Hybrid Working – We’re All in this Together
As we move out of the COVID-19 pandemic the ripples of its impact continue to affect the world of work, with employers having to deal with a very different landscape from a couple of years ago.
One of the biggest changes is the rise of hybrid working. During the pandemic lockdowns many were forced to work from home, with organisations quickly implementing systems, processes and procedures to enable their work to continue.
Now we are returning to the workplace there is a strong desire from employees for their organisations to provide hybrid working opportunities.
These can take many forms ranging from predominantly working in the employer’s work space with the odd day of remote working through to working off site for the majority of time with the occasional visit to the workplace to spend time with colleagues.
The impact of this on the workplace, and the workforce, is significant so what does this mean for employers going forward? What should be considered?
Managers are key to the success of hybrid working and being able to manage hybrid teams and supporting hybrid workers effectively requires a different skill set. Providing training for blended teams in areas such as performance management, relationship building and remote communication would assist managers to adjust to this new way of working.
It is necessary to ensure processes and procedures are capable of practically supporting hybrid working. Can recruitment be done effectively, how will onboarding remote employees work and how can the work experience for those based on site and those working remotely be equally successful?
Listening to employees and involving them in the process of implementing effective hybrid working is also key. Employees can provide feedback on how current practices are working, identify pitfalls quickly and help ensure that the benefits are clear and delivered. Employers and managers need to keep looking at ways to improve the hybrid working approach and how it is being implemented to ensure that employees are engaged and the standards of work and productivity are high.
Remember that hybrid working doesn’t work well for everyone due to work preferences or their role, and therefore other options for flexible working may be a more appropriate solution.
And finally, don’t forget those who are unable to undertake hybrid working, who have been in the workplace throughout the pandemic and continue to perform in their roles. However hybrid working is approached it needs to work for the organisation and all employees to create a united and productive workforce.