Our top tips for hybrid working success

The adoption of hybrid working models has had a significance impact on organisations globally. Since the Covid-19 epidemic, 70% of the Australian workforce now works in a hybrid capacity compared to the initial 23% who occasionally worked from home.  Whilst it was once a luxury, hybrid working is now a common practice and organisations are forced to continuously adapt working practice and technology to accommodate the shift. By adopting a hybrid working model, organisations have seen increased flexibility, improved productivity, lower overhead costs, improved diversity and inclusion, and increased employee retention.  

Hybrid working has offered the opportunity to make our working lives more productive, purposeful, flexible and agile. For hybrid working models to succeed they need to be designed with employees concerns at the forefront. Yet figuring out how to do hybrid working right has been a challenge for most organisations across Australia.  

Here are our top tips for ensuring your organisation thrives in the era of hybrid working: 

• Communicate regularly and effectively: Communication is critical for a successful hybrid working model. Ensure you regularly check-in with, and provide updates to your employees. Remember it is important to keep your employees informed and engaged.  
• Invest in the right technology: Invest in technology that is not only functional but can provide seamless collaboration and communication across both employees and teams. This could include virtual collaboration or video conferencing tools.  
• Provide support and resources: For employees to succeed in a hybrid working environment and remain productive, they must be provided with support and resources to complete their work duties. This not only includes training and development opportunities but also access to mental health resources and support.  
• Foster a sense of community: Strive to maintain a strong organisational culture and sense of community even when employees are working remotely. This can include virtual events, social activities, and opportunities for employees to connect in person, where appropriate.
• Clearly define roles and responsibilities: Regardless of whether employees are working in the office or remotely, it is important to ensure they have an accurate understanding of what is expected of them and their individual responsibilities. For managers, this could include regularly checking in on their team and providing the necessary resources.  
• Evaluate and adjust: It is important to recognise that the hybrid working environment is constantly evolving and therefore it is import and evaluate and pivot as necessary. Make changes to processes and technology where needed to better support employees working in a hybrid environment.  

Sources: 

Charmorro-Premuzic, T. (2021). Thriving in the Age of Hybrid Work. Harvard Business Review 

Neeley, T. (2021). 12 Questions About Hybrid Work, Answered. Harvard Business Review 

Gratton, L. (2021). How to Do Hybrid Right. Harvard Business Review