How to make a hybrid workforce work for you
Companies launching hybrid work strategies must put employees at the forefront of policies, and encourage CHROs, real estate and IT leaders to collaborate.
The future of work is changing, with companies and employees eager to preserve some of the flexibility in where, when and how work is done. While some companies have already implemented more flexible workplace strategies, even pre-pandemic, others are still evaluating employee preferences and deciding the best model for their business. The role of the office in the future will be about fostering collaboration, culture and connection.
Whatever workplace strategy they choose, companies must consider their employees’ preferences or risk putting themselves at a disadvantage. Employee preferences and needs must be front and center when formulating workplace policies. Consider the following:
- The competitive advantages of flexible work. Taking a humanistic approach to workplace and workforce strategies will help elevate talent attraction and retention.
- The nitty gritty of what a plan should cover. In addition to its business, a company’s corporate culture, industry and workforce preferences should dictate the workplace model they choose. Other factors: who needs to be in the office and when; amenities to offer employees when they’re in the office; and the technology necessary to provide a seamless experience across the workplace ecosystem.
- Adopting change management processes. To ensure the best outcome, human resources, real estate, finance, IT and upper-level management should collaborate on hybrid workplace plans.
- How to keep the workforce involved and informed. Sharing some information—even if it’s to let employees know that things are still is the works—is better than sharing nothing at all.
