In recent years, a growing preference for hybrid work among employees has emerged. This new flexible approach to work, combining the advantages of both remote and in-person collaboration, is here to stay. The hybrid work model aligns with the changing expectations of the modern workforce, as technology evolves exponentially. Let's delve deeper into the dynamics of hybrid work and how it meets the demands of both employers and employees.
What do employees want from hybrid work?
Hybrid working is considered by many to be the sweet spot between remote work and in-person collaboration in the physical office.
While some companies prefer a completely remote setup, in certain industries, such as programming and analysis, it may attract the right talent. These types of jobs require conscientiousness, solitude, and independent thinking, which remote workers can maintain in the comfort of their own homes without distractions.
All in all, hybrid working is the perfect blend of independent problem-solving and innovative teamwork. It is ideal for employees who are committed to company goals while also driving innovation forward.
Is hybrid work liked by all employees?
In general, employees tend to favor the hybrid work model, with many considering it a significant work benefit. This inclination makes them prefer a company that embraces hybridity over one that is more office-centric. Some may even actively reject companies that lack a solid hybrid work policy. To attract top talent, companies are better off encouraging hybrid work.
However, for some employees, it has become evident that hybrid work is not the preferred option. This is often due to a lack of motivation when they don't receive adequate support from managers and colleagues onsite. They feel isolated in front of the screen and miss the daily coffee chats.
A third attitude toward hybrid work emphasizes the importance of balancing it perfectly without favoring one model over the other. Most companies agree that implementing hybrid work requires well-established processes and a supportive company culture. Otherwise, they risk having a dysfunctional team where individuals are unsure of expectations, and unnecessary hierarchies may form.
When is a hybrid workplace not the answer?
In some industries, individuals prefer to work hands-on with various tasks and interact with customers to maintain high spirits and creativity. Examples include high-end stylists, hairdressers, or cabinetmakers. In such cases, hybrid work may not be feasible, particularly if you are the owner of such a business and need to oversee daily operations.
It is safe to say that we are all different, but the general trend is leaning toward favoring hybrid work.
Why do employees want to work from home?
There are several reasons why employees prefer to work from home. One of them is autonomy. At home, you can work independently without someone leaning over your shoulder or having to adjust your schedule to accommodate others' preferences. If you wish to have an early or late lunch before signing off for the day, the choice is yours.
Individuals can tailor their work schedules to align with their optimal productivity. For instance, early birds can tackle the majority of their tasks before noon, while those who require a morning coffee to kick-start their day can plan their work around their peak productivity times.
Better work-life balance
Another perk is flexibility. Employees appreciate flexibility as it allows them to improve their work-life balance and create a work schedule tailored to their needs. Let’s explore some benefits with a flexible schedule:
- Taking the morning off before a doctor’s appointment
- Working late during a business trip out of town
- Extended lunch to work out and shower
- Skipping the commute and participate in after school activities with the kids
- Spend time on self-care before work
Both autonomy and flexibility lead to an increase in creativity, as working independently provides time to reflect on different ideas and alternatives. Let them marinate for a while!
In today’s fast-paced business world, it is more important than ever to encourage creativity and innovation. It gives companies a competitive advantage over others in the same industry.
What hybrid work processes do employees prefer?
Establishing clear and efficient work processes becomes crucial for maintaining seamless communication, especially when employees do not meet face-to-face every day. Digital communication is fast and effective, but it also means that there is more room for misunderstandings when tone of voice and body language are not part of the equation. Weekly check-ins and team-building exercises build a stronger team where there is less room for annoyances.
Effective workflows also contribute to a sense of accountability and transparency. This involves a project management system where employees are assigned various tasks and can access important documents and guidelines.
Since everyone has access to a shared dashboard, the progress of different tasks is visible, and everyone on the team can stay on track. If someone is on sick leave, another employee can take over the task in question and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.
In the intranet we trust
Another important aspect is to have an updated and comprehensive intranet where new information is posted daily. This can include everything from maintenance work to new hires or the announcement of the annual Christmas Party. Here are a few other examples:
- Contact details to everyone in the company
- Links to the HR-portal
- Links to useful applications
- A help desk contact form
- Policies and procedures
- Employee onboarding documents
All of this information above should be easy to access, whether you are in Bangkok or in Berlin. This ensures that fully remote staff in different time zones and hybrid workers can stay in the loop.
Benefits of using a desk booking system
Desk booking systems, in general, offer numerous advantages. One of them is optimized space utilization. Organizations can maximize the use of available office space by allowing employees to reserve desks in advance. This leads to a more efficient allocation of resources.
Employees can easily find and reserve desks based on their current needs, whether it's for individual work, collaborative projects, or team meetings. Many prefer to work next to their favorite colleague and be able to help each other out. By reducing the time spent searching for available workspaces, employees can focus on their tasks and be more productive.
Occupancy data extracted from the desk booking system can be valuable for optimizing office layouts, planning for future needs, and identifying trends in workplace behavior. Due to post-pandemic health and safety concerns, a desk booking system is crucial for following social distancing guidelines and ensuring a safer work environment.
Many desk booking systems integrate seamlessly with other workplace management tools, such as calendar applications and building access systems, creating a more streamlined work environment.
Hybrid working model: the future of work
To sum it up, it becomes apparent that the hybrid work model meets the demands of the modern workforce. The appeal lies not only in increased flexibility but also in the potential for improved work-life balance and autonomy. By recognizing and adapting to these preferences, organizations can create a more dynamic and employee-centric workplace. However, it takes more than simply adopting a hybrid approach. Managers and team leaders should strive towards a supportive work culture, and employees need to work on both their soft and professional skills.
Want guidance on how to set up your hybrid office for success?
Feel free to schedule a meeting with one of our product experts to learn more about our solutions and how technology can help you streamline your office processes without interfering with employees' day-to-day work.