success. But just what are these changes? Let’s take a look into the evolution of hybrid working!
Hybrid employment is providing a fresh perspective on the modern working world; from well-established corporate giants to smaller organisations, it can provide an array of benefits for both employers and employees. In this post we will uncover what hybrid employment really means, separating fact from fiction in order to assist you with transitioning into such a workplace seamlessly.
What is a hybrid workplace?
Our hybrid workplace model is revolutionising the way we work. Employees now have greater flexibility to choose their preferred environment and personalize their working hours based on individual needs – allowing seamless transitions between remote and in-office settings, whenever appropriate for a particular job or team. This increasingly popular approach may not be suitable for all industries; however, computer-related roles are likely to reap many of its benefits.
Hybrid work offers the ultimate in flexibility and freedom, allowing employees to craft their own weekly schedule while maintaining company policy compliance. Through hybrid working, both employers and staff benefit from a harmonious blend of office life with remote operations – enabling productivity that suits individual preferences.
With the implementation of a hybrid work model, businesses can provide greater flexibility to their employees. This in turn leads to improved productivity and overall engagement – creating an environment conducive for driving organisational effectiveness.
Exploring why the hybrid workplace is becoming increasingly common
Even before the pandemic, businesses were starting to transition towards remote and hybrid work. But it was only when COVID-19 hit that companies had no choice but to rapidly adapt in order for employees to remain productive with their disperse settings. After a few months, this new setup became extremely desirable – due largely in part of how flexible these newly implemented systems were on both an individual and business level alike.
For businesses wanting to capitalize on the insights they’ve gained from remote working, a hybrid work model is key. This approach allows them to take full advantage of their staff’s newfound knowledge while still accommodating individual needs and preferences.
Employers can simplify the move to hybrid work by utilising modern HR technology. With this tech, employees receive comprehensive onboarding and development opportunities plus access to essential tools for collaboration and cloud computing – enabling a rewarding experience in their daily tasks.
To ensure a future of work that is successful for everyone, companies must find the balance between traditional office environments and remote setups. By maintaining optimal connection, motivation levels and effectiveness regardless of location or circumstances, productivity will reach unprecedented heights.
What are the benefits of having a hybrid workplace?
Companies are now leveraging the hybrid workplace to their advantage; with increased flexibility, they can tailor a working atmosphere that best fits their team. For instance, organisations may opt for teams that collaborate exclusively on-site or remotely and even switch between them periodically – all while keeping face-to-face meetings as part of the model.
Hybrid working is quickly becoming the new normal, and its advantages have only been further cemented in today’s workplace. This combination of remote and onsite collaboration will likely remain a fixture for years to come.
Advantages of having a combination remote and in-office work setup
Organisations that optimise the employee experience and embrace modern HR technology have seen a dramatic increase in performance – from 36% to an impressive 55%. With flexible time and location options, workers gain control of their working environment; resulting in greater agility, productivity, and success.
- Improved employee efficiency: Productivity can be bolstered by regaining control and optimising elements like work timing, location, distractions and commuting – all of which enable you to focus on the task-at-hand. Having access to collaborative office spaces at suitable times is key for ultimate success.
- Decreased operating expenses: Companies are thinking creatively to reduce their overhead, like relocating to smaller cities or reducing desk space. Creative solutions often have greater success rates: hybrid employees stay more engaged leading to lower staff turnover and extra savings for companies!
- Enhancing employee satisfaction and promoting work-life balance: Leveraging workplace autonomy and flexibility is an effective way to foster job satisfaction and increased happiness. This could lead to better work performance, in addition to reinforcing employee well-being. Upholding a balance between personal life and professional commitments creates longevity for both the employer’s success as well as its employees’.
- Enhanced security and distancing for socialising: By offering a hybrid workplace model, employers can ensure their offices are kept safe and sanitized against potential COVID-19 variants. Alternating the presence of employees in different days promotes social distancing while allowing for extra cleaning to be done – creating an atmosphere that is conducive to effective contact tracing if need arises.
The difficulties of leading blended teams.
Organisations will encounter unique challenges while applying a hybrid work model effectively.
The following are a few of the issues that hybrid team managers may face:
- Creating an effective hybrid model:
As we enter a new era of hybrid workspaces, organisations must craft their own unique model to optimise results. This is an ever-evolving journey in which various combinations and technologies are tested as they strive to identify the best fit that conforms with company culture and mission objectives.
- Raised safety concerns:
Companies making the shift to hybrid work are facing a crucial challenge – ensuring security in an increasingly remote workforce. IT and HR departments need to collaborate on targeting user education and instituting tight protocols, empowering employees with the confidence they can securely access company resources from any device.
- Effectively leading a team:
Managers must be conscious of establishing a balanced and fair environment regardless of job location to ensure both in-office and remote employees are held to the same expectations. Taking steps such as creating an inclusive workspace, encouraging cross-team collaboration, can make sure no one feels isolated or overlooked while keeping teams on track with their goals.
- Isolation and disconnection of employees:
To keep morale high and productivity levels consistent from afar, HR teams must ensure that employees remain socially engaged. This can involve engaging in virtual activities to spark conversation, setting up non-digital interactions wherever possible, and utilising analytics tools to track employee wellbeing indicators so they are able to make proactive changes.
- Establishing uninterrupted links:
Businesses need to stay ahead of the curve by creating fast and efficient linkages among their diverse teams. It’s essential for companies to outline lucid goals in order to cultivate a solid corporate culture that allows for optimised productivity, regardless of a blended working environment.
To Sum Up
The past two years have presented us with a unique opportunity to harnes the potential of remote and hybrid workspaces. To ensure success, it is critical that these working arrangements are carefully strategized and managed — not simply left up to chance!
The hybrid workplace will not just be a temporary solution to the current pandemic. It has potential for long-term benefits, such as improved safety protocols, streamlined communication and enhanced mental health initiatives – creating an optimal environment in which employees can thrive both now and into the future.
David Alssema is a Body Language Expert and Motivational Speaker. As a performer in the personal development industry in Australia he has introduced and created new ways to inspire, motivate and develop individuals.
David Alssema started his training career with companies such as Telstra and Optus Communications, and then developed Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) within workplace training as principal of Paramount Training & Development.
As an author/media consultant on body language and professional development David has influenced workplaces across Australia. He contributes to Media such as The West Australian, ABC Radio, Australian Magazines and other Australia Media Sources.