Hybrid Workplace: Strategies for Managing a Distributed Workforce

As per sources, 83% of the employees prefer to work on the hybrid model. But why?

Is it feasible to adopt a hybrid working model? Will remote workplaces be sustained for longer periods??

Well, the COVID pandemic accelerated an opportunity for multiple organizations and employees to work remotely. An opportunity to develop an infrastructure where employees can work from the office as well as from remote places. This mixed model of work style can sustain an emphasis on managing the work-life balance of an individual.?

However, adopting a hybrid approach can be tricky depending on the workforce, nature, and size of the business. To implement this approach a business strategically plans out workplace challenges, employee journey, and company’s culture and ethics.

So in this blog, we’ll know what a hybrid workplace is and how to manage the workplace strategy.

Hybrid Workplace Overview

Overcoming the traditional workplace into a hybrid distributed model where employees can manage their work from home. Managing data and collaborating with employees, and clients all over the world within a short period.

As per multiple sources, 61% of the employees prefer to work on a remote basis, This all can be possible with the help of a cloud-based infrastructure technology. The advancement of technology in terms of HR activities, communication, managing operations, and sales can be benefited by a hybrid work model.

Importance Of Hybrid Workplace Model

Now Let’s discuss the importance of a hybrid working model in emerging businesses.

• Flexible working hours can enhance the work productivity of the employees.

• A better work-life balance can be achieved, boosting employee satisfaction. According to a study by LinkedIn, nearly 86% of working professionals benefited from a better work-life balance.

• A well-established communication and collaboration between employees and employers for meetings and updates.

• The hybrid model maintains a high scope of upskilling and reskilling for the overall performance of the employees.

• This approach can help to minimize the on-premises cost of physical infrastructure and maintenance.?

Best Practices For Hybrid Workplace Strategy?

According to sources, nearly 90% of organizations plan to adopt a hybrid and sustainable workplace approach to manage their workforce. However, a stronger strategy can be developed with a systematic approach towards the successful implementation of a hybrid workplace strategy.?

Some of the best practices for workplace strategy are:

Employees Feedback

Employees' suggestions to determine the workplace approach, whether it is an in-office or remote working environment,. It can help to build employer-employee trust and foster the work productivity of the employees.?

Each organization's employee can have a different perspective toward the working model depending on their availability, scaling, and managing tasks. For instance, when Salesforce surveyed its employees, 80% of them wanted to be connected with the physical space.

Ideal Office Space

With feedback, an organization can manage its office space for employees who want to work within the office and remote places. It can help an organization limit its costs for physical infrastructure and sufficient working space within the office.?

Ideal office space can be measured by some valuable factors, such as office employee strength, meeting space, rent, location, and furniture accommodation.?

Right Technology Set-Up

Enabling the right tools and technology for ease of communication and culture among employees, clients, and management. Any changes or development of new products or services can be communicated efficiently within the right timeframe.?

Adoption of an essential technology for video conferencing software, virtual messaging platforms, and virtual desktops for effective collaboration.? Delivering technology such as cloud-based software, marketing automation tools, file sync and share, and email integration tools for flexible workplace solutions. For such technology requirements, a business can go for Salesforce CRM .

Maintain a Formal Hybrid Policy

A documented policy that allows an individual to adopt a workstyle of his choice, be it remote or on-premises. Such policies can handle any conflicts and grievances between the employees and the management.

Underlining the terms and conditions for working remotely and setting a ratio or timeframe for reporting, working hours, and availability in office activities digitally.?

Build Trust and Avoid Micromanagement

Employees are blamed for not working while managing their work remotely, such a phenomenon is called quiet-quitting. Such blame can lead to multiple interferences between managers and their employees.?

To avoid such interference, an organization should adopt a system to manage their daily work logs and measure productivity. Open communication and clear boundaries remain essential for any work environment to build trust.

Adoption of HR policies

Managing HR activities in a hybrid workplace can be difficult, including tackling grievances, conflicts, and ticketing employee problems. For effective HR activities, an organization can implement HR system and policies.

Policies for basic guidelines and regulations, drafting a way of communicating within the hierarchy. Implementation of HR systems, such as the HR delivery system of ServiceNow for incident management and regularization.?

Conclusion?

Transitioning into a hybrid workplace has been a success for many organizations. But the key to a successful hybrid workload strategy is to be flexible, adaptable, and willing to learn and adjust as needed. Clearly defined communication, a strong company culture, effective collaboration practices, and thoughtful workplace management can create a magnificent work environment for your employees.

The hybrid model deals with the physiological well-being of employees, managing their efficiency, workspace productivity , motivation, and engagement. While implementing advanced technology such as Augmented reality(AR) tools and CRM platforms to configure the best use case of workplace management.