7 Proven Hybrid Work Tips for Employees [2023]

Many studies on hybrid work show that employees want to see this sort of work arrangement continue well into the future. Others are open to other types of environments if they offer the same flexibility as hybrid work does. 

While this shift has been coming down the pipeline for decades, COVID-19 gave the process a big fat boost. Hybrid workplaces offer the ultimate flexibility, empowering employees to seamlessly switch between working in the office and remotely. 

However, while this is undoubtedly cool, it also leads to some new challenges. For instance, employees should learn how to stay equally productive no matter where they work from. The good news is that there are many ways for you to move past these challenges and fully enjoy the switch to hybrid work.

We’ve created this list of seven hybrid work tips for employees to help you move forward and make changes that can create better productivity and work-life balance.

7 Practical Hybrid Work Tips for Employees

According to Mercer, 94% of employees surveyed noted that productivity was the same or better than before the pandemic, even when employees were working remotely. This is just one of the reasons why the hybrid model thrives.

Rather than entirely removing the office from the equation, hybrid work creates a human connection that is more challenging to find with fully remote work. 

For you, this means finding ways not only to excel at your job but to achieve a good work-life balance is a must. The tips below are designed to make this happen and help you eliminate the common struggles sometimes associated with hybrid work.

#1: Set Appropriate Boundaries

One of the struggles for employees when working hybrid is the stress associated with blurring the lines between home and work. 

It can lead some people to work more hours and do more tasks than they normally did when going into the office every day. This is why setting the right boundaries is an essential task.

First, create boundaries for yourself. Setting a schedule that creates boundaries between work and home is a challenge, but one you should take on. If you can choose when you work at home, it doesn’t have to be the same hours as you had when going into the office.

However, even when working independently, make sure you show up to meetings on time. Daily check-ins can also be useful in your pursuit to set appropriate boundaries. Take a moment after work to ask yourself the following questions:

• Did I have too much work to complete today? 
• How stressed am I feeling now? 
• How do I feel about what I managed to accomplish today?

If you notice that you are stressed, not getting enough done, or taking on too much, make changes to avoid that in the future. Boundaries aren’t something you can establish and forget. Reflecting can ensure you find what works for you and what doesn’t and always reiterate.

#2: Establish a Dedicated Work Area

Based on research by Stanford University, only 49 % of American employees have a dedicated work area in their homes. The remaining 51% work from their bedrooms or any other communal area that often changes. 

Having a dedicated place at home that’s only for work, can alleviate stress, prevent frustration, and let you get the workday done quicker and more easily.

You should choose a long-term space where you can focus on work and not all the other things going on in your home. Below are several things to consider as you build a space for work in the comfort of your home:

• Choose a dedicated work area, whether in an extra room, a garage, a shed, or any other space that’s convenient 
• Ensure your space has a table or desk at work height, which is 29 inches from the floor to the surface. 
• Choose a great monitor (or even two to three) and make sure it’s set up at a height where your eyes are around 25% below the top of the screen.
• Select a good office chair, ideally a professional one. Adjustable height, lumbar support, rolling, and seat pan tilt will all make the space more comfortable.
• Add in good lighting, with overhead and indirect lighting that prevents glare on the monitor. 
• Make sure you have an excellent internet connection (a no-brainer).
• Consider all the other equipment you need, such as a mouse, keyboard, headset, microphone, and more. You don’t want to be scrambling for something at the last minute.

If you tend to work from somewhere other than home, these tips are still useful but consider having a traveling setup for hotels, coffee shops, coworking spaces, and other locations where you get your work done. 

#3: Become a Communication and Collaboration Master

Proper communication and a desire for intentional collaboration are skills that will make you excel as an employee in a hybrid work environment.

Here are five tips that will help you do that:

1. Clearly communicate your availability: When working in a hybrid environment, it’s important to clearly communicate your schedule and availability to your team. This will help ensure that team members know when they can expect you to be available for meetings and when they should contact you. 
2. Become a wizard in video conferencing: Video conferencing is a great way to stay connected with your team when working remotely. It allows you to see and hear your team members, which can help to build stronger relationships and improve communication. Learn how to master Webex, Google Meet and Zoom. 
3. Refine your communication skills: It is important to communicate effectively with your team members, whether you’re in the office or working remotely. Make sure to be clear and concise in your communication and to actively listen to others. Perking up your presentation skills and learning how to write better e-mail copy will help you along the way.
4. Master the most important collaboration tools: There are many tools available to help you collaborate with your team, such as project management software and file-sharing platforms. Use these tools to keep track of tasks, deadlines, and progress on projects. The most popular tools used for team collaboration these days are Asana, Trello, Google Docs, Slack, and Zoom. 
5. Be responsive: When working remotely, it can be easy to become disconnected from your team. Be sure to check your email and messaging apps frequently, and respond promptly to any requests or questions from your team members and managers.

#4: Opt for Being Flexible

When you are working in a hybrid workplace, you need to be flexible. There will likely be changes as things progress and you want to be prepared for that. 

For instance, schedules might shift, or you could be tasked with learning new technology, such as desk booking software or meeting room booking system.

Keep an open mind and be willing to try new things both in the office and at home. There are many ways to be more flexible in the workplace, including the following:

• Build a more flexible mindset based on the value of not being rigid since changes are a part of life.
• Consider switching your routine on occasion by altering your schedule or work style.
• Add flex time to both your work and professional time.
• When you see an issue coming, be proactive about handling it.
• Realize that change is part of life, and nothing ever stays the same forever.
• Seek learning opportunities and expose yourself to new things.

