A hybrid workforce is a flexible approach to the way work gets done in organizations. It provides employees with the opportunity to work from different locations – both on-site and off-site – at their own discretion, allowing for greater autonomy and freedom when it comes to their personal schedules and lifestyles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home became the norm for many employees. However, as restrictions eased, many employers contemplated moving back to the office full-time. Still, many employees value the change for a flexible work schedule. According to recent data published by McKinsey, 87% of employees take their employer up on the opportunity for remote or hybrid work environments. Thus, CEOs and business owners are wondering what hybrid workforce best practices can be implemented to ensure success.
Set Clear Expectations
When it comes to creating a hybrid workforce, the most important thing to consider is setting clear expectations for both employees and employers. Everyone involved must understand what their responsibilities are and how they will be held accountable for meeting those expectations. Clear goals need to be established and communicated throughout the organization so that employees know what is expected of them. These expectations can take the form of goals and objectives, deadlines, output levels, and other metrics that employees should meet regardless of if they’re in the office or working remotely.
Provide Proper Tools and Support
To create an effective hybrid workforce, employers must provide the necessary tools and support for their employees. This includes providing access to essential equipment and software such as laptops, headsets, webcams, etc., as well as offering training and guidance on how to use these tools effectively. Employers should create a secure platform that enables remote communication between all parties involved in the hybrid workforce so everyone is always up-to-date with the latest developments.
Create Inclusive Employee Experiences
When setting up a hybrid workforce environment, it is important to ensure that everyone feels included and valued. This means providing a variety of experiences for employees through workplace activities, such as virtual happy hours when remote or team-building events in the office. Furthermore, employers need to re-examine their meeting processes and ensure that all remote workers feel engaged during meetings. For example, employers should use technology solutions like video conferencing, break-out video chat rooms, or even virtual whiteboards to ensure that all voices are heard.
Implement an Effective Schedule
The number of days an employee spends in the office for hybrid work is a critical factor when it comes to achieving successful outcomes. According to a recent and first-of-its-kind study from Harvard Business School, employees should spend one to two days per week in the office on a flexible schedule to maximize communication and productivity. This is an important finding, as the COVID-19 pandemic has led many companies to adopt hybrid work models that mix working from home with time spent at the office. The Harvard report indicates that workers who come into the office only one or two times per week show higher levels of communication than those who are completely remote or always present at their workplace. They have also produced more novel work products than those who do not go into their offices regularly. By having access to both the freedom of working remotely and the structure of being around colleagues, these employees reap greater rewards than either group alone can achieve.
Despite its advantages, implementing this kind of hybrid model poses unique challenges due diligence must be done before implementation if it is going to lead to positive results within organizations. For example, further research should explore how intermediate working from home affects mentoring activities as well as how adoption might influence geography-based employment opportunities. Fortunately, the Harvard study provides an essential guide for understanding the effects of hybrid work and outlines hybrid workforce best practices that can be adapted to create successful outcomes.
By adhering to these hybrid workforce best practices, employers can ensure that their hybrid workforce is successful and cost-effective, while also allowing them to control operational costs associated with running a remote team. By embracing these principles, employers are providing their employees with the freedom of working from home and the structure of being around colleagues regularly.
In addition to these principles, an outsourced HR company such as Corban OneSource can help ensure your hybrid workforce model is successful with the benefits of outsourced HR. We specialize in providing clients with a comprehensive suite of HR services, from payroll and benefits to employee onboarding, training, and performance management. With experience helping companies with 75 to 6,000 employees meet their organizational goals and objectives, Corban OneSource provides clients with the support they need to develop a successful hybrid workforce.
Organizations striving for a smooth transition to hybrid workforces must ensure their strategies encompass clarity and autonomy in the office and remotely. This can be done by implementing re-invented processes and systems that prioritize individual development. Managers should be actively engaged in creating an understanding of expectations and performance standards with regular check-ins to measure progress from both the company and employee perspectives. Organizations must also develop new methods for scheduling, such as alternating in-person days and remote workdays. Technology solutions can also help bridge the gap between physical and virtual workspaces, allowing employees to stay connected across both using tools such as video conferencing platforms and project management software.
Corban OneSource is committed to helping its clients succeed with a hybrid workforce by offering resources and services that increase ROI. With experience helping companies with 75 to 6,000 employees with their outsourced HR needs, we can streamline payroll processes and improve benefits administration, while providing customized workflows tailored to meet industry-specific compliance and regulations standards.
Furthermore, Corban OneSource can help clients control costs and reduce risk with their services. This includes taking on busy work for the client so they can focus their efforts on what makes the biggest impact on their business. With these tools, companies can create a highly effective hybrid workforce that will meet all the needs of their employees. If you are looking for assistance taking the stress out of HR, explore our services and see how we can help you. Corban OneSource is here to serve you with accuracy, accountability, and fresh ideas that increase your ROI while taking your workforce to the next level with hybrid workforce best practices.
