When the coronavirus pandemic hit, many businesses were forced to switch to remote work for the safety of their employees. Although remote work was initially difficult for some, the necessity of it eventually led to many employees realizing the advantages of working from home. Hybrid work is a natural progression as it combines the benefits of remote work with the advantages of working in an office. However, like any work model, it does have its challenges. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to ensure more efficient hybrid work arrangements.
The Collapse of a Company Due to Hybrid Work
For one company in particular, hybrid work caused its collapse. The abrupt shift to hybrid work led to a lack of communication and collaboration among employees, decreased productivity, and ultimately, the failure of the company. This serves as a reminder that for a hybrid work model to work, both employers and employees must be willing to put in the effort to create an effective communication structure.
Majority of employees prefer hybrid or remote work
Almost 70% of employees prefer a hybrid or remote work model, according to an Ipsos survey. This indicates that hybrid work is here to stay, and businesses need to find ways to make this model work for their employees.
Issues caused by hybrid work
Hybrid work has caused issues such as communication barriers, difficulties in team building, and challenges with maintaining company culture. However, these challenges can be overcome by implementing the right strategies.
Employee Exhaustion in Conducting Hybrid Work
According to a TinyPulse survey, about 80% of employees admit that hybrid work is “exhausting.” This exhaustion can be attributed to the difficulty of managing workloads, as well as the blurred lines between home and work life.
Six Strategies to Ensure More Efficient Hybrid Work Arrangements
To make hybrid work arrangements work better, the following strategies can be implemented:
1. Communication is Key in Making Hybrid Work Arrangements a Success
Effective communication is crucial in ensuring that employees work together efficiently, even when not physically together. Regular check-ins, daily stand-up meetings, and constant communication via team messaging platforms can help keep everyone on the same page.
2. Using Technology to Support Employees
Employers should provide the necessary technology and tools to support their employees, such as high-speed internet, cloud storage, and videoconferencing platforms. This helps facilitate communication and enables collaboration between remote and in-office workers.
3. Making the Workplace a Desirable Destination for Onsite Employees:
If you want employees to work on-site, make the workplace attractive and a place where they would want to be. Consider creating comfortable workspaces with ample natural light, ergonomic chairs, and other amenities.
4. Enforcing a healthy work-life balance:
To avoid employee burnout, employers must enforce policies that promote work-life balance, such as setting clear expectations around break times, providing mindfulness training, and encouraging employees to take time off.
5. The responsibility of employees to make hybrid work effective:
Employees should be equally responsible for making hybrid work seamless and effective by being available during work hours, participating in team meetings, and continuously improving their communication skills.
6. The Emergence of a New Leadership Role: Chief Remote Officer (CRO)
It might be time to consider a new leadership role: Chief Remote Officer (CRO). This person would oversee the management of remote employees and ensure that all communication channels are open and effective.
As we navigate the post-COVID world, businesses must find ways to make hybrid work arrangements work for their employees. With the right strategies and communication channels in place, hybrid work can offer the best of both worlds – the flexibility of remote work and the collaboration of working in an office. By implementing these changes, businesses can ensure a seamless transition to a hybrid work model and continue to thrive in the years to come.