How to Boost Productivity with Hybrid Working | Hybrid Jobs

2020 saw a huge shift in the way we approach employed work.

Many companies have moved over to a model that involves home or remote working – with many implementing “hybrid working” solutions. But what is hybrid working?

This term refers to a combination of in-office and home or remote work. But why is it so prevalent now – and how can your business adopt this approach effectively? In this article, Propel will uncover what hybrid working actually means as well as highlight the pros & cons for you to consider!

Why is Everybody Implementing Hybrid Working?

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 was the catalyst for a dramatic shift towards a hybrid model of working.

Remote solutions remove the necessity for employees to spend too much time in close proximity and allows workers to avoid cramped public transport – thus reducing the spread of the virus.

How to Make a Success of Hybrid Working

Businesses can effectively implement a hybrid working model as long as they invest in the right resources and solutions. These may include:

• Suitable software and equipment for home use, with access to a good internet connection being particularly vital
• A well-designed Cloud network or a similar means to access all required files, systems, databases and information from anywhere
• A well-organised approach of regularly “touching base” and reviewing work
• A practical schedule that enables the right people to co-work or communicate at the right times
• Accessible instruction, help and advice – giving employees a sense of autonomy and enabling them to achieve support when they aren’t working from the office
• A culture of accountability
• Comprehensive cyber security and data protection to prevent accidental breaches resulting from remote working

Benefits of Hybrid Working

1. A larger potential pool of talent

Employers who implement hybrid working may find that they can spread their net wider when recruiting. Candidates are more likely to consider a long commute if it is only required a few times per week or less.

2. Lower overheads

Businesses may decide to rotate their in-office staff and employ a desk-sharing system, which means they are likely to need less space than before.

As a result of this – and of using less equipment on site – energy bills may drop.

3. A better work/life balance

Many hybrid workers enjoy the freedom that this model allows. They can make the most of home comforts, get chores out of the way on their lunch break and avoid the social pressures of an office environment.

They may also enjoy a more relaxed start and end to the day by avoiding a commute, so they are less likely to be distracted by stress.

Employees may also be able to save money on their commute and will be able to spend time making their lunch at home – which often results in cheaper and healthier food.

Good staff mental health results in higher productivity and a better standard of work.

4. Improved flexibility

Depending on your business’s practises, a hybrid model may allow you and your staff to be more flexible when it comes to working hours during their remote days.

You might wish to offer the opportunity for staff to start earlier, finish later or otherwise manage their time in a way that better suits them.

This can be especially helpful for employees with children or other commitments – and, as a result, will enable you to hire a wider range of talent.

Hybrid working can also allow your staff to work from anywhere in the world, so if they have commitments in another location, they won’t necessarily need to take the time off.

5. The best of both worlds

There are clear benefits to choosing a hybrid model over one that is entirely remote.

By doing this, you will be able to achieve the savings, improved staff mental health and additional flexibility mentioned above without totally sacrificing the social aspect of work or the capacity to effectively manage your employees in-person.

Cons of Hybrid Working

There are a few potential downsides to hybrid working that your business may experience.

1. Hybrid working is not suitable for all industries

Where employees are required to be on site in-person – for example, in the construction or manufacturing industries – there will be little capacity for remote working.

2. Home working can be distracting, demotivating and even unsafe

Some employees may find it difficult to focus when working from home. It can be tough to motivate oneself without managers or colleagues around – and many people may even begin to feel isolated.

What’s more, individuals who do not have a positive home life may use the office as an escape. Enforcing remote work can negatively impact their mental health – or even their safety.

3. It can be difficult to effectively manage staff

If hybrid working is incorrectly implemented, managers may lose track of what different members of their team are doing.

Workers may miss instructions or lose their connection to the internet – and if they aren’t physically present, it isn’t possible to check in with them in person.

Summary

When carefully planned and diligently implemented, hybrid working can be a refreshing and flexible approach. It can offer a vast improvement to the employee experience and provide many opportunities for businesses to save money and hire more diverse talent.

To find out more about the best approaches to hybrid working, contact Propel today. Our knowledgeable team will be happy to assist.