10 Proven Hybrid Work Best Practices for a Thriving Workplace

Introduction

Mastering the art of hybrid work requires practice and dedication. Just like perfecting a sport or an art form, there's a learning curve when it comes to adopting a hybrid work model. While this flexible model of work offers numerous benefits, such as improved employee productivity and real estate cost savings, it's crucial to implement hybrid work best practices to ensure a thriving workplace.

1. Communicate Clearly and Regularly

One of the key hybrid work best practices is regular and clear communication. A staggering 60% of companies lack a long-term internal communications strategy, which can be detrimental to employee engagement. As a workplace leader, it's your responsibility to communicate your hybrid work policy and keep your team informed about workplace changes and the reasoning behind them.

2. Collaborate with HR and IT for Seamless Tech

Your company's tech stack plays a vital role in providing employees with a seamless workplace experience in a hybrid work model. Collaborate closely with your HR and IT teams to ensure you're investing in the right tools and infrastructure. HR can provide insights into the tools employees need to be productive, while IT will ensure the infrastructure can support various networking connections.

3. Create the Right Workspace for On-site Employees

One of the biggest challenges in creating an optimal hybrid work environment is making the most of your physical space. Poorly managed space] areas, [office hoteling, and informal work areas.

4. Prioritize Employee Safety

In the post-pandemic era, 87% of employees still have concerns about returning on-site. Boost confidence by setting up vaccination verification] and health checks. Additionally, use a [visitor management system to keep track of who's visiting, when, and why.

5. Delight and Connect Remote and On-site Employees

Find ways to delight and connect both remote and on-site employees. Organize workplace activities that include remote employees, such as virtual karaoke contests or casual happy hours. Create a Slack group that encourages participation in daily photo challenges or questions. For on-site employees, consider adding drink and snack stations throughout the workplace to spark interactions between employees who may not work together regularly.

6. Gather Employee Feedback Regularly

Listening to your employees is critical to making hybrid work a success. Keep an open line of communication and gather feedback through various channels, such as Slack or "always-on" surveys. Reach out at least once a quarter with specific questions about changes you plan to make to the workplace. This helps you improve your programs over time and keep your employees happy.

7. Implement a Hybrid Work Schedule that Fits Your Company

There are various hybrid work schedules to choose from, such as hybrid at-will, hybrid split-week, hybrid manager-scheduling, and hybrid mix. Consider creating a cross-functional workplace committee that includes employee representatives to help make decisions on the best way to proceed with scheduling.

8. Invest in the Right Workplace Technology

Investing in the right workplace tech trends is crucial for a successful hybrid work model. Partner with your IT and HR teams to strike the right balance between adopting tools your employees are excited about and ensuring you don't invest in unnecessary technologies.

9. Foster a People-Centric Workplace Experience

Building a people-centric workplace experience is key to getting people engaged with what's going on in the workplace and excited about coming in to work. Focus on creating moments of delight, connection, collaboration, and friendship to boost your hybrid work policy and encourage people to choose the office over home on some days.

10. Continuously Improve and Adapt

Hybrid work is an evolving landscape, and it's essential to continuously improve and adapt your strategies based on employee feedback and changing circumstances. Regularly assess your hybrid work best practices and make adjustments as needed to ensure a thriving workplace.

Conclusion

As a workplace leader, it's your responsibility to ensure that workplace communications, technologies, space management, and experience all operate smoothly. By following these 10 proven hybrid work best practices, you'll build a workplace that boosts people's belonging, productivity, and collaboration, making it a space they're compelled to visit, work, and be a part of.

To learn more about how to help your employees thrive in a hybrid work model, download our ebook, How to identify and solve hybrid work challenges.