July 19, 2021, by HR Search & Rescue In this article, we will go over some of the most important benefits that hybrid work models can provide for businesses as well as how to ensure you are applying this model well to your niche. Work From Home (WFH) practices have become common practice among many businesses after employees have become more accustomed to this style of work during the pandemic. Both businesses and employees have been making the most out of the situation by taking advantage of the comfortable work environments, flexible work schedules, and savings that come along with adopting this model. While this is true, there are also individuals who enjoy coming to the office for work or who have roles that require more of a physical presence at the office. As long as managers can guarantee adequate safety measures, these teams can feel comfortable about returning to the office. What does the Work From Home plan entail? Many business teams have been readily adopting new WFH hybrid work models that allow some employees to work remotely while others remain on-premises. This is a flexible model, though, and does allow certain employees who work on-premises mainly to also work some remote hours if they choose to do so. As an employer, it is important to have this discussion with your employees to see how they feel about their roles being adapted to this type of work mode. Depending on each position and that employee’s attributes, a WFH model may actually improve their overall efficiency and productivity. It is essential to ensure that you have a good understanding of the responsibilities of each employee and if the office is a necessary part of what they do. The hybrid work model is a new phenomenon that has not been readily used in the workplace for very long. This being said, there are some pros and cons that come along with implementing a WFH model that are important to note: Benefits of a Hybrid WFH Model Some of the main benefits of the WFH model include: Improved Talent Pool When you have the option for certain roles to be completely remote, you gain access to thousands of new potential hires. This can provide your company with a very skilled remote team that can give you high-quality work, even outside of your normal business hours! Efficiency Employees who are able to work in their most favorable environment are more productive. You’ll be able to allow team members who need to focus quietly at home and those who thrive better in a community office setting the ability to work when and where they’re most effective. Save Money Fewer employees in the office at all times means less overhead costs. There is less need for big spaces with high rent and a ton of supplies and equipment in the office. WFH hybrid models incentivize efficiency at all levels of a company. Fewer Health Risks Fewer in-house employees means that your company may be able to lower the chance of transmission of colds, the flu, or COVID spreading around the team. This also could result in employees taking fewer sick days. Cons of the WFH Model The WFH model is not perfect, as it does require some extra effort in some areas in order to make it work properly. One of these areas is your communication channels. When employees are put into this model, it is important that you establish easy access communication channels so you can stay in touch if any questions or problems come up throughout the day. Using a workplace-specific app and Zoom meetings can help to make this process much easier. Another issue is the isolation it can cause, which makes communication channels even more important. Employees who work from home a lot tend to become distant and feel isolated from the group. As a manager, you need to be proactive in this situation and ensure there are regular check-ins or occasional meetings to ensure there is still a team atmosphere in place. Integrating the Hybrid WFH Model Into Your Business It’s crucial to spend time thinking about ways your business can adjust to a new WFH model. First, you must create policies that benefit WFH employees and in-house team members alike, even if they may be different in some key aspects. Employees should feel like they’re equals which sometimes can be lost when remote teams are put in place. Try to put yourself in your employees’ shoes. Consider what you would value most if you were working remotely versus at the office and the role they play within their position. Think about how you could create a positive work environment where employees feel appreciated, no matter where they clock in. With a bit of planning and preparation, it can be simple to make a WFH hybrid model work for your employees. This model can help your business run more profitably and efficiently while creating a more motivated, satisfied, and productive workforce. The suggestions in this guide will help you foster a community of employees who feel connected and motivated despite working in different places. HR Search and Rescue is a full-service HR consulting firm that specializes in helping businesses improve workplace productivity and efficiency. Whether you are an employee dealing with microaggressions or a small business owner handling an employee investigation, you can trust HR Search & Rescue to work with you to develop the best possible solution that will yield the most favorable results. Contact us online to assess your hybrid work schedule and improve your business operations today.
