As workplaces slowly start to reopen and businesses start to plan for the safety of their staff, more and more companies are looking toward a hybrid working model. In our previous blog, we looked at some of the advantages a hybrid model can bring to organisations, today we will explore how to ensure your team achieve the highest level of productivity as you adopt your new working model.
Communicate & Set Expectations
Communication is key to the successful implementation of a hybrid model. Managers need to ensure they maintain regular communication with remote workers. Every member of staff, whether they are remote or on-premises, will need to be clear on their roles & responsibilities, and their work schedule (and whether they are expected to be on-premises or not).
With a mix of on-premises and remote workers, company meetings must be conducted in a way that everyone feels comfortable, having half your team in a conference room and the other half at home listening in may cause remote workers to feel disconnected. Keeping virtual meetings can lead each employee to feel they are contributing equally.
Focus On Achievement Not Attendance
Some staff members may prefer to continue working remotely, others may prefer to come into the office. Just because an employee is coming into the office early and leaving late does not necessarily mean they are getting more done than the remote worker.
Focus on the work being done, ensure you measure outputs and achievements as well as time spent on tasks. Meet with team members regularly to review workloads and update goals, to ensure they stay motivated and productive.
Foster Wellbeing
There is plenty of research out there to prove that happy and healthy employees are more productive, on top of this employees that feel good may handle disruption, such as a new working model easier to manage. A hybrid model of working may improve employee wellbeing in the long run, through reduced commuting time, and more flexibility over their scheduling.
In the early stages, it is important to schedule regular check-ins with your team to find out how they are finding the transition. Identifying issues can help you adapt your model to suit your entire staff. Keeping on top of wellbeing activities both remotely and in person can help facilitate a culture of happy, healthy, and productive employees.
Continue To Use Technology
Technology is the cornerstone of a hybrid workplace, it allows for easy communication, effective collaboration, and transparency for remote workers. Throughout the pandemic collaborative tools have allowed teams to maintain contact with each other, store and share files securely. Continuing to use these technologies implemented ensures that your team stays connect whether they are working from the office or remotely.
If you haven’t already, consider implementing a time tracking software, by using a tool to track the time spent on projects you can ensure transparency for both remote workers and on-premises workers while helping to increase productivity. You can try 1Time for free here and see the benefits a time tracking software can bring to your business.
With the right support and facilities in place, adopting a hybrid model can ensure your team remains productive wherever they are. If you have not already check out our blog outlining the other advantages hybrid working can bring to your company.
