Hybrid Working: The new way forward?
With nearly half the world’s population with at least the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine administered, countries and companies have begun to ease confinement restrictions. From an employment perspective, what does this mean for the labour market?
There are 3 possibilities: going back to physically working in the office – working remotely – or hybrid work: allowing one to alternate remote and office work.
In the current scenario, considered by the vast majority of European companies as “post-pandemic”, companies have been adopting new working models, positioning the hybrid working model as the most effective way forward. And it is about the advantages of hybrid work that many employers are currently discussing, clearly weighing up its benefits but, above all, balloting its challenges. So how can companies adopt a successful hybrid working model? There are several methods of managing hybrid work, which can bring more benefits than challenges.
- Reinforce the company’s culture
In the hybrid model, working from home can influence the way workers see the company. Managers must therefore assess which aspects of the organisational culture they want to highlight, defining clear goals for this purpose and involving remote and face-to-face workers in this process.
- Ensure equal treatment of teams
This is an opportunity for managers to draw up a plan or structure that guarantees equal treatment of workers when they work from home or in the office. This way, workers do not feel that being remote has an influence on their evaluation.
- Connecting remote and face-to-face teams
In a hybrid working system, it is essential to ensure that teams that are remote are in sync with those in the office. Investing in digital video conferencing tools and Workforce Management software, such as SISQUAL WFM, can make a difference to productivity.
- Adopt open communication channels
Transparent communication between workers who are remote and those in the office is important so that no one feels left aside. Institutions should therefore create and foster communication processes that ensure the effective dissemination of information and enhance dialogue between all team members.
- Create close relationships between colleagues
Different studies prove that good relationships between colleagues are necessary to create professional involvement and therefore to be productive at work. To this end, team leaders can arrange regular meetings allowing the various team members to talk and share ideas in person.
- Invest in employees’ mental health
It has been proven that being remote can have an influence on the mental health of those who work from home, causing feelings of social and professional isolation. That said, it is necessary that managers get closer to all employees in order to demystify stigmas related to mental health and identify possible burnout cases.
- Invest in the office’s physical space
The hybrid working model requires employers to rethink and organise the way they manage the space where employees work, ensuring that it meets the teams’ needs. Creating study and research spaces and relaxation zones are some of the options that may work for this new working model, and may even boost each individual’s productivity.
Nowadays, creating and managing new work methodologies can be a complex task for organisations. However, the importance of resources such as digital tools and workforce management software can simplify decision-making processes for managers, saving time in operational management and increasing the quality of life for workers.
Adopt a WFM solution and feel confident about your team’s productivity!