From office to kitchen table: How hybrid and remote working is changing our lives

Hybrid working, whether companies like it or not, is becoming increasingly popular. When we only knew Corona as a Mexican beer, only one out of four people worked in a hybrid way. Today, this is half of the workers in the labor market and we can conclude that this trend has become the norm. What does it mean and what does it mean for you as an employer? We'll explain it to you.

‍What is hybrid working?

Open the laptop at home to jump into a meeting online. This is the reality we live in today. Hybrid employees alternate between working at the office and working from home. They get the opportunity to sleep a little longer because they don't have to worry about NS strikes or traffic jams on the highway.

The advantage of hybrid workers

One major advantage of hybrid employees is flexibility. When employees work from home, for example, they get the opportunity to plan their day a lot more flexibly. As a result, they are often more productive.

Some employees are better able to concentrate at home. No short questions in between or colleagues with a fun story. By reducing distractions, they can focus on the work.

Remote work

It also sometimes happens that employees prefer to work remotely. They are not tied to a specific location and do not need to be in the office. This means that they work entirely at home or from abroad. Just like hybrid working, there are a number of important points to consider for you as an employer.

Remote or hybrid working?

Remote and hybrid working look alike but are not the same thing. For example, hybrid employees sometimes visit the office and remote employees will only work from home or outside the house. As an employer, it is important to delve into the needs and wishes of the employees. This way, you can keep them happy and maximize their productivity.

5 tips to facilitate hybrid working

Many companies have switched to a hybrid work model. Hybrid working offers countless benefits, but it also comes with challenges. How do you ensure that hybrid working runs smoothly? Here are five tips for keeping hybrid staff happy:

1. Invest in technology
   Nothing is more annoying than slow programs or slow Wi-Fi. Invest in a good infrastructure that provides employees with a strong internet connection and the right tools. This way, you ensure that they work productively without glitches.
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2. Make clear agreements
   For hybrid working to be successful, clear working agreements must be made. This could mean, for example, agreeing fixed days when team members work in the office and other days when they work from home.
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3. Strengthen team culture
   Hybrid working can reduce team spirit. It is important to combat this by regularly organizing team activities, both in the office and online. This can be a virtual session or a shared lunch at the office.
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4. Support time management
   Support employees by scheduling meetings at times that work for everyone. By checking in with hybrid staff every morning, you can verify that they're meeting their responsibilities.
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5. Free up the budget to set up a home office
   A well-designed home office can make the difference between productivity and physical complaints. A normal office chair, for example, can quickly cause back and neck problems. You can prevent this by freeing up a budget for hybrid employees.
   

Boost productivity

Hybrid working is an integral part of the labor market. At this time, it is important to be open to this new way of working and to respond properly to it. Immerse yourself in the needs and wishes of employees. This keeps them happy and helps you maximize their productivity.

Do you have questions, comments, or are you looking for a new employee who wants to work hybrid or remote? Get in touch with us!