The development of technology and changes in the work environment bring a hybrid model of work to the front line. Within Trends of this year This is becoming the new standard of the working environment.
The attraction of working from home
The hybrid work model is currently seen as a significant benefit that allows employees to combine professional and private life. It provides some form of independence in planning working hours and places of work, which means that the office is no longer the only place where employees can work effectively. Exploration Moore Global confirmed that the introduction of the remote model increased employee productivity in selected companies by 62%.
Reasons for growing popularity among employees
The hybrid work model responds to the current changes in the company, which is also reflected in the work environment. This trend broke out the most during the Covid period. Employers were forced to adapt the operation of the company to the pandemic and thus set up a full remote environment. Employees have had to get used to being able to determine their own working hours and environment and do not want to lose it.
Hybrid work breaks the boundaries between personal and professional life, which leads to an increase in overall life satisfaction and thus increases efficiency and satisfaction at work.
Another factor in popularity is the reduction of time spent on trips to work, which has a positive effect not only on the work-life balance.
Benefits of hybrid models for employers
Reduction of Fluctuation
The hybrid work model attracts applicants seeking work-life balance. By implementing it, the firm demonstrates consideration for the needs of employees, which can strengthen their attachment to the organization and increase loyalty. This reduces staff turnover and the associated costs of recruiting and training new workers.
The use of this model can be beneficial even if the employee changes his place of residence. The remote work option eliminates the need to look for a replacement and invest in a new recruit.
Flexibility in the choice of work environment increases the attractiveness of the employer and makes it easier to attract top talent to the labor market.
Without geographical constraints, the firm has access to a wider range of qualified candidates, which is key to staying competitive in a dynamic labour market environment.
Cost reduction
A hybrid work model can also lead to reduced operating costs, which are increasing year by year.
This, for example, is the cost savings of office space. When using the telework model, the use of office space can be optimized with a view to reducing the number of employees. This is also associated with lower spending on energy and utilities. With fewer people in the office, spending on electricity, heating and other operator services also falls.
At the same time, travel expenses and staff emissions will be reduced. Employees who previously commuted by company car will now save money spent on commuting and contribute to reducing CO2 emissions. It also has to do with more efficient use of time. Eliminating commuting and reducing unnecessary appointments can improve time management and focus on work.
Flexibility can lead to increased employee satisfaction and loyalty, which translates positively into their productivity.
Challenges of a hybrid work environment
Successful coordination of teams working remotely requires a carefully thought-out approach and clear processes. These are the 6 basic rules that are needed to maintain well-functioning teams:
1. Establish uniform channels of communication. All teams should use common platforms to maximize transparency.
2. Establish regular online meetings. Maintain team stability and cohesion through regular conference calls or video conferences.
3. Create detailed project plans. The schedule of tasks and deadlines helps to keep track of the progress of work and reduces the risk of chaos.
4. Strengthen confidence and autonomy. Promoting employee independence leads to greater motivation and work efficiency.
5. Monitor and evaluate performance. Objective measurement of outputs and feedback are the key to successful management and development of the team at a distance.
6. Protect company data with IT support. Cybersecurity requirements escalate as the number of access points within the hybrid work model grows.
Maintaining corporate culture and cooperation
Maintaining a strong corporate culture in an environment where the home office plays an essential role is a considerable challenge. It is essential to establish clear guidelines that determine when and where employees can carry out their work remotely, without disrupting company processes and culture. In such cases, keeping the organization's values, mission, and vision alive across all channels is critical.
In order to maintain the proactive approach of employees, activities from the HR department or team leaders of the department are also needed. These should encourage the preservation of information flow and transparency in teams. They achieve this by regularly sharing work results, the progress of projects and the personal lives of employees.
When working remotely, informal interactions are limited, which can weaken team spirit. Therefore, it is necessary to include virtual teambuilding activities and interactive online meetings, which are key to maintaining a functioning team. These activities help to simulate personal meetings, strengthen mutual relations and recognition of achievements in the collective.
Another option is to reserve a day of the week or month spent in the office when the whole team meets or quarter outdoor activities, team buildings and breakfasts. You can find more tips on how to involve employees in the events of the company in the article.
Technology as the basis of success
Effective communication and the correct use of technology are fundamental pillars of a successful hybrid model of work. To ensure that your teams remain coordinated and unified across multiple locations and sometimes time zones, it is crucial to choose the appropriate communication platforms and tools.
Digitalization and technology play a key role in adapting to changing working conditions. This includes cloud services, project management tools, and communication platforms such as Slack, Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
HR software is another necessity in such an environment, giving you insight into where your employees are located. Employees will request any absence in one click. It will also allow documents to be signed remotely, so you no longer have to go to the post office to get signed documents back.
Properly implemented technological tools allow for smooth cooperation only if employees are adequately familiar with the tools.
Companies should constantly invest in trainings employees in the field of digital literacy. This is the only way for employees to fully utilize the tools for collaboration and communication within the hybrid work model and reap the benefits of the hybrid work model.
