In today's modern workplace, more and more organizations are embracing hybrid work models, which allow employees to have the option to work both remotely and in an office setting. The pandemic has accelerated hybrid trends as many companies have adopted remote work on a large scale.
It is expected to continue to be a popular option for businesses. A recent survey found that more than half of US workers are now working at least remotely, and many companies are considering switching to hybrid work permanently.
Some top hybrid companies hiring now include Shopify, CafeMedia, Trello, Amazon, UnitedHealth Group, HubSpot, Cisco, Zoom, and more.
Whether you're just starting to explore the idea of hybrid work or looking to optimize your existing setup, we have compiled some best practices you can adapt. Let's dive in!
What Is Hybrid Work
Hybrid work is a flexible work arrangement that combines elements of both remote work and on-site work. Under a hybrid work model, employees can work remotely or in the office, depending on their needs and preferences. This approach allows employees to control their work environment and schedule while allowing face-to-face collaboration and communication with colleagues. Hybrid work is flexible but challenging in terms of communication and collaboration.
Hybrid work has many potential benefits, including increased productivity, improved work-life balance, and reduced costs for employees and employers.
However, it is essential for organizations to carefully consider and plan for the transition to a hybrid work model, as they must manage some potential challenges and risks. These may include ensuring that all employees have the necessary tools and support to work effectively, maintaining team cohesion and communication, and addressing issues related to equity and accessibility.
What are hybrid work models
Hybrid work models can take many forms, depending on the organization's and its employees' specific needs and preferences. Some standard hybrid work models include:
- Flexible schedule: This model allows employees to choose their schedule and work location as long as they meet specific performance and productivity targets. One benefit of the flexible schedule model is that it can help employees achieve a better work-life balance. It is particularly well-suited for jobs that do not require employees to be physically present at a specific location at all times, such as software development and customer service.
- Remote-first: This model prioritizes remote work and allows employees to work at the office if needed. This model is preferred by organizations with a distributed workforce or employees located in different time zones, such as global salespersons, writers, and designers.
- Alternating schedule: This model involves employees working in the office and working remotely regularly. This model maintains some in-person collaboration and communication, can help organizations reduce costs associated with office space and commuting, and can make it easier to attract and retain top talent who value the ability to work remotely.
- Part-time remote: This model allows employees to work remotely part-time while still coming into the office for part of the week. Some examples of jobs that might be well-suited for a part-time remote model include jobs with a high degree of independence, such as consulting, freelance work, and research.
- Office-based with remote options: This model involves employees working in the office most of the time but with the opportunity to work remotely part-time. Office-based with remote options model may not be suitable for jobs that involve a high degree of collaboration and coordination with other team members, such as management positions, engineering, construction, and manufacturing.
- Project-based remote: This model is organized around specific projects or tasks rather than a traditional 9-5 work schedule or a set of ongoing responsibilities. In a project-based work environment, employees are temporarily brought onto a team or assigned to a specific project. Their work focuses on completing that project within a particular time frame. Once the project gets completed, the employee may move on to another project or finish working with the organization. Project-based work can involve various activities, including research, development, design, construction, and consulting.
Keep an Individualized Hybrid Work Schedule
A hybrid work schedule is a schedule that combines working remotely with working in an office or other physical location. The specific details of a hybrid work schedule will depend on the needs and preferences of the individual employee and the organization. Some possible elements of a hybrid work schedule might include the following:
- Working some of the time remotely and coming into the office for meetings or other important events
- Working remotely on certain days and coming into the office on different days
- Setting specific days or blocks of time for remote work and office work
- Allowing employees to choose their schedule as long as they meet specific performance and availability expectations
It's important to note that everyone chooses their hybrid work schedules, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The key is finding a schedule that works for both the employee and the organization, allowing flexibility and collaboration.
How to Succeed with an Individualized Hybrid Work Schedule
There are several steps that individuals can take to manage their hybrid work schedule effectively:
Communicate with your manager and team: Discuss your preferred work schedule with your manager and team, and seek their input and feedback. Clear communication will help to ensure that your schedule aligns with the needs of the team and the organization and that there is clear communication about when you will be available.
Set clear boundaries: Establish boundaries between your work and personal life, and communicate these to your team and colleagues. Boundaries may include setting specific times when you will be available for work and when you will be off-duty.
Use time management techniques: Use time management techniques such as prioritizing tasks, setting goals, and creating a to-do list to help you stay organized and focused.
Take breaks: It's essential to take breaks and disconnect from work to maintain your mental and physical well-being. Make sure to schedule regular breaks into your workday to recharge and refocus.
Stay connected: Make an effort to stay connected with your team and colleagues, whether through virtual meetings, phone calls, or messaging platforms. An active connection will help you stay up-to-date on projects and maintain a sense of connection and collaboration.
The Necessary Technology for Hybrid Work
Hybrid work can present communication challenges, as noted in the Toxic Communication in Virtual Workspaces: A Looming Liability for Remote and Hybrid Companies，people tend to be more unkind in their words when communicating online than in-person, especially when they cannot hear each other clearly, leading to a hostile work environment and decreased employee morale.
To ensure successful remote and hybrid work, organizations must provide employees with the right technology and support. Additionally, clear communication and collaboration protocols must be established to ensure team members stay connected with other stakeholders.
This may include using software such as videoconferencing, messaging and hardware such as a webcam with a speaker and headphones to facilitate communication and collaboration. Here are a few recommendations:
Video conferencing tools: These software tools allow employees to participate in meetings and collaborate with colleagues remotely. Examples include Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet.
Collaboration and project management tools: Tools like Asana, Figma, and Trello can help teams communicate and collaborate on projects, even when working remotely.
Messaging tools: Messaging tools such as Google Chat, Lark, Microsoft Teams, and Slack allow employees to communicate with each other in real time and share documents, images, and other files.
Cloud storage: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive allow employees to access and share files from anywhere with an internet connection.
Virtual private network (VPN): A VPN can help ensure secure access to an organization's network and resources for remote employees.
Mobile devices: Laptops, smartphones, and tablets can enable employees to stay connected and work from anywhere.
Hardware: By using the appropriate hardware, you can ensure that you have a high-quality video conference that is clean and easy to understand.
At NUROUM, we manufacture top-notch conference webcams and noise-canceling headsets for folks that embrace the hybrid work culture. Browse our wide catalog of audio and visual equipments to learn more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hybrid work can be a powerful way for organizations to tap into a wider talent pool, increase employee flexibility and work-life balance, and adapt to changing business needs. By setting clear expectations and guidelines, leveraging technology, promoting collaboration, and being open to feedback, organizations can successfully manage and optimize their hybrid work models.
For companies, hybrid work increases productivity and flexibility and saves costs. Investing in high-quality audio and video hardware and software is a good idea for hybrid employees conducting videoconferences. Such devices ensure a smooth and seamless experience and can help you avoid any technical issues that might disrupt your call.
We hope the best practices of effective hybrid work outlined in this article have provided valuable insights and guidance for those looking to implement or optimize a hybrid work model. With careful planning and communication, hybrid work can be a win-win for organizations and their employees.
