To create a successful hybrid work experience with flexible space and work schedules, employers need to budget wisely. They should invest in technology that improves integration and communication. Effective collaboration tools, such as high-quality video and audio equipment and multiple communications channels, promote an inclusive and equitable office culture and ensure that off-site workers also enjoy upgraded connectivity.
The demand for a hybrid model remains stronger than ever with the ongoing push for greater flexibility and autonomy in the workplace.
The combination of remote and on-site work offers something for everyone and gives the hybrid model the edge. Even as the number of remote workers dipped in the first six months of 2021, the volume of hybrid employees remained stable at 30%. Moreover, 68% of employees stated a preference for a hybrid environment and 21% wanted to continue with full-time remote work.
Nonetheless, some questions remain. How does the hybrid model really work? How does it improve employees’ workplace experience? Where should business owners be investing to facilitate a smoother transition to the hybrid model?
Employees in a Hybrid Model Are Productive
Research shows that productivity under the hybrid model is as good or even better than in a traditional office environment, provided organizations adopt the correct practices, policies, and platforms.
Nine out of ten employees report being as productive or even more so when working away from the office. Another report shows that remote work had a negligible impact on the performance of 79% of employees.
And it’s not only employees who are busting hybrid/remote work myths. Some 83% of business owners surveyed say the remote work trend has helped their organization. What’s more, productivity increased during the first 12 months of the pandemic.
How, then, does the remote-hybrid workplace improve productivity? For a start, employees can spend the time saved on daily commutes on more useful activities. Working from home is also less disruptive for some workers, leading to better output.
However, not all workers have a quiet home environment, some miss the presence of coworkers, others simply need variation to stay motivated. This is precisely the advantage of the hybrid workplace—employees can work whenever from wherever, whichever suits them best.
By coordinating their work location with the type of work they do, employees are more productive. For example, staying at home to work on a report, but going into the office for an important meeting or a group task that needs in-person collaboration. Workers who are allowed to choose what’s best for them further enjoy the benefits of improved physical and emotional wellbeing.
But, for the hybrid workforce to really flourish, employers need to optimize space management and provide the technology that helps smooth the transition between the office and home.
Here, Smarten Spaces has tailormade solutions to optimize the hybrid workplace. Applications such as smart meeting rooms, giving you the ability to reserve rooms in advance, and a host of other applications make this a good choice to consider.
an example of a hybrid model
Engagement is High Among Hybrid or Remote Workers
The flexibility, autonomy, and empowerment inherent in the hybrid model means teams rate highest for work engagement in the current climate.
Around 81% of hybrid employees rated their engagement level as “high” over the 2020 to mid-2021 period. Remote employees were 78% engaged and office workers 72% engaged. Engagement is also a critical factor for employee retention.
How can employers leverage the benefits of the hybrid workspace to strengthen employee engagement? The key is to strengthen communication, collaboration, and connection. Moreover, promoting a sense of belonging is also tied to a company’s success, with 79% of organizations considering it THE most important factor.
To nurture productive relationships, management should encourage one-on-one dialogues, especially in the case of remote workers. Workplace communication platforms can also integrate additional channels to reinforce and encourage communication between teams.
Smarten Spaces has solutions to strengthen employee engagement such as its community feed, survey, and employee feedback features. Remote and in-office employees are brought together for a shared experience on one digital platform.
working remotely
The Hybrid Workplace is Cost-Effective
Flexible office space planning can help companies realize substantial savings on one of their biggest fixed expenses—office real estate. In addition to spending less on space, employers are likely to benefit from increased productivity as well as reduced absenteeism and staff turnover.
For employees, this isn’t simply about the money. A lot has to do with a healthy work-life balance. 46% of employees are ready to take a 5% pay cut in exchange for flexible work options. Four out of ten would accept up to 10% less, while 37% would even take a pay cut of more than 10%.
To create a successful hybrid work experience with flexible space and work schedules, employers need to budget wisely. A well-planned office might have a smaller floor space but offer greater utility, as areas can be specifically tailored to different types of work. It’s all about the way in which the space is optimized.
Organizations should invest in technology that improves integration and communication. Effective collaboration tools, such as high-quality video and audio equipment and multiple communications channels, promote an inclusive and equitable office culture and ensure that off-site workers also enjoy upgraded connectivity.
Intelligent solutions are essential for optimizing the future of work. Smarten Spaces’ AI-powered offerings like their hybrid scheduler, desk booking application, and workplace analytics tool are ideal options for an optimized workspace.
Seamless Transition to Hybrid Work With Smarten Spaces
The hybrid model is the next normal for most companies moving forward. Hybrid work offers employees increased autonomy and greater job satisfaction. At the same time, investing in a seamless transition to hybrid work can offer an excellent ROI for employers.
To maintain a successful hybrid workplace, you need to invest in a “smart” technology solution. Smarten Spaces is that valued investment.