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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
For more on self-care and fostering it in your life, check out the insightful video below:
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.
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:
Here are some tips for being effective in a hybrid work environment:
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.
Here are a few tips for adjusting to hybrid work as an employee:
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.
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.