Remote working has been the norm for some time now, but at present, more and more organizations are preparing to adopt hybrid work models. While shifting to a hybrid workplace benefits employee productivity and mental health, allowing workers to split time between working at the office and at home comes with its own set of challenges. For instance, some employees may find it difficult to communicate effectively with teammates and clients without meeting face to face, while others may not know how to effectively use remote collaboration tools.
Here are some tips to help you manage and improve the productivity of your hybrid workplace.
1. Communicate clearly and constantly
Face-to-face communication requires a different approach from non-face-to-face communication. In the former setup, emails and quick one-on-one chats can keep everyone connected and up to task. But when employees are working across multiple locations, communication must be more intentional.
Managers must help their teams schedule when they need to work at the office — and when they can work from home — based on team and individual priorities. This includes considering which employees or projects would benefit the most from in-person and collaborative work.
It’s also worth setting up communication norms, like scheduling short, regular check-ins or 1-on-1s. This not only allows your managers to monitor the progress of each team or individual, set goals, and provide feedback, but it also enables them to determine if your hybrid teams need extra support or engagement.
2. Utilize technology
Many successful hybrid workplaces utilize powerful tools and apps that strengthen communications, promote knowledge sharing, and help employees stay on top of their tasks and projects. With these technologies, teams are better equipped to engage and interact with one another, helping bridge the gap between those who are in the office and those who are not.
For instance, Voice over Internet Protocol solutions enable users to make and receive phone calls via the internet. This is especially beneficial for hybrid work setups, as it allows employees to easily reach out to stakeholders without the hassle of traditional phone systems.
There are also thousands of software that simplify remote collaboration, from video conferencing apps that make it easier to host interactive virtual meetings, to web-based collaboration tools that enable users to create and share content instantaneously. What's even better is that there are unified platforms that feature all these pieces of software, permitting your teams to perform several functions all in one place instead of constantly switching between different programs.
3. Prioritize employee mental well-being
Major changes often call for an adjustment period. In the case of transitioning to hybrid work, employees may need time to get used to new hybrid work policies or grow accustomed to particular scheduling procedures and requirements. To ensure that employees remain happy and productive, managers must be understanding and compassionate during this adjustment period.
For example, you can ask them if they need to change their hours so they can better manage home commitments. Or, if they find it difficult to adapt to new hybrid working tools and technologies, you can provide training to help them cope.
4. Be patient and flexible
Every workplace is unique, so it’s reasonable to expect equally unique challenges when making the switch to hybrid work. Encourage both employees and managers to provide regular feedback, so you can properly assess what’s working and what can be improved in your hybrid setup. It may take time for your workplace to fall into a groove, so it pays to be patient and flexible, as these qualities help significantly in keeping company morale and productivity levels up.
We at outsourceIT can set you up with advanced yet affordable IT solutions so your hybrid workplace operates efficiently. Discover how else we can help boost your business’s productivity by getting in touch with our experts today.
