The pandemic forced businesses to implement hybrid workspace solutions, drastically changing how we work. Initial productivity concerns dissipated as companies realized just how fruitful remote work could be. The change of pace—matched by greater flexibility and better work-life balance—gave the traditional 40-hour, in-office workweek a run for its money.
Now, employees wish to continue utilizing hybrid workplaces. Perhaps the best part of it all is that, with the right strategy, industry leaders can benefit from hybrid workplaces, too.
To enjoy these advantages, you must first understand your employees’ needs to craft the ideal workplace. Getting them excited to come into work again is pivotal to maximizing productivity. You scratch their back, and they’ll scratch yours—tenfold.
Is Hybrid Really the New Way to Work?
As stated, hybrid workplaces boast big benefits for both employees and employers. Employees not only get to enjoy more flexibility on the clock, but they can also save upwards of $6,000on related travel/food expenses. Even better, as a result of increased productivity and reduced absenteeism and office space costs, your business stands to save an annual $11,000 on each hybrid employee!
Although many employees don’t wish to give up the freedom of fully remote work, they do recognize the value of collaborating in physical workplaces. It’s a good thing, too, because an AT&T survey revealed that 81% of senior executives believe hybrid work will dominate by 2024. What was once a temporary emergency response will now be standard practice, likely forever.
Needless to say, businesses that fail to implement hybrid-friendly workspace office solutions put themselves at a steep disadvantage. That’s in part because potential employees are likely to avoid these companies altogether. Furthermore, strategically crafting your hybrid workspace ensures your business outperforms competitors in the new business normal.
With that being said, what are some best practices in creating hybrid workspace solutions?
- Implement Clear and Transparent Communication as Part of Your Workspace Solutions
Open lines of communication are paramount to staying organized in any workspace. Traditional workplaces relied on physical proximity for this. So, businesses must work to prevent employee communication from deteriorating as they shift to the digital space. This means that it may be necessary to not completely abandon physical meetings, as they do offer benefits that technologically would struggle to replicate.
There are, however, several applications to bolster communication and establish virtual workspace communities. For example, consider investing in workspace management software. It allows everyone to view and update schedules, allocate tasks, and monitor deadlines from the comfort of their homes.
Though technology can be a powerful tool, it’s important to remember that employees need private time. Be sure to implement restrictions regarding when employees can be contacted and don’t expect responses outside of working hours.
Leveraging technology as part of your workspace solutions—while balancing remote and physical workplace requirements—demands an intricate understanding of your business’s needs. A bottom-up approach is vital, too, as employees will feel the effects of all decisions. Above all else, crystal clear communication, or the lack thereof, will determine if you sink or swim. Don’t rely on dated, one-dimensional technology to keep your head above water!
- Don’t Forget Your Workplace Culture When Implementing Workspace Solutions
Having a congruent workplace cultureis essential to smooth business operations. Effective workplace cultures energize, emphasize clear communication, and celebrate the achievements of team members. It’s easy to achieve this when everyone’s working alongside one another in the same space. Conversely, if unchecked, hybrid workplaces can leave remote employees feeling left out.
Use the shift in workspace to elevate your workplace culture as a whole. Hybrid workplaces pave the wayfor better communication, flexible workspace solutions, and more tech-savvy work culture. See them for the opportunity that they are!
- Leverage the Use of Hybrid Workplace Tools
Implementing a hybrid workplace requires businesses to invest in technology that accommodates the demands of remote work. For example, communication applications like Zoom and Skype can assist with hybrid meetings and video conferencing. Meanwhile, organizational apps like Trello and Asana can help employees stay on top of timelines from anywhere.
Your workplace will also benefit from workspace solutions that assist in cloud storage, file sharing, hybrid workplace space management, meeting room booking, and centralized planning. Fortunately, Smarten Spaces’ tools offer all of that and then some.
Build Your Hybrid Workplace With Smarten Spaces
The truth of the matter is that hybrid workspaces can either be a nightmare or a dream come true for employees and companies. As scary as that sounds, there is some good news: you’re in control of which way that pendulum swings. The moves you make today can very well inform the entire trajectory of your business.
Granted, finding the right workplace management solution isn’t easy. But don’t worry! Smarten Spaces is here to guide you through the hybrid workspace path as seamlessly as possible. We offer state-of-the-art tools to aid in your transition to a hybrid workplace. They include desk management booking recommendations, employee safety, smart meeting room booking, and powerful analytics. With our Hybrid Scheduler, you can also efficiently create and manage a hybrid work schedule for your team.
At the end of the day, missing out on the hybrid workplace revolution will cost your business in both cash flow and employee turnover. Contact Smarten Spaces today to learn how you can step into the future of business success.