Hybrid work is a work model that allows employees to split time between going to the office and working remotely. There is no one-size-fits-all for hybrid work; some companies let employees pick their in-office days, while others have a strict schedule. Out-of-office employees may work at home or from another workplace.
Recent Hybrid Work Trends
Hybrid work involves balancing the need to meet in person with employees’ preference to work from home. A 2021 survey looking at hybrid work models in large companies with 10,000 or more employees found that 85% of the respondents preferred to work from home at least two or three days a week.¹
From that survey, we can gather that most employees prefer hybrid models over a strict in-person or work-from-home model. While survey respondents said they want to work from home for a few days each week, most employees also want to work in the office for at least part of the week. That means, wherever possible, managers must organize their office use around employee needs and provide flexible scheduling to keep workers happy.¹
Why Employee Satisfaction Matters
Why is employee satisfaction so important? If employees are unsatisfied with their current position, a competing company will likely offer perks, such as a flexible schedule, to meet their needs. One survey showed that 33% of respondents would quit their job if they couldn’t work remotely after the pandemic.²
During the pandemic thus far, 70% of full-time employees switched to remote work. 90% of those employees said they were just as, if not more, productive than they were in the office. Hybrid work is unlikely to lose popularity, and more employees expect companies to offer flexible work.²
Here are three guidelines companies can follow to ensure employees are connected, happy, and productive in a new hybrid work environment:
1. Consult Your Employees
Until managers have received feedback from their teams, they should wait to implement a new office plan. As we mentioned earlier, executives should keep in mind both the future of the company and the importance of employee satisfaction. Because hybrid models allow employees to work from home, company decisions will affect both the employees’ personal and professional lives.²
Surveys are one of the easiest ways to collect general employee feedback. Managers should meet with and survey their teams to get a sense of what they think is the most effective use of office space. Allowing employees to provide feedback will help them accept upcoming changes and get everyone on board for the new office plan.³
2. Set Realistic Goals for All Employees
Studies have shown that work-from-home employees are 50% less likely to be promoted than in-office employees.³ This can become one of the major disconnects between employees in different workspaces.
Setting tangible, equal metrics across all levels of work is one of the easiest ways to ensure promotion parity. Managers should use key performance indicators to measure employee contributions and avoid favoring in-office employees.
It’s more important to focus on positive & productive results, rather than where a team member completes the work. ,
All employees have the right to equality in the workplace. When some team members are getting more face to face time with executives than others, concern might arise that those team members are treated more favorably. It’s up to business leaders to ensure equal access to leadership, promotions, and project opportunities.
3. Invest in Hybrid Office Tools
Managing a hybrid office creates several critical questions for teams. How do you keep people connected if they aren’t together in a physical workplace? How can you handle the logistics of hybrid work consistently?
Implementing a new office system involves setting agendas for employees, coordinating office time among teams, and staying connected virtually.
Manual processes involving spreadsheets and email threads are not sustainable nor scalable for a large or complex office.
Desk-booking services like OfficeTogether can take much of the load off managers’ shoulders.
Office booking systems allow employees to book conference rooms or office desks at specific times to meet with their teams. A 2021 survey showed that 33% of large companies have already invested in similar employee experience systems.¹
Investing in technology that allows for virtual collaboration and helps employees reserve time in the office can help companies and teams transition smoothly to hybrid work.¹
Increase Productivity with Hybrid Work
So, what is hybrid work? Hybrid models can help foster a work environment where employees are happier and more dedicated to staying with their company.² Providing the tools to coordinate in-office and out-of-office work is essential for utilizing office space and helping teams work efficiently.
OfficeTogether is a more effective way to manage desk booking in your office and track employee attendance. Our hybrid office management system helps teams coordinate meetings, tracks when employees are in the office most often, and allows employees to reserve conference rooms and desks. OfficeTogether empowers employees to work how they want so companies can see the results they want.
References
- CBRE. 2021. “The Next Normal.” CBRE. https://www.cbre.com/insights/reports/the-next-normal-how-hybrid-work-will-transform-commercial-real-estate#executive-summary.
- Forbes. 2021. “Hybrid Working Models: Why Employees' Well-Being Must Remain A Priority.” Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2021/12/06/hybrid-working-models-why-employees-well-being-must-remain-a-priority/?sh=79258973315b.
- Nerdwallet. 2021. “5 Tips for Fostering a Successful Hybrid Workplace.” NerdWallet. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/5-tips-for-fostering-a-successful-hybrid-workplace.
