These past few years have changed the way we view work and its importance in our daily lives. Many workers have realized that work is not all there is to life and that spending all day in the office was not exactly their ideal scenario. There needs to be a work/life balance, or else we face the same burnout that we encountered when the pandemic struck. And with those seeds, the idea of a hybrid workplace — something that had existed, but wasn’t widely implemented — grew roots.
What is a Hybrid Workplace?
A hybrid workplace is a method in which the work module is divided between working remotely and in the office. There are different methods to do this: A worker can be assigned which days they need to go to the office by the managers or the employee can choose which days themselves. Sometimes hybrid work means a worker goes to the office in the mornings and works from home in the afternoon.
Why is it important?
Because it gives employees flexibility and shows you care about them and their lives. Not every workplace lends itself to being hybrid but the ones that can definitely think about it. The benefits far outweigh the adjustment period needed to adapt to new circumstances.
Here are some reasons why hybrid work can lend itself to success:
Increased Productivity:
One of the highlights of the hybrid workplace concept has been an increase in productivity. Before the pandemic, there was an assumption that because people were working from home meant they were less productive. But studies have shown that it’s the other way around. But one of the neat factors in a hybrid workplace is that no commute and no water cooler talk can make a person more productive and get more work done in a more petite time frame. There can be exceptions of course — as with everything — but overall it seems like a positive side of the hybrid workplace has been an increase in productivity and efficiency.
Commute Times:
One thing that no one missed while we were stuck at home was the commute to work. Having to wake up at least one or two hours earlier to go to work and losing one or two hours on the way back. It all depends on traffic. When you work from home, you can avoid the commute and be more productive, because those 1-3 hours are actually yours to do as you like.
Worldwide Potential:
Hybrid workplaces have an extra ace up their sleeve. If you don’t have to go to the office, your office can be anywhere in the world, and your team can work from anywhere in the world. You have the option of having coworkers from Madrid or from right across the street. The potential is limitless.
Work/Life Balance:
One of the most important aspects is the balance of work and life. Balance is important in every aspect of life. It’s in every fantasy or sci-fi movie. Anakin Skywalker was supposed to bring balance to the Force, the Karate Kid needed to learn balance. So why wouldn’t our lives also need balance? If we have a full work/life balance, we can live full lives and avoid the dreaded burnout. It means that you can go to a doctor’s appointment without missing a half or full day of work. You can spend more time with the family, rather than being stuck in an office all day long.
Health:
One of the main things the last few years have made us aware of is our health. The truth is that the pandemic is still ongoing, and some people are still anxious about returning to work in an office. Hybrid work helps those who are anxious about returning to work and those that have loved ones who have medical issues. It helps them be able to work without putting anyone they love at risk.
What does a hybrid workplace need?
Now that we’ve analyzed the what and the why of the Hybrid workplace let’s look at the how. How can you make a successful transition? Technology is the answer. First off you have to invest in video conferencing software. This is what is going to allow for the interconnectivity in your team to flourish.
You could also invest in a CRM to have your information in the cloud and centralize it so all your teams can access it. Take it a step further with Commercient SYNC, the #1 data integration platform for sales, by connecting your ERP (accounting and operations) software and your CRM.
It might seem like too much work, but sometimes progress requires work. It requires commitment and dedication. And while not all your employees might want to do it, the ones that do will definitely appreciate it and be happier for it. And if they’re happier they are more productive. If they’re more productive then your business will soar. It seems like a no-brainer.
After all, a happy employee makes for a happy business.
