Wow. Isn’t 2022 rattling along? It’s September already! We hope you’ve had a great year so far.
Like millions of other peeps, you’ve probably been adapting to hybrid working thanks to a certain little worldwide pandemic. This more flexible work model gives people the opportunity to combine in-the-office days, and remote days. There are big benefits, as you can imagine. A better work/life balance, saved commuting time and costs, and the chance to spend more time with loved ones.
But it’s not all peaches and cream. Hybrid working also comes with its challenges. Many people miss that constant human interaction and feel isolated working on their own for a few days every week. And because hybrid working allows people to work at their own pace, it can be harder for team leaders to keep up with schedules and meet deadlines. So it’s a case of swings and roundabouts.
Of course, we’re still in the early days of hybrid working. It’s a work in progress, and every company is feeling its own way. So let’s spend a few minutes going over what we’ve learned about hybrid working so far.
Relationships are everything
Remember all those lockdowns? We couldn’t go out and see friends or family. Fun and social interaction became a distant memory. If that weird time taught us anything it was the importance of relationships and community. Hybrid working shows us how vital human engagement is again – for those times when we’re in the office talking and laughing with colleagues, and those times when we’re working remotely and connecting with team members digitally.
Accessibility to resources
Hybrid working has shown us that digital needs to step up and show us what it can really do. If we’re on our own, for example, everything we need to do our job needs to be at our fingertips. A click away. Companies are bolstering their digital infrastructure to make sure we’re never playing catch-up.
Getting the right balance is vital
One of the issues companies face is the ratio of in-office and remote working. Most are plumping for three days in the office with two remote days (3-2). Other companies, meanwhile, are demanding at least four days in the office, while some are more relaxed, suggesting just one office day. The bottom line is there will never be an official balance. It depends on the workers, the company and the sector.
It's all about end results
Probably the biggest thing we’ve learned – and the biggest thing for companies to get their head around – is that hybrid working is all out output, not attendance. It’s a case of trusting employees to get things done well, without taking advantage of a more relaxed way of working. This means that it’s more important than ever to recruit people who have sound work ethics and values – and who won’t be distracted by ‘Bargain Hunt’ on TV when there’s a report to get out the door.
As we said earlier, hybrid working is still in its early days. But it seems to be heading in the right direction. Let’s see what 2023 has in-store.
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