For all the benefits associated with a remote workforce, there are a few drawbacks. Communication challenges can arise, and on-site workers might inevitably be favored and included more than remote teams.
Realizing these disadvantages, many companies have come up with a solution: the hybrid work model. This model offers employees a combination of on-site and at-home work, letting them enjoy the benefits of both models.
However, developing an effective approach to hybrid work takes fine-tuning, and not every business gets it right the first time. Take note of these tips, and you’ll be on your way to having the perfect working model.
Organize the Right Location
The average workplace has changed so dramatically in recent years that not every office will be suitable for hybrid work. Before setting any new work models in stone, check out quality serviced and virtual offices to see if they suit your needs better than a traditional office.
After all, as your needs and preferences change, your location sometimes has to change with them.
Serviced and virtual offices offer a variety of benefits for hybrid workplaces, such as a professional business address, meeting rooms for hire, flexible weekly or monthly arrangements, and the ability to accommodate all work styles.
Perform a Trial Run
As confident as you might be in your decision to adopt a hybrid work model, it’s crucial not to rush the process. Many businesses are still in the experiment phase, and you might need to trial the model before committing to it.
Identify the roles within your workplace that could ideally function part-remotely, and talk to employees about their willingness to trial it.
With the permission of your volunteers, you can play with their working hours, set days for them to work in the office, and develop routines you believe will benefit an entire hybrid force going forward.
Refine Your Communication Methods
Poor communication already costs US businesses $1.2 trillion annually, and most business owners don’t want to add to that. Before your new working model gets underway, make sure you’ve planned how to keep the doors of communication open.
Navigating communication between in-office and at-home workers can be challenging, so consider using cloud-based team platforms and apps. With all communications being put through one system, there’s less chance of any vital details falling through the cracks.
There can also be value in scheduling in-person meetings for everyone to attend at least weekly, preferably on days you have your hybrid team working from your office.
Create Hybrid Work Policies
Your current policies are likely more than suitable for your everyday work model, but they might not suit a hybrid one. Go through all work policies with a fine-tooth comb to see which details need to be altered to suit a different working style.
You can then provide your hybrid team with these policies to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Define Working Hours
Flexible working hours are one of the most desirable benefits of remote work. When you throw in-office work into the mix, it’s easy for your expectations and the needs of your team to become less clear.
Sit down with your potential hybrid workers and discuss working hours and whether they’ll differ in the office and at home. The earlier you fine-tune this part of the process, the smoother your transition to a hybrid working model will be.
A hybrid working model can be an exciting advancement for your business, and your team will likely be thrilled about the added flexibility. However, before you launch this work model, ensure you’ve put thought into the above areas.
Doing so should ensure a smooth transition.