5 Tips for Creating A Successful Hybrid Workspace
Hybrid workplaces are becoming increasingly more common, and more and more employees are starting to see the hybrid office as a key selling point when they are looking at their employment options. If you are looking to adopt a hybrid working environment, here are some tips to help you create a workspace that works for all your employees.
User-Centric Workplace Principles
The way people work has changed drastically over the last decade, which comes with many advantages for both businesses and their employees. One of the biggest changes has been the shift towards user-centric workplace principles. These principles include flexibility, in both workplaces and work times, adapting the workplace to better suit employees rather than being organisationally focused, and a shift towards an asynchronous communication model that combats the “always on” issue that many remote workers suffer from. Keeping these principles in mind when you are looking to upgrade your business to a hybrid model will help ensure you retain the good employees you already have while also making your business more appealing to external talent.
Incorporate the Right Tools for Communication – Hardware
When it comes to a hybrid work environment, nothing is more important than communication. There are two aspects you should consider when it comes to your communication options, namely your hardware and your software.
A good quality omnidirectional microphone is essential for an effective conference room, so make sure your budget can accommodate one. If your conferencing room is spacious, consider installing a ceiling-mounted microphone to ensure the best coverage. This will require a bit of additional planning and could require the need for an electrician to lay the groundwork for your hardware, but the quality will be worth it.
Remember that you should regularly ensure your workplace is electrically compliant and part of this is undertaking Commercial EICR/Fixed Wire Testing/Inspection. A reputable company that offers fixed wire testing in London, both Commercial and Domestic EICR, can assist you with general EICR queries and ensure your workplace meets all required electrical safety standards.
Ensure Successful Collaboration – Software
Linked to your conferencing hardware is having the right software at your disposal. Thanks to the impact of the COVID pandemic, there are more options to choose from than ever before, including both free and paid options. When looking into the right conferencing software for your needs, there are several aspects to consider.
First off, what features does your office need to function successfully? There is no point in choosing the most expensive software that is packed with features you will never use.
Secondly, consider how your team will be connecting. Does your remote staff rely on their mobile phone to connect, or does everyone have a laptop or desktop available? This distinction is important as making sure your software is user-friendly for all your users will promote collaboration. Finally, consider how tech-savvy your office is before you invest in software that requires an advanced degree in computer science to set up and use.
Storage Access for All
Data access is vital for the successful daily running of any business, so hybrid offices need to carefully consider their data storage options. Cloud storage has changed the way we store data, as it helps seamlessly connect physical storage devices with the public cloud, allowing remote employees to access the data they need, when they need it, with only an internet-connected device. Cloud storage solutions from reputable companies also offer advanced security to ensure your data is secure and that your sensitive information is intact.
When looking into your options, consider the size of your business and its needs first, then look into the ease of use of the solutions available to you as well as the quality of their support. You can have all the best features available to you but if a company is terrible at customer support, you are just wasting valuable time and money.
Training Staff for Efficiency
Just like any skill, being able to work efficiently from home can be honed and improved on, which is why it is vital that businesses ensure their remote workers receive adequate training. This training doesn’t only include ensuring your staff can use the software and hardware at their disposal, but also includes training on key aspects of daily working. In particular, training staff in aspects like time management and adequate communication are vital if your team is to be successful.
Not everyone has the ability or skill to adequately manage their own time without the leadership of a present manager, so be sure to find out what training needs your team has so you can improve their efficiency and enable them to work more confidently regardless of where they are based. Training that is focused on behavioural expectations is also important, as it sets the standards for meetings and interactions between staff and management.
Remote working and hybrid offices offer a range of benefits to businesses and their employees. While workers love the flexibility of the work-from-home model, businesses can benefit from lower overheads, access to a bigger talent pool, and more versatile ways of working. Businesses that want to attract the best new talent, and remain relevant in an increasingly digital world, would be wise to do their research into hybrid environments.
