Whether employers like it or not, hybrid working is becoming increasingly popular. Before coronavirus turned our lives upside down, only one in four people worked hybrid. Now that is half of all employees, and it has become the norm. What does hybrid working involve, and what does it mean for you as an employer? We explain.
What is hybrid working?
Opening your laptop at home and joining a meeting online: that is what work looks like for many people now. Hybrid employees alternate between the office and home. They can sleep in a little longer, because they do not have to worry about train strikes or traffic jams.
The benefits of hybrid working
The biggest benefit is flexibility. People who work from home can organise their day much more freely, and are often more productive as a result.
Some people can also concentrate better at home. No interruptions with questions or colleagues with a long story. With fewer distractions, they can really focus on their work.
Remote working
Some employees prefer to work fully remotely. They are not tied to a fixed location and do not come to the office; they work entirely from home, or even from abroad. Just as with hybrid working, there are a few important points for you to consider as an employer.
Remote or hybrid?
Remote and hybrid working are similar, but they are not the same. Hybrid employees come to the office from time to time; remote employees work only from home or elsewhere. As an employer, it is important to know what your employees need and want. That way you keep them satisfied and get the best out of their productivity.
5 tips for organising hybrid working well
Many organisations have switched to a hybrid working model. That has many benefits, but it also brings challenges. How do you make sure it runs smoothly? Five tips to keep your hybrid employees satisfied:
- Invest in technology. Nothing is as frustrating as slow programs or patchy Wi-Fi. Provide good infrastructure, with a strong internet connection and the right tools, so employees can work without interruptions.
- Make clear agreements. Hybrid working only succeeds with clear agreements, for example about fixed office days and days on which the team works from home.
- Strengthen team spirit. Hybrid working can weaken team spirit. So organise team activities regularly, at the office and online, such as a virtual session or a shared lunch.
- Help with time management. Schedule meetings at times that work for everyone. A short check-in in the morning helps you see whether everyone is on track.
- Set aside a budget for a home workspace. A good home workspace makes the difference between working productively and physical complaints. An ordinary chair can quickly cause back and neck problems; a budget for proper equipment prevents that.
Get more out of your team
Hybrid working is here to stay. Be open to this way of working and respond to it well. Find out what your employees need and want. That way they stay satisfied and you get the best out of their productivity.
Questions, comments, or looking for a new colleague who wants to work hybrid or remotely? Get in touch with us.