Best Tips for Thriving in a Hybrid Workplace

hybrid workplace
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Hybrid workplaces are the new future. Although they existed before the pandemic, they were not popular or well-accepted. However, organizations had to adapt after the global pandemic kicked everyone out of public space. Remote work gave many people a taste of freedom and flexibility. Companies and organizations also saved more on overhead costs during this period, giving rise to remote and hybrid workplaces. However, a hybrid workplace can be tricky to navigate. Therefore, you need some strategies to thrive in such environments.

Thriving in a Hybrid Workplace

As with every situation, hybrid workplaces have pros and cons. They can help boost productivity and employee well-being and save money. However, hybrid workspaces can lead to career stagnancy, particularly when employees are not close to decision-makers. Regarding the company’s interests, employee productivity and satisfaction can drop. This can happen when employees feel restricted by mandated choices. Employee productivity may also be hindered by network and hardware issues.

However, you can thrive and stand out even in a hybrid workplace. And as a business owner, you can get the best out of your staff even in a hybrid environment.  You can adopt several hybrid workspace solutions to improve your situation. Some of these solutions apply if you are a business owner. Others apply to you if you are an employee who has to work in a hybrid workspace. Some of the best tips for working in a hybrid workspace include the following:

  • Rent a Part-Time Office
  • Create Effective Policies for Hybrid Work
  • Establish Boundaries
  • Collaborate
  • Have Tools that Work

Rent a Part-Time Office

A part-time office can improve your business if you offer a hybrid option for work. It allows employees to work in the office while reducing your capital and operational expenditure. You can share the part-time office space with another business that offers a hybrid workspace. That way, you spend less on utility costs and rent.

Create Effective Policies for Hybrid Work

You must establish effective policies if you want your organization to thrive on a hybrid model. Speak with your staff to learn their preferred work model. A 2023 study by OWL Laboratories found that 42% of employees prefer to work remotely. It also discovered that 36% prefer hybrid workspaces, while only 22% prefer full-time work.

A survey will help you know what your employees want to have or avoid in a hybrid workspace. It will also help you determine what days to enforce for in-office work days. You can then create policies to enforce rules that guide your employees’ work hours. Here, you can set the hours when they must be reachable and the amount of work that must be done daily. You can also set policies for communication and care for work equipment.

Establish Boundaries

Whether you’re a business owner or employee, you need to enforce boundaries for work. As a business owner, you could set boundaries about using work equipment for non-office work. You can also set boundaries for the dress culture of your employees when they need to join meetings.

You must have clear-cut work hours to protect your mental and physical health as an employee. Don’t respond to work emails outside of work hours or decide to cover tomorrow’s work. Start working early and finish at the right time. You can also schedule lunch breaks and determine to wear work clothes even at home.

Collaborate

Collaboration is another strategy that can help you thrive in a hybrid workplace. A 2020 report by Science Journal Nature found that remote work often creates static and siloed collaboration. Remote workers usually respond to communication late, hindering collaboration. Since they have to work from home, siloed communication can also affect hybrid workers.

To fix this, you can use technology tools like Stormboard to improve communication and collaboration. Zoom calls are also a great way to get everyone needed simultaneously, ensuring that work progresses synchronously. Collaboration is also a way to get noticed for your effort quickly. This can help you get promoted promptly despite operating in a hybrid workspace.

Have Tools that Work

Employees can sometimes experience issues with their network connection or a hardware device. However, if your camera always fails or your microphone acts up, it may affect your productivity. It can also cost you your job. Invest in quality equipment to get your work done. You can also designate a space in your home as your office. Look for a place with great lighting and soundproofing. You should also use it only for work. This way, you can fully concentrate on work there.

Depending on your attitude and investments, hybrid work can be a blessing or a frustration. However, following the strategies outlined here, you can thrive as a business owner or employee in a hybrid workspace.

#Clique, what do you think about these tips for thriving in a hybrid workplace? Will you be implementing them soon? Let us know!

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