One of the biggest recent challenges businesses face comes in the form of adapting to changing working conditions. This has led to something many are referring to as hybrid working. Adapting to a hybrid model can be difficult to understand at first, but with the right knowledge, you will be able to transform with ease. This article will explain what you need to know, so let’s get started.
Make it Clear in Job Descriptions
When it comes to operating a hybrid model, you should make it clear that this is the way your business operates in the job description. Incoming employees should be fully aware of the working conditions they will be under to avoid any doubt.
Not only should the job description itself be clear, but you should reinforce this through the interview stage so that they are fully aware of what is to come. Of course, hybrid working will mean different things to different organizations, so you should be clear on what it means for your business.
Update Work Policies
If you are looking to change how your business works, then it will stand to reason that you should update your workplace policies to reflect this. The change in the work environment will mean your employees will work in a different way, either in a small way or large. The policies should reflect their changing work habits to protect both your interests and theirs.
The work policies may refer to how to work equipment is used in the office and at home, and how breaks will work in this new hybrid model. There will be guidance available online referring to how to implement a hybrid working policy, which could help boost the way in which your employees work.
These policies will need to be clear-cut and understood by all who read it. Consider asking a few employees you trust to have a look over before making it official. They may spot something you didn’t or even think about adding something that didn’t occur to you.
Explain to Employees What Hybrid Working is
If your business has been established for a while it might mean you have long-lasting employees who have been with you for a while. It may be hard for them to understand what hybrid working is and how it will work. For that reason, you should try to educate your staff on these practices.
Of course, this means you should also be clued up on how the term works and how you could incorporate it into the workplace. If you have a clear understanding of this, then it will be easier for your employees to get on board. Research what needs to go into a hybrid workplace, as there will be steps you need to take to help transform your business.
Explain to them that it is a fusion of both in-office and remote working, emphasizing flexibility. Ensure they are aware that hybrid working is a benefit rather than any type of punishment but speak to them about any concerns they may have.
Consider Providing Equipment
Something that may be worrying your employees is how they will actually work from home and do so efficiently. Oftentimes, they may be concerned about the equipment and tools they have to work with. If your employees don’t feel like they have access at home to the same level of equipment as they did at the office/workplace.
For that reason, you should try to provide equipment to your employees where possible. If your employees insist on getting the equipment themselves, so that they can personalize it where possible and use it for other purposes, then try to help with covering the cost.
This is to help settle your employees into their new hybrid role, especially for the home working part. You will also need to think about the software you use both in-house and externally, as these should match to avoid any major issues. Conflicting software could mean work is wasted as it cannot be easily applied to a different place of work.
Make It Easy To Communicate
An important thing you need to get right when implementing hybrid working is getting effective communication across. This means both from you and your employees. This may seem easier within the actual workplace, which means it’s all the more important that you get communication right remotely.
A lack of effective communication will not only be an issue for the quality of work coming in, but it could also directly affect the mental health of your employees. It will be up to you as a business leader or manager to create a culture of open communication. When working remotely, this may mean implementing communication software that makes it easier for co-workers to talk to each other, or it could mean going out of your way more to communicate with them.
When there is more acceptance and understanding on how to communicate within the workplace, then this will help employees feel happier at work when away from the office. They will know how to talk about work matters and how to communicate effectively both in the office and out.