The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic caused a transition in business operation, whereby implementing a hybrid working policy is one of the critical changes. Before then, many companies used the traditional onsite working model in managing their businesses. However, the pandemic restrictions enabled the absorption of a hybrid work model to run the organization’s activities.

The hybrid working model post covid has enabled remote and onsite working, though employees had different opinions regarding the changes. Some workers preferred remote working while others wanted the old office setup system. Therefore, creating a hybrid work environment met the interests of all the workers. So, what is the meaning of the hybrid work model? What are the hybrid dos and don’ts, and how do you maximize productivity in a hybrid work environment? Keep reading for in-depth understanding.

What is a Hybrid Model of Work?

The hybrid work model involves remote work, traditional office work, or both. A remote-first and office-site are the hybrid working examples employers have initiated in their work policy. Therefore, the model is flexible since it allows employees to choose between working from home or in the office and even alternate. Although this approach has gained momentum, some employees find it difficult to adapt due to the following reasons.

• The model promotes social isolation and disconnects among workers.
• There is discrimination when it comes to the treatment of workers.
• It has longer working hours as compared to the traditional model.

Tips to Maintain Productivity in Hybrid Working Model

To maintain productivity, you should consider improving your hybrid work environment. Therefore, the following are basic hybrid working dos and don’ts that you should consider in your strategy.

1. Promote Open Communication

Communication is a crucial aspect of both office-site and remote-first hybrid working examples. It is always easier to communicate face-to-face as compared to online communication. Therefore, with the hybrid work model, you should foster open communication to address all the needs of employees, especially those who are finding challenges in the model. Moreover, there’s difficulty in getting all the employees on the same page because they work at different times and locations.

You should be clear on your expectation of each employee before running a hybrid work environment to maximize productivity. Asking for reviews, creating a communication channel, creating personal engagements, and being respectful are some strategies you can consider for a productive hybrid workforce.

2. Have Clear Boundaries

Employers should weigh the pros and cons of the hybrid work model. You can lose control over your employees during the working time since some can decide to participate in other activities that are not work-related. To set clear boundaries, you can use the following methods.

• Conduct regular meetings

This method reminds employees that they are working under an authority that requires them to deliver their services as agreed. Moreover, it also promotes social interaction and encourages employee engagement.

• Give and receive feedback.

Other than promoting engagement, this method ensures that employers and employees improve on their setbacks. 

• Have an agreement from the onset

This method is another way of setting clear boundaries where you agree with employees on when to have onsite or remote work models. 

The hybrid work model can tempt employees to venture into other activities during work hours. Therefore, using these methods to set clear boundaries promotes a productive hybrid work environment.

3. Be Flexible

One of the advantages of the hybrid work model post covid is flexibility. This tip means that employees can choose between remote working and onsite work. Employees choose their work environment based on where they are more productive. Additionally, the flexibility of the hybrid model gives employees an option of the times they want to be an offsite or onsite work station. When you understand your employees’ needs, they will enjoy their work and be more productive.

4. Create a Conducive Work Environment

The work environment is a determinant of a company’s productivity. Employers have almost no control over their employees’ remote work environment. As a result, the poor work environment can hinder quality productivity.

However, you can help your employees create a conducive office space at home to avoid destruction and only focus on their work. One way to do so is by adjusting the company’s budget to provide remote workers with their needs. Moreover, employees’ working time should adhere to the workplace policy. To promote time management in a hybrid workplace, offsite employees should not work longer than their onsite counterparts.

5. Prioritize Your Tasks

As stated earlier, remote working can cause a lot of destruction. Therefore, employees should create their work lists based on their priorities. However, not every work can thrive anywhere. Manual roles like conducting in-house interviews require the employees to be in the office. Therefore, employers should organize work based on their workers’ capacity to perform them. As a result, you will have a productive hybrid workforce and enhance time management in a hybrid workplace.

6. Provide the Required Working Tools 

Before initiating a hybrid working policy in your organization, ensure you have the tools that help run the model. Technology is helpful for remote work since employees communicate and reach out to the management. Furthermore, communication is the only way to make you thrive in a hybrid work environment. You can use remote productivity apps to help your employees communicate from different locations.

7. Acknowledge Personal Differences

Knowing personal differences is one of the best tips to maintain productivity in a hybrid working model. Not all employees can be productive under the same environment and circumstances. Some employees prefer working alone while others do their best in a group setting. Employers should understand that this contributes to how to make hybrid working a success. Moreover, you should not force workers to a specific working model since it will lead to poor productivity.

Conclusion

Employers should understand their business needs before initiating any form of a working model. Plus, not all works can suit all environments, and the same applies to the employees. Therefore choose the hybrid working model and take your business to another level. However, apply this model’s dos and don’ts to promote a productive hybrid workforce.