In times past, the term hybrid referred to roses and cars. Now, you can’t pick up a business journal without some mention of hybrid work environments.
It is exciting that the rules for work environments are wide open. Companies can think out of the box as they move into the future. Many companies are fully embracing the concept of offering a combination of remote and in-person work.
With that excitement comes some trepidation. Too many options can be as stressful as no options.
We want to make these decisions easier. Here is a simple framework for a hybrid work environment.
According to Lynda Gratton, a professor of Management Practice at the London Business School four different perspectives need to be considered to make flexible work arrangements successful:
Jobs and Tasks Think about how a hybrid environment will impact all of the jobs and tasks at your company. Creativity may be increased by in-person collaboration. Focus may be enhanced by uninterrupted time at home.
Employee Preferences In Gratton’s work with the Future of Work Consortium she found that it was important for managers to understand their employees’ personal preferences, work contexts and key tasks. These included when team members feel most energized, their home resources and their needs for connection.
Projects and Workflows Evaluating workflow has become more complex in the hybrid era. Take a fresh look at how work is getting done. You don’t want to just adapt inefficient flows. You want to maximize the benefits of the hybrid model. This will require looking at your use of technology and coordination of your teams. For example, are in-person meetings required to get the job done with the highest quality? Do you need a technology upgrade so that remote meetings are more effective?
Inclusion and Fairness Feelings of unfairness can be toxic for a company. It can be tricky to balance the needs of those whose job duties require in-person attendance with those who have work from home flexibility. Creating advisory groups with employees from all levels and types of employment is essential to coming up with a hybrid solution that makes everyone feel valued.
Hybrid workplaces provide the opportunity to create dynamic environments that are accessible, stimulating, productive and responsive to both company and employee needs.
With our expertise in understanding systems and people, G2 Solutions can help you make the hybrid transition so that your company flourishes now and in the future.
What would a hybrid environment look like in your company?
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