Ways To Ensure A Smooth Transition To Hybrid Working

Businesses should always be growing. Stagnancy soon leads to complacency, so companies must be eager for the next developmental growth period.

Hybrid working is one of the biggest opportunities that can transform a firm’s prospects. The benefits for workers are obvious. Still, redefining work processes is hardly a small feat, and overseeing the transition does require care and consideration.

Because everyone has different opinions on the value of remote working schemes, the transitionary period can seem muddled and clear. What’s the right balance between office and remote work? How does a business tackle resistance to these proposals? There are more questions to answer, too.

Ensuring a smooth transition to hybrid working is much easier if you have a plan ahead of time. Here are some of the things that might be worth thinking about.

Defining Eligibility Clearly

Not all hybrid working approaches are the same. Every company has a different strategy. For instance, it may be in the best interests of your company to only make certain workers eligible. Other roles may demand the use of high-end equipment or require premises-based teamwork and thus need to be on-site. Some workplaces have a policy where workers request flexible working and negotiate the terms with their employer.

The important thing is that workers know where they stand. If workers have false expectations that aren’t rectified, or if rumours dominate over clear instructions, then it can lead to a chaotic shift that will only aggravate and disappoint workers.

Anticipating your worker’s approach to requesting flexible working parameters may also be useful. Employers can set their own rules, such as implementing a trial period for remote workers, but employees can also adhere to certain principles if they request flexible working arrangements. Have an idea of what they might ask for and how, and you can more easily navigate these discussions.

Develop More Opportunities

There shouldn’t be anything subtle about a hybrid work scheme. If you’re going to make a success of these initiatives, your business needs to go all-out with them. Developing fresh opportunities is a great way to broadcast those big-thinking intentions.

Remote workers need to know that their career progression won’t be penalised if they work from home. Some may hesitate to be on board with the transition if they harbour those concerns. Therefore, it’s important that everybody feels stimulated in their positions, whether in the office or at home.

Video link remote workers into meetings. Establish group chats on communication software so teams can still chat, irrespective of location. Open up promotions to all, rather than only those you have more face time within the office. Invite everybody to the same work socials and conferencing events.

Developing different perks for remote workers is great, too, especially if your office workers are enjoying things like having their commute expenses covered. You could cover the equipment and supply expenses for those working more at home or provide mental well-being packages. All these efforts make the hybrid working structure more well-rounded instead of favouring one side.

Working with Crossover Entities

Firms have to be more flexible, especially when undergoing a transitionary period. That’s true not only for your company but those you work with, too. If you’re outsourcing a few processes, then the professionals you’ve entrusted have to be able to adapt their working methods to your company’s changing needs. Tailored services are always the most efficient, as they’ll be able to provide support regardless of the shape your company is currently in.

For example, Totality Services in London provide IT support services for remote workers, hybrid workers, and office-only ventures. They partner with you to offer strategic advice on compliance, state-of-the-art cybersecurity and data protection solutions, and proactive maintenance monitoring. This IT support in London is a prime example of what to look for. If your firm is based elsewhere, seek out a compatible service.

It’s not just your tech that needs to seamlessly transition. Supplier arrangements may need to be readjusted, financial consultants may need to be informed, and clients may need suitable notice so your working relationship can evolve. Work with entities that are open-minded to the changes your firm is undergoing.

Adjust Office Setup

Hybrid working shouldn’t neglect your business premises. Remember, the goal here is to present the best of both worlds, so the workplace may need to be reinvented somewhat.

After all, workers who head into the office after a few days of working from home will have higher expectations for what they wish to get out of their visit. They’ll expect greater collaboration, meaningful workplace interactions, and a stimulating environment to work in. Otherwise, they may as well be fully remote workers.

Adjusting the setup of the workplace can help facilitate this. Things like round tables, flexible seating policies, and open-plan arrangements encourage workers to huddle together and interact. Upgrade the breakroom with better furnishings. Have quiet spaces, lots of plants and natural light, and use digital storage to keep workplaces free of clutter. All these changes will make workers evenly appreciate remote and in-office work.