What exactly is a hybrid workplace environment?
A hybrid workplace environment is a model that combines in-house and remote work for employees. This way, employees can benefit from flexible work schedules, autonomy, and a better work-life balance. Some employers are benefiting from a hybrid work environment because several of their employees are more productive, engaged, and healthy when they have more autonomy and flexibility. It is always a good idea to survey employees to get a sense of what works best for them. Some employees will differ and believe they are more productive in the office because there may be too many distractions at home.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hybrid workplace model has grown popular. Suppose you’re new to hybrid workplace environments. In that case, you might face initial challenges like setting boundaries between your work and home life.
But don’t worry – we’ve put together a comprehensive list of 6 tips to help you thrive in a hybrid work environment.
Communicate effectively
Hybrid workforces need clear communication channels to stay in contact and collaborate. For example, employers can opt for emailing for non-urgent tasks and communication software like Slack for time-sensitive tasks. This is crucial since your employees will be working in different locations and at various times.
Establish a precise schedule
Establishing a consistent schedule can help you work productively in the office and at home. You need to determine when you are most productive – in the morning, midday, or the evening. Once that’s done, you can establish a schedule that works for you. Additionally, you’ll need to determine what tasks you should perform when working in the office and at home. For example, perhaps you prefer to take meetings at home while completing projects that require collaboration in the office.
Create healthy boundaries
It can be challenging to create and maintain boundaries when working from home. As a result, you need to stipulate your working hours, ensure your calendar is up to date, and work in a dedicated office. Creating these boundaries will help you avoid burnout and stay on track with work deadlines.
Make sure you have the tools you need to succeed
It’s essential to have all the tools you need to perform productively, whether you’re working from home or the office. This is easier to achieve in the office since most companies provide appropriate workstations. However, when you’re working from home, you also need to have a professional set-up – this is crucial since there can be many distractions at home.
Invest in team building
Employers need to invest in team-building to keep their employees engaged and connected. And while online team building via Zoom is a great way to motivate team members, it’s crucial to invest in face-to-face team-building activities. Face-to-face team building can help your employees connect quickly and bond over mutual interests.
Don’t be afraid to change things up
Having a set schedule and routine can help you get into the rhythm of things, but sometimes you need to change things up.
If you notice that you’ve become less productive when you start working right away in the morning, you can try starting your day with yoga or a quick morning run instead. The beauty of it is that you have the flexibility to alter your schedule when working in a hybrid workplace environment. But remember to keep your communication channels open, as you’ll need to keep your team in the loop and respond when needed.
To ensure your employees have everything they need to thrive in a hybrid workplace environment, visit the Corporate Class website today.
We offer customized workshops that’ll teach your leaders and teams how to build resilience and thrive in the face of stress and uncertainty. Through our workshops, your teams will learn how to adapt to change (while remaining productive) and deal with potential stressors in a hybrid workplace environment. For different organizations, a hybrid workplace may mean something different. Together, we will identify other areas you may want to include and that are important to you.