Being flexible can create trust with your team members and managers. A global survey of 4,000 employees shows that over 60% feel trust should be earned at work. When you are flexible, you get more autonomy as you build trust with others.

#5: Prioritize Self-Care

When working in a hybrid setting, it can be challenging to separate work and personal time, especially when working from home. This can be true for both those who are new to hybrid work and those who have been doing it for an extended period. When moving to hybrid or making a change to the workplace, prioritizing your well-being is essential. 

The good news is that there are many ways you can accomplish this.

• Set boundaries: Clearly define when your workday begins and ends, and make sure to stick to those times. This will help you separate work from personal time and allow you to focus on self-care during your free time. 
• Schedule self-care activities: Make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. This could include exercise, meditation, or a hobby you enjoy. 
• Practice mindfulness: Control the expected anxiety caused by too much work and learn to switch off your mind to rest effectively. This can be achieved through mindfulness exercises such as deep breathing and meditation. The Calm app is a great way to start and all it takes is 10 mins per day. 
• Take regular breaks: Sitting in front of a computer all day can be draining, so make sure to take regular breaks and stretch your legs. 
• Maintain social connections: Stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues. This can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• Go for a walk to let yourself relax. Even a couple of minutes of stretching can help between meetings.
• Realize that perfection isn’t possible. Changing your entire routine is rough but as you keep doing it, things will get easier. 

For more on self-care and fostering it in your life, check out the insightful video below:

#6: Jump in and Embrace Technology

One of the best things you can do to make hybrid work easier is to embrace technology. 

In all honesty, technology is the cornerstone of this type of work environment. You need to be capable of using all the available tools that help you collaborate, conference, and get work done efficiently.

Here’s a good list of the most common tools required for hybrid work. Failing to embrace technology may make you fall behind compared to other workers and it will be harder for you to stay productive.

#7: Remain Organized

The last of our hybrid work tips for employees is all about proper organizational habits. Walking into a hybrid work model can be jarring and many people end up disorganized in the process, especially when working from home.

However, disorganization breeds anxiety and creates workflow friction. There are many ways to create a more organized space, including the following:

• Use a cloud drive to save your work so you can easily move between the office and home. You can access documents from any location, even on the road. It’s easy to start something at home, finish it in the office, or do the opposite. Plus, it provides a backup for your work. Some of the best cloud drives are Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox.
• Simplify your home workplace. Having tons of books, documents, and manuals around can clutter things. If you haven’t used something in months, move it out of your home office space. 
• Invest in the tools you need to boost productivity and keep you organized. For instance, some tools will help with audio and video quality and let you work faster. Organizing all the right tools will create an environment you like coming into instead of leaving you with a feeling of dread. Last but not least, learn how to manage your time like a pro in a hybrid work environment.

FAQ

How can I be effective in hybrid work?

Here are some tips for being effective in a hybrid work environment: 

• Communicate clearly and frequently with your team and manager
• Establish a regular schedule for when you will be working from the office and when you will be working from home (if your company doesn’t have a strict hybrid work policy).
• Make sure that you have a dedicated workspace at home that is free from distractions.
• Utilize technology to stay connected with your team, such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management tools. 
• Take advantage of opportunities to socialize virtually with your team, such as virtual happy hours or coffee breaks. 
• Be open to feedback and willing to make adjustments to your approach as needed. 
• Lastly, be flexible and adaptable to change as the situation evolves.

What do employees want in a hybrid workplace?

Employees generally want a hybrid workplace that offers flexibility, work-life balance, and a sense of connection to their colleagues and the company. They want the option to work from home or in the office, depending on their needs and preferences. They also value clear communication and expectations from their employer, as well as the necessary technology and resources to be successful in a hybrid environment. Additionally, employees want their employer to provide opportunities for professional development and growth without any distance bias.

How to better adjust to hybrid work as an employee?

Here are a few tips for adjusting to hybrid work as an employee:

• Establish a routine and stick to it. This will help you stay productive and focused, regardless of whether you’re working from home or in the office. 
• Set boundaries between your work and personal life. This can be difficult when you’re working from home, but it’s important to separate your work and personal time to maintain a healthy work-life balance. 
• Prioritize self-care. The transition to hybrid work can be stressful, so it’s important to take care of yourself physically and mentally. 
• Stay organized. Make sure to keep your workspace clean and tidy, and create a schedule or to-do list to stay on top of your tasks. 
• Take advantage of the benefits of working from home and being in the office. The flexibility of working from home can help with work-life balance and productivity while being in the office can improve team collaboration and communication. Plus, it improves business metrics.
• Be adaptable, things can change quickly. Be open to adjustments and new ways of working.

Why are companies moving to hybrid work?

There are many reasons that companies are turning to hybrid work. It offers employees a better work-life balance and much-needed flexibility. For businesses, that means better engagement and productivity, which creates the opportunity for bigger profits and reduced real estate costs.

Do employees prefer hybrid work?

Studies indicate that about 67% of workers prefer to have a hybrid work arrangement. It offers higher productivity, control over the location and work hours, better time efficiency, and increased work-life balance. Employees enjoy the flexibility to work when and where they are most efficient and productive.

Job aggregators such as Jooble can be helpful if you’re looking for a hybrid job.