So the question that's on everyone's mind right now is, how will the way people work change now that states are starting to open back up and the vaccination plan has started to roll out? With so much uncertainty still hanging in the air for the rest of this year, it's difficult to predict what the future holds. However, the latest innovation, known as the Hybrid Workplace Model, seems to be an idea that has recently started disrupting the workforce. This hybrid model is about disruption, workplace optimization, and employee satisfaction.
What is the Hybrid Workplace Model?
The hybrid workplace model bridges the gap between remote and office work. Meaning that it's neither fully in-office nor fully remote, giving employees the ability to split their working hours for the week as they see fit.The development of the hybrid style of working is very much influenced by how people respond to going back to work post-pandemic. For example, Gartner's study found around 80% of business leaders will allow employees to work from home at least part-time after reopening their offices. Employers will still need to strategize and find the right balance between employee satisfaction and productivity.
3 Positives of Having a Hybrid Workplace
Helps Cut Costs
Switching to becoming a hybrid workplace can help companies cut costs by having a more flexible workspace that can be improved and more efficient based on how the space is used. Businesses can make informed decisions on how much and what type of commercial spaces they need by tracking space usage.Increases Productivity
People are now working in a way that suits them; the traditional 9-5 workday is no longer what society defines as the "best" way to work. Giving your employees the ability to work as they feel most productive will surely increase employee satisfaction and productivity.Provides Equal Opportunities
Entirely working from home is not the best option for everyone; depending on the person's situation, they might prefer to go back to the office because they are most productive in their work. Or they might want to remain working from home because of health vulnerability reasons. The hybrid model allows companies to level the playing field by having a ratio of the employees in the office and the others working remotely.3 Negatives of Having a Hybrid Workplace
Increases employee isolation
With some employees at home and others at the office, some might feel isolated and unmotivated—a feeling of missing out on organic interactions if they cannot be in the office.Difficulty regulating the performance of employees
Employers need to rethink how they assess the performance of employees so that there are not any unfair outcomes. It's important not to form certain negative or biased opinions towards the employees that are not coming into the office as frequently as others.Loss of client experience
We've all been on zoom calls for a year now, and there is just something about those face-to-face client interactions that give businesses that level of customer specialization. In cases where customers are used to in-person interaction, hybrid workplace models disrupt a part of the customer experience.How do you implement a Hybrid Workplace Model?
Implementing a hybrid workplace model is more challenging than it may seem; employers need to establish best practices and create a strategic plan to put this model in place effectively. A way in which companies are adapting to the model is by investing in great technology such as Inspace that can streamline processes. According to Forbes, hybrid workplaces need three things to succeed; open communication, trust, and empathy.
Here at inspace, we are at the forefront of helping offices transition into flexible and innovative workplaces, and we'd love to help what works best for you. Contact us here to start your journey.
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