Hybrid Workplace Model: A Transition to New Normal of Work

Almost overnight, COVID-19 forced millions of employees from across the globe to re-think their approach to work. Though work from home has become the new norm, it is not a long-term solution. 59% of organizations are already returning to work as our collective efforts flatten the curve. Research conducted by recruitment experts at Hays reveals that almost 55% of employers predict transition to a hybrid era within the next six months. Salesforce revealed in a report that 33% of millennials and 43% of GenZ are ready to split their work between home and office. This split of workforces thus acts as a catalyst to accelerate a hybrid workplace model, a structure where some employees work from home and some from the office. 

But what is the hybrid workplace model? How to establish one for your company? Let’s delve deeper into the topic and know more about it. 

Bonus Tip: 5 RTO Features in a Hybrid Workplace Tool 

What is Hybrid Workplace?

To put it simply, a hybrid workplace is a structure that balances employees working both remotely and from the office. It is an amalgamation of physical and virtual offices and empowers employees to work from anywhere. 

In this model, employees can choose to work, however, and from wherever they are most productive. And with 85% of organizations believing in increased productivity as a result of this setting, the hybrid workplace is the future. 

What to Expect from a Hybrid Workplace Model? 

• Home office spaces built into our residences 

• Increased flexibility during working hours

• Recruitment over a larger demographic area 

• Smaller company footprint due to dispersed locations 

• Technology designed for seamless amalgamation of work from home and office

How to Create a Hybrid Workplace? 

So, now that we have a basic understanding of what is a hybrid workplace model and what to expect from it, let us understand how can we adapt our existing organizations to the hybrid structure. 

• Rethinking Work Patterns 

With the introduction of hybrid working practices, flexibility on location, log-in hours, and days have been achieved. Apart from these aspects, we should review and revise our policies, be it for those coming to the office or working from home. 

For those going to the office, strict guidelines on maintaining social distancing or using “flexi desking” can be a good start. This will let employees book desks when they need it while keeping it open for others when not in use. 

As for the remote workers, helping them set-up functional and enterprise-grade workstations at home will ensure increased productivity. 

• Fostering Better Collaboration 

As a hybrid workplace promotes a balance of physical and virtual, with greater emphasis on the latter, it is essential to encourage more collaborations.

With dispersed teams, virtual collaboration can not only create the opportunity to include everyone in the organization but also connect them better. Most remote workers feel left out and this can ultimately hamper their work. Employees who feel that their voices are being heard are 4.6 times more likely to feel empowered to perform their best at work. 

Harness audio and video calls to enable more social interaction amongst colleagues. Create virtual “water cooler” moments to keep them motivated. By fostering your employees to collaborate more, you can seamlessly integrate the hybrid workplace culture. 

Also Read: How to Design a Hybrid Workplace 

To Conclude

Employees are becoming more flexible and gaining more freedom in how, when, and where they work. With the hybrid workplace model in place, it is all about creating environments that foster productivity, collaboration, innovation, and safety. 

WorkInSync is designed to foster this change – to help it grow and thrive. Product modules such as the Team Work Planner and Communication Console allow a seamless transition to a hybrid work model. If you are interested in learning more about this product, get in touch with us now at hello@workinsync.io

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