A significant portion of the workforce operates on what’s known as a hybrid work schedule. This increasingly popular model allows employees to split their work time between different locations.
What sets a hybrid work schedule apart, though, is not just flexibility but also its ability to help workers thrive.
Productivity and satisfaction shine when employees see work as a dynamic, enjoyable part of their day. They significantly dip when work becomes an unpleasant obligation.
To create and implement an ideal hybrid work schedule, it’s necessary to first understand what one is and how it works. From there, you can shape a hybrid work schedule for your business.
What is a Hybrid Work Schedule?
Hybrid work schedules combine working from a company designated office space and remotely (or from home).
Different work models come with different expectations. Still, most hybrid work schedules require employees to spend a few days a week in the office while leaving other days open to remote work.
A coworking space is an ideal choice for hybrid work schedules. It provides access to amenities and services that make employees want to visit the office. Likewise, coworking spaces often support remote workers by offering top-line work technology that makes it simple to connect from afar.
How Does a Hybrid Work Schedule Differ from Other Work Arrangements?
A hybrid working schedule allows businesses and employees to influence how work gets done. The result is unique workplace solutions, less time spent on unnecessary tasks, and better morale.
Below are a few more ways that a hybrid work schedule differs from other ways of working:
- More Individual Control. While hybrid work schedules may include some guidelines, they’re largely open to being tweaked and set by employees. This gives each worker a chance to take control of and shape their schedule into something they truly love.
- Room for Productivity. People tend to perform at their best when their needs are met. This truth illustrates why hybrid work can be impactful. Allowing employees to choose the work model that fits their needs ensures they can contribute daily.
- Combining Remote and In-Person Work. A critical element of hybrid work is a combination of traditional work models. Unlike remote work, hybrid schedules still involve in-person collaboration regularly.
Benefits of a Hybrid Work Schedule
Hybrid work is revolutionizing contemporary business practices. Lifting restrictions that complicate traditional office work allows employees and businesses to blossom.
Increased Flexibility
An ideal hybrid work schedule supports flexibility by ensuring progress can be made even outside the workplace. The rigid lines between work and life can be blurred by a schedule that leaves space for both.
For Employees:
Saving time and money on commutes is a significant perk for many employees. So is spending less on childcare and other essential services that make in-person work possible.
More flexibility means less draining of energy and precious resources.
For Businesses:
Offering flexibility in the workplace is a fantastic way to help employees stay engaged and productive.
One recent poll found that almost all employees take the chance to work flexibly when offered. In fact, 87% of employees offered at least some remote work time take advantage of it.
Taking steps to support this work model helps you show employees you care about their preferences and, ultimately, allows you to boost performance levels.
Better Work-Life Balance
A hybrid schedule for work makes it possible to tend to multiple responsibilities at once. Saving time by working remotely further allows for more space to manage personal obligations.
For Employees:
Achieving a better work-life balance can significantly affect mental, physical, and emotional health. It also helps prevent burnout, which can leave employees feeling stuck in the mud.
Employees who strike this balance can return to work recharged and ready to make progress. They’re also less likely to experience health setbacks that might impact work in the future.
For Businesses:
Helping employees achieve a good work-life balance is not optional, at least regarding satisfaction and productivity levels.
One Forbes report notes that 87% of employees expect their employer to support them in balancing their work and personal commitments. When employees are treated with empathy and understanding, they’re more likely to stay engaged in their work.
Reduced Costs
Working in-person daily costs a lot of money, sometimes in unexpected ways. A hybrid working schedule cuts back on financial stressors for everyone.
For Employees:
Factors like gas prices, car repairs, food purchases, and workplace attire can add up. Employees who use a hybrid work schedule can cut the cost of in–person work in half.
For Businesses:
It can cost upwards of several to tens of thousands of dollars to obtain and operate a traditional office space. The more time it’s used, the more utility bills and other costs climb.
A hybrid work schedule limits how often office spaces are needed and opens doors to alternate, lower-cost options like coworking spaces.
Challenges of a Hybrid Work Schedule
While hybrid work schedules are a fantastic solution for many businesses, they’re not without their potential downsides. Consider challenges like these to adopt an ideal hybrid schedule and avoid unnecessary setbacks.
Communication
Unless all employees follow the same schedule, some may work remotely while others work from the office. This can make it challenging to communicate effectively, especially since remote workers miss out on valuable exchanges that happen in person.
Collaboration
Having some employees in one location and the rest in another can make it challenging to complete specific tasks efficiently. Likewise, navigating collaborative projects can be a pain when communication depends on technology.
Technology
Office spaces and at-home workspaces must have the proper technological tools to facilitate effective work. This might mean support for voice and video calls, access to software, and private, high-speed internet connections.
Work Isolation
One of the biggest benefits of in-person work is connecting employees and fostering a sense of community.
A hybrid work schedule may isolate some team members from activities that bring other employees closer. It likewise might leave some employees feeling lonely or out of the loop.
Best Practices for Implementing a Hybrid Work Schedule
There are a few best practices to keep in mind to overcome hybrid work challenges and ensure that this model functions for your team. The goal is to help employees stay connected, informed, and accountable to their commitments.
Policy and Guidelines
A 2022 Gallup poll found that most hybrid workers prefer a working model with some structure and expectations.
Specifying which days are open to remote work and which aren’t is a simple way to implement some guidelines.
So is creating expectations employees must follow when working remotely, such as checking in at a particular time or logging hours spent on different tasks.
Communication Strategies
Ensure that no employees or projects get left behind by implementing consistent communication strategies.
For instance, you might decide to rely on something like Microsoft Teams or Slack to create an open line of communication between employees.
Or, you may implement weekly meetings and individual check-ins to leave ample opportunity to connect with workers.
Technology Solutions
A hybrid schedule for work relies on employees agreeing to come into the workspace instead of preferring remote work.
As a result, it’s vital to make employees want to come to work to overcome connectivity and collaboration issues.
Businesses can do this by offering technology and other amenities that can’t be found at home. Wellness spaces, refreshments, and top-line technological devices create an allure that makes in-person and remote work equally valuable.
And if your team is still working from home, remember to consider security factors, too. For anyone dealing with sensitive information, ensure that they have proper safety measures, such as a desktop that doesn’t connect to the internet, flash drives, VPNs, and security training.
Team Building Activities
When your team is partially separated by distance, close the gap by developing strong bonds between employees. A great way to do that is via team-building activities.
These encourage employees to get to know one another, learn how to support each other, and see other team members as valuable resources during the workday.
How Industrious Can Help with Hybrid Work Schedules
At Industrious, we believe in creating innovative solutions for common obstacles. Our coworking spaces and flexible offices are designed to support freedom and flexibility during the workday, making them ideal for hybrid schedules.
Our locations feature best-in-class solutions for coworking, private offices, conference and meeting rooms, suites, and even shared communal areas to meet your needs.
Employees can take advantage of our furnished and welcoming spaces for work of any kind. All-inclusive amenities offer a chance to unwind and connect while in the office. You can save time, money, and stress by opting for a coworking space, or even a private office or suite, as part of your hybrid work schedule. Let Industrious lead the way to brighter, inspiring workplace solutions. Reach out today to learn more about your options.