Rethinking the Workplace

While there have been significant changes in the workplace in the past, many companies are undergoing unprecedented changes concerning how and where work is done. The pandemic forced companies to send many employees home to work remotely and the results were somewhat mixed. When it began, most worried that productivity would suffer among those working from home. However, for many employees, productivity increased. Although it is hard to determine exactly why this occurred, some think that the lack of disruptions or interruptions and the increased flexibility provided the boost. It is no secret that many people have a hard time getting work done at work and working remotely appeared to solve that issue. So, we should just send all our employees home and cancel our office leases, right? Sounds like a win-win…increase productivity and save money on overhead. The flip side to this proposition is the potential long-term implications for organizational culture. Organizational culture is an important differentiating factor for businesses and can be a major source of competitive advantage. If most employees work remotely, it becomes incredibly difficult to build and maintain a healthy, unique organizational culture. Also, collaboration becomes more challenging. Idea generation, innovation, and collaboration often happen in informal, impromptu ways in the workplace but they mostly require interacting with coworkers and that becomes very difficult virtually.

Given the difficulty employers currently have filling job vacancies and the desires of a large portion of the workforce, remote work is not going away, but neither are offices and workspaces. They have to be reimagined, redesigned, and better utilized. Some type of hybrid workplace is most likely the new reality, where employees work from both home and the office based on personal needs, organizational priorities, project requirements, etc. More shared workspace for employees to use as needed instead of offices with someone's name on the door will likely be the case. This will present some benefits, but also some challenges for managers.?It will be a great balancing act for organizations to provide the environment and flexibility needed to maximize productivity while creating regular opportunities to be physically present together.

Creating a successful hybrid workplace involves combining the advantages of remote work and in-person collaboration. Here are some best practices for establishing and maintaining a productive hybrid workplace: 1) Clear communication: Establish effective communication channels that allow employees to connect and collaborate seamlessly regardless of location. Utilize various tools such as email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and project management software to facilitate communication; 2) Flexible work arrangements: Offer flexibility in work schedules and location to accommodate employees' preferences and needs. Define clear guidelines and expectations regarding office attendance, remote work, and core working hours; 3) Technology infrastructure: Ensure that employees have access to the necessary technology and equipment to work effectively both in the office and remotely. Invest in reliable video conferencing tools, project management software, cloud storage, and cybersecurity measures to support seamless collaboration; 4) Remote work policies: Establish clear remote work policies that address expectations, guidelines, and protocols for remote work. Include guidelines for time tracking, availability, deliverables, and communication to maintain accountability and transparency; 5) Employee well-being: Prioritize employee well-being by fostering a healthy work-life balance. Encourage breaks, flexible working hours, and support for mental health. Provide resources and assistance for employees to maintain a positive and productive work environment regardless of location; 6) Inclusive decision-making: Ensure that employees have equal opportunities to participate in decision-making processes even if they are not in the office for a period of time. Encourage their input, schedule virtual meetings at convenient times for all team members, and provide remote employees with relevant information and updates; 7) Collaboration and team building: Foster a sense of connection and teamwork by organizing regular team meetings, virtual and in-person social events, and team-building activities. Encourage knowledge sharing, cross-functional collaboration, and open communication to maintain a strong team dynamic; 8) Performance evaluation: Establish fair and consistent performance evaluation criteria that are relevant to hybrid environments. Focus on measurable goals, deliverables, and outcomes rather than physical presence. Provide regular feedback and recognize employees' contributions to reinforce their engagement; 9) Continuous improvement: Regularly assess and adjust your hybrid work policies and practices based on feedback from employees. Encourage open dialogue and gather insights to refine processes, address challenges, and improve the overall hybrid work experience.

Remember, the specific best practices may vary depending on your organization's size, industry, and culture. Adapt these guidelines to suit your unique needs and ensure ongoing success in your hybrid workplace. I'd love to hear how your organization is embracing the hybrid workplace.?Also, check out this HBR article about leading hybrid teams for additional considerations.

This column appeared in an early issue of the Southern Miss Business newsletter. If you would like to receive the full newsletter, click this link https://eepurl.com/gjv7eU.

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