The pandemic has completely transformed the way and how we work. Conservative and traditional ways of working which have been the norm for so many years have been dramatically changed with many arguing they have changed for the better.
Since the pandemic, companies have been forced to try different forms of working. Most have realised that employee productivity can be maintained from anywhere, whether they’re in the office or working from home. With restrictions easing and offices re-opening, companies are beginning to plan while considering the new prospect of hybrid working.
What is hybrid working?
For anyone who is not familiar with the idea of hybrid working, it’s a type of flexible working that has been used within many organisations throughout Covid-19. It’s a type of flexible working where an employee can split their hours between the workplace and working remotely.
One of the main benefits of hybrid working is that it tends to involve more freedom around when employees can work as well as where they work. Hybrid working models provides individuals with more autonomy how they can fit their work around the rest of their lives, rather than having to fit their lives around work. Hybrid working allows employees to benefit from the independence and flexibility that comes with working from home, while also enjoying the structure, routine, and sociability of going into the office on some days during the week.
What Employee Needs Are to be Met with Hybrid Working?
It is important to assess the needs of your employees before rolling out hybrid working in the workplace. All employee needs will differ depending on their roles and reasonable adjustments will need to be made for roles to adapt to hybrid working. For example, are there specific duties of the role that can only be carried out in the office? Or are there certain pieces of technology that will be able to improve communication while employees work from home?
Another important thing to consider for ensuring successful hybrid working is healthy home working environments for employees. It may be important for you to carry out workstation assessments to ensure your employees have a suitable office space at home. There are plenty of options with office furniture Essex that can provide employees with suitable desks, chairs, and storage for working from.
There may be other flexible working needs to be considered for hybrid working. For example, whether employees have caring responsibilities or other compulsory personal commitments. In some situations, it may be beneficial for employers to offer flexible working patterns as well.
Why might employers consider hybrid working?
Hybrid working is a successful balance between remote working and working in the office. For example, many parents have remotely during the pandemic, saving them money by not commuting and providing them more time with their children. However, some individuals still value the in-person collaboration of working with others at the office. Therefore, hybrid working offers a solution where parents can work some days at home and some days in the office during the week.
Consequently, hybrid working has been shown to offer plenty of benefits for employees. These include:
- Better work-life balance
- Increased productivity and job satisfaction
- Greater ability to focus with fewer distractions
- More time with friends and family
- Saved money by not commuting
- Improved trust and working relationships
- Attracting a more diverse workforce
Hybrid working allows companies to improve the workplace for their employees, reduce costs, improve employee wellbeing, and supporting inclusivity and diversity. It’s clear why hybrid working is considered the future.
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