Many organizations have made the decision to incorporate a hybrid work model beyond the pandemic. This move has been made with the knowledge that many people remain productive while working from home and prefer doing so. The office isn’t going to go away as it breeds camaraderie and collaboration, and many of us simply can’t wait to get back. There are pros and cons to each side, which makes the flexibility of the hybrid model ideal for today and the future. Some may choose to exclusively work in either location, while some will want to split time in each. Employee satisfaction and well-being have become a priority for forward-thinking organizations. Still, a number of factors need to be considered before employing a full-scale hybrid work model.

Technology Upgrades

In order for people to work from home and remain connected and productive, new technology is needed. This can come in the form of cloud storage and computing, VoIP platforms, and marketing automation. Even basic necessities like laptops, telephone, printers, monitors, backup batteries, and headsets need to be addressed. You want the people working from home to have everything at their disposal that they would have in the office. This might even include paying for internet service, stationery, desks, and chairs for your remote workers.

Clear And Consistent Communication

In order for a hybrid model to work, communication cannot be sacrificed. Meeting software, VoIP systems, instant messaging, and document sharing should all be incorporated to achieve unified communications both in and out of the office. Regularly scheduled team meetings and one-on-one sessions should be commonplace for organizations looking to employ a hybrid model and keep everyone on task. It is important that those working from home still feel like they are a part of the team and do not become isolated from the rest of the organization.

Flexible Hours And Location

In a hybrid work model, where your employee’s work should not be the only flexible thing. For those who do not need to be on the clock during a specific timeframe, their schedule should be primarily up to them. Let people work when they are the most productive. Allow for an appropriate work-life balance that enhances their effectiveness and helps them avoid burnout. Flexible work schedules also allow you to attract and retain top talent. “A 2018 survey found that 80% of workers would choose a job that offers a flexible schedule over those that did not.”

Well-Defined Goals And Objectives

For managers to keep everyone working toward a common interest, there needs to be well-defined goals and objectives for both individuals and the team as a whole. A shared calendar for each group is a great way to delegate tasks, schedule collaboration sessions and ensure everyone meets their deadlines. It can be very easy for things to slip through the cracks when your teams operate out of different locations. Clearly defining goals and objectives while leverage technology to track progress will all but ensure success in your hybrid work model.

Through our industry experience and strategic partnerships with Amazon Web Services and RingCentral, Alto9 can provide the expertise and technology needed to implement and manage a successful hybrid work model. Contact us today to learn more.