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Will Hybrid Work Become the New Normal?

22 September 2021

Hybrid working is steadily gaining traction in many offices around the world. While some bosses have yet to trust this work mode, it has shown to be successful and reliable for some workers.

Over the last few years, the hybrid workweek has evolved dramatically. However, keep in mind that the benefit of hybrid work schedules is the flexibility with which you may work.

You must consider certain factors before making any decisions for your employees if you are attempting to implement a hybrid work paradigm in your workplace. 

We will look at what alternatives you have for setting up your varied work schedule during the week on this page.

Businesswoman doing video conference on laptop

What is a Hybrid Work Model, and How Does It Work?

An employee's site can be changed if they work hybrid, which is the essence of hybrid work. In other words, depending on the company's arrangements and the employees' desires, they can work both onsite and offsite.

Due to the epidemic, hybrid work models have recently gained popularity. However, many organizations worldwide have found success with this working style, and their executives are considering (or have already implemented) a permanent, hybrid work schedule.

Even when the pandemic is over, big firms like Google and Facebook have already indicated that they will continue to use hybrid working with long-term hybrid work weeks.

It is crucial to remember that some people have struggled to adjust to life after the pandemic, making it more difficult to return to their previous work patterns.

Some people, on the other hand, have chosen to continue working remotely since it is more convenient for them in their everyday lives.

A hybrid work approach does not necessarily mean that everyone will select onsite or remote working; Having the ability to switch between onsite and remote work has helped some people work more efficiently and effectively.

Hybrid working is here to stay, and many businesses are attempting to incorporate it.

Man selectively checking time while chatting on smartphone close to laptop and laptop, concept of time management

Is Your Business a Good Fit for a Hybrid Work Schedule?

Although hybrid working appears to be straightforward, it entails various modifications that must be considered. In essence, hybrid work regulations must be implemented to accommodate both onsite and remote employees. 

However, it is crucial to note that this working paradigm may not be suitable for all businesses. Here are some things to think about if you want to implement this hybrid work schedule:

Technology

Your organization must also have the necessary resources in place to begin operating with a hybrid model timetable. In other words, you must create the ideal hybrid office environment so that everyone feels at ease during their work sessions.

You should also establish more effective communication channels so that everyone can complete the company's objectives on time.

Viability

The first thing you should consider is if a hybrid workweek schedule is feasible for your firm. In other words, you must assess whether you can have both office and remote personnel while still meeting your company's objectives.

Some businesses rely entirely on office work because it allows everyone to reach their objectives more quickly.

Communication

If you want to stick to a hybrid week schedule, communication is essential. Given that you will have both onsite and remote employees, you will need to make sure you can give everyone effective communication channels through which they can obtain the information they require.

Adapting to different communication styles in the first few hybrid workweeks may be difficult.

Busy man wearing a protective mask holding a laptop computer and glass plate sitting in the office and chatting with a smartphone.

How Can Employers Implement a New Work Schedule for Their Employees?

If you want to implement a hybrid workweek plan successfully, you must take several necessary actions as a manager. We will go through all of the factors you should think about before developing your hybrid work plan.

Health Issues

While employee health and safety have always been a priority, the pandemic has made it much more so. If you want to go to a hybrid model schedule, you will need to see if your office is ready to welcome back some of your staff.

In general, new safety standards must be developed to maintain all offices clean and disinfected.

Equity

However, regardless of where they work, you must always ensure that all employees receive the same benefits.

As a result, you will need to create a hybrid office plan that ensures that all employees have equitable working circumstances. If you have remote employees, you must decide whether they have sufficient resources to work comfortably.

On the other hand, onsite employees may have more convenient access to company data. 

In certain circumstances, you must take the necessary steps to ensure that remote workers have simple access to all of the information they require, which will improve communication and teamwork.

Overall, you cannot allow your current work policies to favour one work paradigm over another.

Logistics

Every hybrid workweek schedule is built on the foundation of logistics. As previously stated, you must prepare your organization for both onsite and remote personnel, which necessitates a thorough examination of numerous logistical issues.

To begin, determine which departments of your organization may be operated both physically and remotely. 

You will be able to make the necessary modifications quickly and attain a more flexible workspace if you understand how each department of your firm operates.

After you have considered all of these factors, you can begin selecting the hybrid work schedule that best suits your needs.

Schedules for Different Hybrid Models

Schedules for Different Hybrid Models

Several innovative hybrid work schedules have been developed to make things easier for managers and employees. Make sure to carefully examine each of these schedules and select the one that best suits your company's demands.

Cohort Schedule

On the list, this is one of the simplest hybrid week schedules. You create a fixed schedule for all employees and alter it over time based on their performance. 

The cohort hybrid workweek is a lot easier to handle, so it is a good option if you want to ease into things.

Flexible Schedule

Another typical hybrid week schedule is the flexible schedule. In this instance, either the management or the employee can manage the schedule. However, it takes a little more time to prepare.

If you are in charge of scheduling, you will have to decide who works remotely and who works in the office-based on the present state of the organization. While this is more convenient, keeping track of everything can be difficult at first.

Alternate Hybrid Schedule

Managers allow their staff to work in the office for a fixed number of days (usually four) and then work remotely for the remainder of the hybrid work week. 

Alternate schedules are one of the most comfortable for everyone, so if you have the resources, make use of them.

Staggered Schedule

Employees on a staggered hybrid model schedule have specified days when they must either work onsite or remotely. 

Employees, on the other hand, do not have the exact entry/exit times. This option can work for you if you work in a large organization with a lot of people.

Permanent Remote Schedule

Some companies have started implementing permanent WFH (work from home) schedules. You may set this hybrid model timetable if you believe it will assist your firm.

Hello, colleagues and new normal, wearing protective masks greeted elbows in the office in the office

What Can a Worker Do to Adjust to a New Schedule?

Allowing your staff to adjust to the new work environment is critical to making a hybrid office space work. Remember that transitioning to a hybrid model is a process that may take a few days throughout the hybrid work week to ensure that everyone is comfortable.

In essence, you want your staff to feel as relaxed as possible about the changes.

Conclusion

As previously said, one of the most appealing elements of a hybrid workweek plan is the variety of possibilities available to your firm. If you and your staff are properly prepared for these changes, you will create a far more welcoming environment in which everyone can work to their full capacity.

Check out flexispot.co.uk for more similar articles about work schedules and ergonomics. You will see amazing standing workstations, such as the Adjustable Standing Desk Pro Series on FlexiSpot.