Your employees are ready for hybrid work — are you?

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Magda On Cyber

7 min readMay 2, 2022

Hybrid work has been a game changer for many companies. Employee performance, work-life balance, well-being, and company culture have all improved stats show.

Prior to hybrid work, employees were struggling to meet deadlines and maintain focus in the office. The stress was taking its toll on their personal lives as well. They were constantly feeling overwhelmed and overworked.

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There are a few challenges that come with working from an office. First, it can be difficult to stay focused when you’re in the same room as other colleagues. It’s also easy to get caught up in office politics and water cooler gossip. And finally, it can be tough to find time to take breaks or get exercise when you’re chained to your desk all day.

With hybrid work, however, that’s all changed. Employees are now able to complete tasks more efficiently and with less distractions. They also have more time for themselves outside of work. This has led to a better overall work-life balance for everyone.

What about trust?

For many employers, the thought of allowing their employees to work from home on a permanent basis was simply unthinkable — until now. The pandemic has shown us that it is indeed possible for people to work from home effectively, and this has led to many companies reassessing their policies on remote working.

The option that employers are now considering after many months of remote work is hybrid working, which involves a mix of working from home and working in the office. This can be an appealing option for both employers and employees, as it offers flexibility and choice while still maintaining some degree of connection and collaboration in the workplace.

And there’s no doubt that hybrid working has a positive impact on the workplace. It’s allowed companies to be more flexible with their employees, and it’s helped retention rates by making it easier for talented employees to stay with their company.

What are the key ingredients for a successful hybrid working environment?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the key ingredients for successful hybrid work arrangements will vary depending on the specific goals and needs of each organization. However, there are a few important factors to keep in mind when planning and implementing hybrid work arrangements.

Clear communication is key in any relationship, but it’s especially important when working together in a hybrid arrangement. You need to be able to clearly communicate what you need from the other person, and also be clear about what you’re able to offer them in return. This way, everyone is on the same page and there are no misunderstandings or hurt feelings later on.

Agreement on goals and objectives is also essential for a successful hybrid arrangement. It is important to clearly define the goals, and ensure that all stakeholders agree on these goals. Without a shared understanding of what the arrangement is trying to achieve, it will be difficult to make it successful.

A critical ingredient for a successful hybrid working arrangement requires a good setup at home -a dedicated workspace. Employees need to have a dedicated space in their homes where they can focus on work and not be distractions.

The fourth ingredient is adequate resources. Employees need to have the resources they need to do their job effectively, whether it’s a quiet place or the right tools. By using a combination of both traditional and remote work technology tools, businesses can save time and money while employees have the flexibility to work from anywhere. Some of the most popular remote work technology tools include video conferencing, online meeting software, and instant messaging/chat software. These tools allow employees to collaborate with coworkers in real-time, no matter where they are located. And by using a combination of both traditional and remote work technology tools, businesses can ensure that they are always prepared for any situation.

Cisco Global Hybrid Work Study 2022

What are the benefits of hybrid work environment?

There are many benefits to working in a hybrid arrangement, and more and more people are realizing them. Here are some of the advantages:

You can design your own schedule. One of the great things about working in a hybrid arrangement is that you can design your own schedule. This means you can choose when to work and when to take time off, which can be very beneficial if you have other commitments outside of work.
You can have a better work/life balance. Another big advantage of hybrid arrangements is that they can help you achieve a better work/life balance. With traditional jobs, it can be hard to find time for family, friends, and hobbies since you’re always at the office.
You improve your well-being. More people want to work in hybrid arrangements because of the well-being benefits realized. A study recently published in the Harvard Business Review found that working remotely for at least half of the week leads to a number of positive outcomes, including increased job satisfaction and engagement, as well as reduced stress and increased feelings of autonomy.

What are the drawbacks of hybrid work environment, and how to address them?

1.Security: There are some drawbacks to hybrid working as well. One of the biggest concerns is data security. With more and more people working remotely, there’s an increased risk of sensitive data being leaked or hacked, especially without the right preparation.

That’s why it’s important for companies to have the right cybersecurity strategy in place.

2. Long hours: Another drawback of hybrid working is that it can be difficult to maintain work/life balance. It can be tempting to work longer hours. The long hours that come with hybrid work can be tough to manage. Here are a few tips to help your employees make the most of their time and stay productive: It’s important to schedule breaks into the day so that your employees can take a step away from your work and recharge. Breaks will help avoid burnout and keep their energy levels up so that they can be productive when they return to work. Of course, a good night’s sleep is crucial for maintaining focus and energy levels.

3. Lack of visibility, and interactions with colleagues: It can be difficult to feel engaged in hybrid work arrangements because it’s hard to know what’s going on when you’re not physically in the office. Employees may find that they need to be more proactive about seeking out information and building relationships with colleagues. It is important to establish a regular communication rhythm, such as touch bases every morning or sharing updates at the end of each day. And if there are specific times when employees need more visibility or want to interact with colleagues, scheduling a meeting or popping into the office for a chat or having a social catch-up can be very beneficial.

What is the future of hybrid work environment?

There’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we work. With so many people now working remotely, employers are starting to realize the benefits of a hybrid work model — one where employees can split their time between working from home and working in an office.

This trend that is already beginning to emerge is the hybridization of work. This means that people will increasingly work both in physical workplaces and in virtual spaces, using a variety of tools and technologies.
The lines between our personal and professional lives will blur even further, as we use personal devices for work tasks and communicate with colleagues via chat, video conferencing, and social media.

As we have seen, there are advantages and disadvantages to this trend. On the one hand, it offers increased flexibility and freedom when it comes to where and how we work. We’ll be able to choose from a variety of working arrangements that suit our needs at any given time.

Additionally, advances in hybrid technology will allow us to commute to work without ever leaving our homes. We will be able to see and interact with our coworkers in real-time, and we will be able to attend meetings and lectures without ever having to leave the comfort of our own living rooms.

Hybrid arrangements allow employees to have more control over their work schedule and how they spend their time, which can result in a better work-life balance. Additionally, employees who are able to work remotely feel more connected to their team and company culture, even when they’re not physically present. All of these benefits can lead to a happier and more productive workforce.

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