As the world reemerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses that have been working from home for over a year now will have to decide how to move forward with the hybrid workforce.
When will employees come back into the office? Will they do full-time work in the office, or will there be a work-from-home hybrid?
Employees have gotten used to working from the comfort of their home office, and some don’t want to see that change. They even feel more productive at home. However, others don’t have an ideal workspace in their home and want to return to the community and structure of the office.
Let’s explore ways that business managers can implement a new work hybrid model. Keep reading for our five crucial tips for success.
1. Let Your Employees Have Input
The best way to figure out what is best for your employees is to ask them. No one knows their own experience better than they do.
As we said, some employees have thrived at home, while others have resented it. Polling your employees to get a general consensus of how it went at home will guide you as you move forward. Plus, they will feel valued knowing they are included in the decision.
2. Maintain Functioning Technology
Choosing a new hybrid schedule where your employees alternate between working in the office and working from home is tricky if they don’t have the technology they need.
Having high-tech systems in place will make the transition between both places more seamless. You should also utilize cloud-based programs that make it easy for your employees to access their work anywhere.
3. Celebrate the Successes of the Last Year
The pandemic was hard on everyone, and employees had to be flexible to make their jobs work at home. When they come back to the office, make a point to highlight all of the successes from the last year.
This will make them feel reassured that you have their backs as you transition again into another new working situation.
4. Foster Community In-Office and at Home
If you give them the choice, some employees may choose to stay at home full-time. However, it’s still important that everyone feels part of the team.
Additionally, the hybrid schedule means everyone will be in the office at different times, so it can be easy to feel disconnected from co-workers.
Foster community by hosting in-person and online events that everyone can attend. Also, consistent team meetings will help your employees feel part of the group. Employees are happier when they are friends with their coworkers, so make team building a priority as you transition to a hybrid workforce.
5. Outline Clear Expectations
Employees need communication and stability to feel safe at their jobs. As you start enforcing a hybrid schedule, don’t be wishy-washy about the rules. Clearly outline how it will work for your office and lay out your expectations of them.
Again, ask for their input as well so they feel part of the conversation. Let them tell you what they need to succeed in this new environment.
Making a Hybrid Workforce Work
The transition back to the office, even when you are implementing a hybrid workforce, will be tricky. Navigate it smoothly with clear communication and two-way conversations between you and your employees.
If you need help staffing new positions for your hybrid workforce, contact Qualstaff Resources today.
