Companies can draw on the many benefits of the hybrid workplace to improve efficiency, performance, and productivity. All this while still retaining and attracting talent, optimizing space, and reining in office real estate expenses.
“Hybrid workplace” and “hybrid employee” are the new buzzwords today—and for good reason!
Hybrid-remote work is redefining the workplace of today for tomorrow’s hybrid employee. Gone are the days of the traditional work environment. The entire working landscape has shifted and current estimates indicate that 56% of jobs can be done remotely—at least in part.
However, this is not entirely due to the pandemic. Even pre-pandemic, employees were away from their desks around 50-60% of the time.
Hybrid workspaces present a comprehensive and configurable solution for businesses seeking to gain the edge over their competitors. They give merit to the idea of a more flexible work environment. In fact, adopting a hybrid employee model could see average savings of $11,000 per year for each hybrid-remote worker splitting their time between on- and off-site work. The benefits of this model don’t stop there. Lower real estate costs, increased efficiency, and improved productivity all come to the fore.
The best part is that employees are happier too. By working at home half the time, they can save from $600 to $6,000 per year, thanks to lower travel, food, and parking expenses. Happier employees result in higher productivity levels—a win-win for everyone!
Invest in Innovative Solutions for the Hybrid Workplace
But how exactly does the hybrid employee maintain their productivity as they shuttle between virtual and physical office spaces?
Hybrid workplaces offer the best of the traditional and remote work for both employees and employers. This means that they can ensure the transition is as seamless as possible, and innovate to enable the connected workplace. Success in the hybrid workplace calls for a sustainable strategy: an entirely new and improved work experience that leverages the latest technology and best practices.
Collaborating over Zoom or Teams is unlikely to be optimal if participants don’t have all the necessary information or resources at their disposal. Intelligent devices and software can help to create secure information-sharing platforms that facilitate frictionless and asynchronous collaboration and access to data. In the establishment of this model. it’s essential that all workers enjoy the benefits of the same technology—high-quality video, audio, the Internet.
This hybrid workplace also calls for flexible and transparent systems to foster interconnectedness and enhance the company ethos. Here, the software facilitates everything from hosted discussions and events to casual chats between employees across different teams and locations.
Solutions like the Smarten Spaces’ hybrid scheduler a host of other applications are smart choices when it comes to choosing the right software partner for your business.
Retain World-Class Talent With Hybrid Work
While the hybrid employee model has grown in popularity over the years, 2021 definitely exacerbated its potential. During this time, flexibility and autonomy emerged as two persistent themes, meaning many workers would rather quit than be forced to return to the office full-time.
And, it’s not always about money. Employees are more focused on their own wellbeing today at home, and in the workplace and organizations are taking notice. Employee needs such as physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing are viewed as critical by employers today as they realize that taking care of these will result in retaining and attracting a broader pool of talent.
Balance the Hybrid Employee Needs of Work and Life
Work-life balance is key to the hybrid employee and the hybrid model offers enough flexibility to get this balance right.
Workers benefit from the stability of regular office visits, where they can make personal connections. By the same token, a hybrid employee has the freedom to juggle their schedule to make a doctor’s appointment or organize family time when necessary.
For the remote-work aspect of the hybrid model to thrive, companies need to implement routines and practices that maximize employee engagement. This involves nurturing a positive office culture through regular one-on-one meetings and team huddles, as well as informal opportunities to connect. Communicating through multiple channels is another powerful tool to help foster feelings of connectedness.
Organizations can also revamp and refurbish their operations to make sure everyone is equipped with the resources they need. Effective space management is key to making this model sustainable. With a range of innovative solutions at their disposal, employees can even surpass their previous productivity levels.
The hybrid workforce needs specific features to optimize their work experience, These should look to boost employee engagement, ensure health and safety compliance and even improve the overall workplace experience.
Optimize Space Utilization and Management for Your Hybrid Employee
Yes, in the hybrid workplace, less really can be more. But this hinges on the ability to utilize available office space to maximize hybrid employee performance while cutting costs.
The key to space management is leveraging the right technology to manage the dynamic nature of workspace occupancy. The needs of the hybrid workforce put collaboration center stage. Specifically, the equipment, spaces, and tech solutions that enable and optimize teamwork. Seamless connectivity is a must-have for the hybrid employee, no matter where they are.
However, research indicates that just 38% of businesses have upgraded their video technology to enhance hybrid collaboration. Improve office technology by creating a high-tech space where rooms are wired with videos and monitors, video conferencing cubicles, and plug-and-play video cameras.
There are also ways to better manage your office space. For starters, figure out how much space you needed under traditional work conditions. Then assess how these needs change with fewer employees in the office at any one time. The lower your office real estate spend, the better it is for your bottom line.
Establish who needs to be in the office and when, considering factors such as team meetings, office events, and client contact time. Customizable space management software factors in floorplans, desk reservations, and space utilization to come up with real-time, data-driven results that maximize efficiency in your hybrid workplace.
Leverage Technology for Seamless Space Management
Smarten Spaces allows you to easily leverage technology to ensure easy and practical space management. Features such as their desk booking and smart meeting room booking application aid in your quest for the best workspace for your hybrid employee.
Outperform Your Competitors With Smarten Spaces
Companies can draw on the many benefits of the hybrid workplace to improve efficiency, performance, and productivity. All this while still retaining and attracting talent, optimizing space, and reining in office real estate expenses.
Smarten Spaces provides cutting-edge “smart” technology solutions that help companies to leverage these hybrid workplace advantages—and stay ahead of the competition. Call Smarten Spaces today for tomorrow’s solutions.