Hybrid working tips for 2022!

Well, here we are! 2022 and the first week back at work is here! The pandemic has taught us remote working is feasible for so many businesses and most workers across the country! However, we are humans, and we need social interaction!

Covid-19 has certainly thrown up some challenges for our hybrid way of working so this article will aim to provide solutions to problems that we might be facing as organisations regardless of size or challenges we might face as job seekers! This article will also provide some useful tips on home or office working so keep scrolling...

From a personal point of view, I need to see my team and colleagues I feel that it allows us to build a close working relationship and team bond that you simply can’t get from a video call!

After speaking to some of my clients over the last few months, they’ve shared that new joiners are feeling a lack of connection with the wider team and because of this, they find it difficult to understand the team culture & fit into the organisation smoothly thus, resulting in them leaving their new role quicker than anyone expected!

Alas, this is the world we find ourselves in so, I would ask hiring managers to think about the integration of the new employees by looking at the onboarding process in more detail. One solution could be to implement a double/triple buddy-up system if you haven't already so the newcomers can start to form a close-knit bond with others in the team! Another solution could be keeping in touch with the candidate soon as they have verbally accepted the offer. If I'm being brutally honest, I believe this is a huge improvement area for most organisations of all sizes and it's something we don't do enough of!

For candidates who are actively seeking a new role on the market, I would recommend that when you're looking for a new role, visualise what your first day would look like with our ‘new normal’ rather than how it used to be, so much has changed in the last 2 years, therefore comparing your career journey now would leave a huge gap in your expectations! For example, the new norm is having your laptop delivered to your house on the morning of your first day or perhaps, training on a video call instead of hands-on training in the office! This is now the reality of virtual onboarding!

We could discuss the pros and cons of working remotely all day however, I felt it would be useful to know how we can get the best out of hybrid working so here are my first tips for 2022 with the hybrid working approach! ?

Do you have any tips that work for you specifically when you’re at home or in the office? If so, what are they? Pop your comment in the comment box to share!

My working from home tips are…

·?Ergonomic and clutter-free workstation:

An ergonomic desk is designed to shorten the amount of time you spend sitting down during your working day. Rather than remain seated for several hours at a time, you can raise the level of the desk so you can work at standing height. I have one of these at home and I find it useful to sometimes stand at my desk rather than sit all day!

·?Lighting:

This is really important, there is nothing worse than a dull day in the middle of January and not sitting in natural light! Pick a spot that has natural light, and I would also suggest having your ‘workspace’ at home in one area and sticking to it consistently! Stick the radio on whilst you’re at it too! I love singing along to Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran or Beyonce!

·?Dress to work:

At the start of the pandemic, I didn’t dress to my day but over time I found that still dressing up for work even though I was at home totally helped my productivity levels! Getting up early each morning & going about my day helps rather than feeling sluggish!

·?Wi-Fi / internet connection:

There’s nothing more frustrating than being on a call and the Wi-Fi isn’t working! Always check the speed of your connection before important calls or interviews! You can simply do this by searching it on Google!

My working in the office tips…

·???????Investing in a good set of headphones:

As a business, we invested in a quality set of headphones! Being back in the office was an adjustment again so we invested in noise-cancelling headphones which is useful being around others and when the office does get busy!

·?Changing spaces:

Although when I’m at home I like my set space for work, I personally try to change my workspace on the days that I’m in the office! This is so that I can be around different people, being in the office means having a presence with the team! I also choose specific tasks to complete within the office environment, so it complements others learning & development.

·?Block distractions:

When you’re in the office, it’s also easier to get distracted easily so having things in place when you have your focus time is important. Manage your time accordingly, communicate to others you’re busy for the next 2 hours and stick to what you had planned that day!

· Take a breather!

Step away from that laptop, go for a walk and ensure you take time out your day to take a decent break! It’s also easy not to take a proper lunch break so always make sure you do take time out of your diary!

For 2022 I wish everyone the best of luck and I hope the hybrid working tips have helped!