While many companies shifted to remote work arrangements during the pandemic, returning to the office at least part of the time is increasingly attractive. In many cases, it may seem like embracing a hybrid work model would be incredibly simple. However, there are a few points you should consider first. With that in mind, here are seven things you should know before implementing a hybrid work model.
1. Safety Needs to Be a Priority
The situation surrounding COVID-19 remains highly fluid. While it may seem like the pandemic is easing one minute, a resurgence can alter the landscape significantly, often far faster than you’d expect.
As a result, if you’re going to use a hybrid work model, safety needs to be a priority. Make sure you have clear, thorough policies designed specifically to ensure the health of your teams. That way, anyone who comes into the office can work as safely as possible.
2. Fairness Is a Must
Administering a hybrid work model fairly is essential if you want to secure buy-in from your employees. If some workers are given more leeway than others, frustration and resentment can build, harming your culture. Ideally, the rules regarding time in the office and time spent working remotely need to be as universal as possible, ensuring everyone is following the same process.
3. Communication Challenges May Arise
When everyone is either in the office or working remotely, communication tends to remain even. Everyone’s using the same approaches for information sharing, which can be beneficial.
With hybrid models, some employees are gathering in person while others aren’t. This can create disconnects or siloes, causing only some workers to be in the loop. As a result, having a plan for addressing potential communication challenges is essential, reducing the odds that they’ll harm productivity.
4. Introduce the Right Technologies
Technology plays a big role in the success of hybrid work models. Make sure you have robust communication and collaboration platforms, as well as solutions for project management. Security-related tech like VPNs may also be essential, and infrastructure updates may be vital, particularly if your network or systems weren’t designed with remote connections in mind.
5. Train on Data Security
When there’s a hybrid work model, employees may bring devices containing sensitive data or connect to internal systems into and out of the office regularly. Since the tech isn’t contained within a single building, this introduces additional risk. Training employees on data security can mitigate the risk somewhat, ensuring workers safely treat their devices and data.
6. Boundaries Are Crucial for Eliminating Burnout
When employees spend any time working remotely, it’s easy for an always-on mentality to develop, both with them and with management. Since that can hinder work-life balance, potentially leading to higher rates of burnout, having formal boundaries is essential. Make sure that employees know when they are and aren’t expected to be connected, ensuring they can use their off-time to recharge.
7. Relationship-Building Needs to Be a Priority
Since not all employees are in the same space together, relationship-building needs to be a priority for managers and employees alike. Create opportunities for bonding, ensuring remote employees are included in a work and social context. That leads to stronger connections, boosting collaboration, communication, and productivity.
Contact Us Today
If you’d like to learn more about hybrid work models, the team at Selectek wants to hear from you. Contact us today.
