HYBRID WORK: THE FUTURE OF HR AND WORKPLACES?

Hybrid work suggests a flexible work arrangement that combines on-site and remote working. Workplaces and environments blend face-to-face interactions a few days a week at a primary workplace location, while other days allow for working from home or alternative work sites. The model rose dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic as a middle ground allowing employers to reopen physical offices while also offering location flexibility that employees grew accustomed to.

Hybrid work arrangements split time between the focus of traditional in-person collaboration and meetings, along with the autonomy of working remotely on individual deliverables . Employees appreciate the flexibility to adjust their environment according to changing needs, while still building social connections and camaraderie in-person periodically. Companies embracing hybrid work praise increased productivity, access to broader talent pools, savings on real estate overhead with smaller footprints, and higher employee satisfaction driving better retention.

A few cornerstones for successful hybrid work implementation would be:

– Seamless technology enabling transparent communication, collaboration tools, secure remote access to databases, and equitable virtual/video participation for those working in-office and remotely.

– Scheduling coordination where managers thoughtfully plan activities suited for face-to-face interaction while normalizing remote participation as an equal option. Clearly communicated work objectives keep all team members aligned.

– Embracing asynchronous workflows when possible where employees have autonomy over scheduling their deep work time rather than rigid real time meetings. Communication defaults to channels enabling visibility by anyone across locations and time zones.

– Inclusive culture focused on nurturing strong relationships, trust in colleagues, water cooler type social interactions, and team building – regardless of employee work location and flexible schedules.

– Comfortable yet productive home office setups and guidance around time management, avoiding burnout, setting boundaries, staying connected, and optimizing remote work.

Finding the right hybrid formula depends on the type of roles and business priorities involved, but the common thread is supporting employees across locations while enabling productivity and collaboration. Hybrid provides the best of both remote work and in-office worlds.