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Hybrid working is a relatively hot topic at the moment, and it appears to be an arrangement that many companies will implement going forward. Its purpose is a common ground of sorts catered to those who worked full-time hours in an office space and changed to remote working over the pandemic. It allows people to get the most out of both working from home and time spent in an office, without completely abandoning either lifestyle.
As humans, we are social by nature, even when we don’t think we are, and going into the office periodically gives workers the chance to maintain some kind of regular social interaction and collaboration with their colleagues. But, retreating to 40 hours a week in the office seems almost prehistoric now and for some, daunting.
Working remotely has its positives as well, it leads to a sense of freedom and work-life balance, with less commute time and more personal time available. And for most businesses, it’s been proven that productivity amongst employees can thrive in either environment.
So, with both of these aspects, there are certainly benefits and together they can create a well-rounded schedule. Though, of course, we are all different and have varied preferences, so there isn’t always a happy medium for everyone or clear solution tied into a pretty little bow; however, this new era of the working world seems to be adapting to the hybrid workweek quite rapidly and is something many of us need to get accustomed to.
For those adjusting to hybrid working or looking to get the most out of it, here are some top tips for a smooth transition:
1. Create a hybrid routine
Regardless of your working pattern, a routine can do wonders for your productivity and the management of your work and personal life. And for hybrid workers, it can be a lifesaver, otherwise, the days tend to get mixed up and your schedule becomes untidy, leaving you unmotivated or feeling sluggish.
Try setting out certain days of the week with your team to go into the office and if you can, choose days that other colleagues are also planning to be there. Then, you can keep the remaining days dedicated to working from home and life admin. After a while, you’ll find comfort in knowing which days are devoted to which purpose, which can help with finding an overall balance that benefits both you and the company you work for.
2. Distinguish what meetings should be in person or virtual
Meetings, as we all know, can book up our calendars in an instant and the option of virtual or in-person can add to the confusion, especially when everyone has different arrangements. Work with your team to decide which meetings will remain virtual and which meetings are better to have in person. If the meeting requires collaboration or is more of a brainstorm, it’s probably better to have it in person, but if it’s a catch-up, it probably fits in the virtual category. And get rid of any unnecessary ones in between. This type of structure can also help with establishing a convenient, more organized routine.
3. Set out time for personal interests and exercise
If you know you must go to the office Monday and Wednesday for example, try and fit in your exercise time on the days you’re working from home. Not that you can’t fit in gym time on office days too, but there’s the likely possibility you’ll be tired or feeling lethargic after a long day in the office. As for personal interests and catching up with friends and family, figure out which days of the week or locations make sense. If they’re near your office, plan on a day you’ll be in or if they’re close to home, make plans after you finish your remote working day. It sounds simple really, but strategically making time for your personal life is a key factor in work-life balance and that joyous feeling of serenity.
4. Arrange after work drinks or lunch with colleagues
On the days you’re in the office, try and schedule after-work or lunchtime get-togethers with co-workers. It’ll make the time in the office more enjoyable and help you to take advantage of the social side. If you’ve been at home full-time, adding in the social aspect of the office, in an enjoyable sense, can make the transition go smoother. Simply, strengthening business relationships and having regular social interaction is good for the soul.
Whatever a hybrid working lifestyle means for you, and regardless of how you feel about it, it can certainly offer a more balanced approach to working life. There are of course pros and cons, like anything, but it does provide a healthy and stable option for modern office workers with varied preferences.
So, make the most out of it and utilize its flexibility to both your advantage and the needs of your team.
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