Hybrid work models are not new to companies in the different countries of the European Union (1). However, with the rise of the pandemic, these companies decided to put more effort into this type of work.
This type of work combines the possibility of working from home and going to the office. It can vary according to the needs and goals of the company. Hybrid working requires specific management and attention to detail.
Summary
- The location and schedule of a hybrid job should be neither completely fixed nor completely flexible (2).
- Combining work at home and in the office requires a committed team and an efficient organization.
- The use of technology and promoting the relationship between employees increases productivity and facilitates this work mode.
Top 9 tips for hybrid work
Moving from traditional work to hybrid work can be difficult at first, especially if you have no knowledge of this modality. This type of work requires organization, communication and trust.
Here are some tips that can help you when you start hybrid work:
9. Establish response times
When communicating with your team, you can set a time limit for responding to your message. For example, non-urgent messages can be answered in one or two days.
If the response is urgent, you can set a time limit of no more than two hours. This is a good way to prioritize tasks and maintain order in communication and responsibilities.
8. Offer the necessary tools for success
The escalation of the digital lifestyle has exposed companies to a series of transformations in production and service routines and processes around the world(3).
Whether in the office or at home, it is very important that you provide the necessary tools to perform an optimal job. This can range from desks and chairs to services and good devices.
7. Establish a hybrid work structure
While hybrid work shares certain characteristics with traditional work, it is important to establish a policy that avoids confusion. It encourages managers to “model, instruct and nurture” to create a culture that allows everyone to thrive in a more flexible work world (4).
Some of the aspects you can implement are as follows:
- Define who (which positions) can apply to this method of work.
- Detail what are the responsibilities of hybrid workers and personnel managers.
- Explain the relationship between hybrid work and other types of work.
- Detail the use of policies inherent to this method. For example, data usage, expenses, IT usage, etc.
- To expose how to be part of the hybrid workforce.
6. Incorporate technology into your daily life
Achieving efficient hybrid work requires the willingness of the company and the use of the right tools. The advancement of technology has made organization and communication between members easier and more regular.
Virtual collaboration powered by artificial intelligence (AI) can provide an even better experience than face-to-face meetings (5). Here are some applications of technology that will make hybrid work more affordable.
| Collaborative tools | Communication platforms | Remote Desktop Platforms | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Function | Help workers monitor project progress without the need to be in the office | Facilitate communication between employees and encourage proximity | Enable remote access to computers no matter where the user is located |
| Examples | Instant messaging, cloud storage, applications for synchronizing documents and viewing them online | Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, Skype, AnyDesk, TeamViewer, TeamViewer, Zoom, Skype, and more | AnyDesk, TeamViewer, ConnectWise Control |
5. Create a trusting environment
For hybrid work to be a success, it is necessary to create a trusting relationship between the members of the company. In some cases, poor employee performance occurs due to a feeling of disconnection with the organization.
Leaders must learn to listen to the people who make up their team, so that the conversations that are established generate a shared understanding and give them the necessary confidence to take an active role (6).
4. Organize time, based on responsibilities and flexibility
When combining remote work with face-to-face work, it is recommended that you organize your time in the office with the activities that require more attention. This way, your team will reach better conclusions in less time.
Virtual meetings are also a vital part of hybrid work. These will help you finalize the remaining details and address emerging issues. It is important to remember that, whether in the office or virtually, information should be as clear as possible.
When employees get the flexibility they seek, their companies benefit from increased productivity, engagement and loyalty (7).
3. Have clear objectives and goals
In order for an employee to perform his or her duties optimally, clear objectives and guidelines are necessary. Employers must be able to provide easy-to-follow information both remotely and in the office.
Objectives must exist at every stage of the company. In other words, every activity, no matter how small, must be fully known to the employees. Likewise, the members of the company must feel included in the decision-making process.
2. Diversifies the work
When using a hybrid work model, it is necessary to create a convenient schedule and divide responsibilities. Since employees will be working from the office and from home, it is important to assign tasks according to their roles in the organization.
Each company’s responsibility should be supported by trained staff. In a hybrid job, they are classified as follows:
- Permanent experts
- Mobile team members
- Productivity professionals
- Shift/rotation workers (8).
In this way, all the control will not fall on a single person, but there will be a specialized team for each task.
1. Maintain regular communication with your colleagues
The most relevant aspect of a successful hybrid work is effective communication. Nowadays, making use of technology facilitates relationships between people, especially in a work environment.
Having respectful conversations about what is required in the company will not only increase productivity, but also create an atmosphere of comfort among members. However, over-communication can be a problem.
Some of the advantages and disadvantages of maintaining constant communication in hybrid work are as follows:
Advantages
- More efficient distribution of resources and tasks
- Creates good relationships between members
- Reduces errors and confusion
Disadvantages
- Excessive use of online meetings or messaging can hinder work
- Excessive communication can “suffocate” company members
Conclusion
The use of hybrid working has proven to be a great success. It enables companies to meet the needs of their customers and employees, attract new talent and gain a competitive advantage.
Also, incorporating this method saves on resources such as office space, money, stationery, etc. All while offering employees the freedom to manage schedules and tasks.
References
1. Viña JG. Towards a hybrid model of work delivery: Smart working [Internet]. Industrial Relations and Employment Law. 2021.
Source
2. Vadaketh S. Implementing hybrid work [Internet]. Impact Economist. Google Workspace; 2021.
Source
3. Estay-Niculcar C. Telework and Hybrid Work: Renewed Management and Productivity [Internet]. ResearchGate. 2021.
Source
4. S/A.Hybrid work: A guide for business leaders [Internet]. NimbuTech. 2021
5. Webex C. Welcome to the hybrid workplace [Internet]. Cisco. 2022
6. Hernández J, Sebarita A. What to consider to empower the hybrid workplace [Internet]. Measurement Center of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. 2021.
Source
7. S/A. The future of work is hybrid [Internet]. WeWork. 2021
8. Frost, Sullivan, Are you ready for the hybrid workplace [Internet]. Logitech. 2021
