From office to kitchen table: How hybrid and remote working is changing our lives

Hybrid work, whether companies like it or not, is becoming increasingly popular. Back in the days when we only knew Corona as a Mexican beer, only one in four people worked hybrid. Today, this is half of workers in the labor market and we can conclude that this trend has become the norm. What does it entail and what does it mean for you as an employer? We explain it to you.

‍Whatis hybrid working?

Opening the laptop at home to jump into a meeting online. This is the reality we live in today. Hybrid workers alternate between being in the office and working from home. They get the opportunity to sleep a little longer by not having to worry about NS strikes or traffic jams on the highway.

The benefit of hybrid workers

A big advantage of hybrid workers is flexibility. For example, when employees work from home, they have the opportunity to plan their day a lot more flexibly. As a result, they tend to be more productive.  

Some employees can concentrate better at home. No short questions in between or colleagues with a funny story. By reducing distractions, they can focus on work.

Remote working

There are also times when employees prefer to work remotely. They are not tied to a specific location and do not have to come into the office. This means they work entirely from home or from abroad. Like hybrid working, here are some important concerns for you as an employer.

Remote or hybrid working?

Remote and hybrid working are similar but not the same. For example, hybrid employees may visit the office while remote employees will only work at home or away from home. As an employer, it is important to understand the needs and wants of employees. That way, you can keep them happy and maximize their productivity.

5 tips for facilitating hybrid working

Many companies have moved to a hybrid work model. Hybrid working offers numerous benefits, but it also brings challenges. How do you make sure hybrid work runs smoothly? We give you five tips to keep hybrid staff happy:

1. Invest in technology
   Nothing is more irritating than slow programs or sluggish Wi-Fi. Invest in a good infrastructure that gives employees a strong Internet connection and the right tools. That way, you'll make sure they work productively without hiccups.
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2. Make clear agreements
   To make hybrid working successful, clear working agreements must be made. This could mean, for example, agreeing on fixed days when team members work in the office and other days when they work from home.
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3. Strengthen team culture
   Hybrid working can reduce team spirit. It is important to counteract this by regularly organizing team activities, both in the office and online. This can be a virtual session or joint lunch at the office.
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4. Support time management
   Support employees by scheduling meetings at times that work for everyone. By checking in with hybrid staff each morning, you can verify that they are meeting their responsibilities.
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5. Set aside budget to furnish a home office
   A properly furnished home office can make the difference between productivity and physical complaints. For example, a regular office chair can quickly cause back and neck pain. You can prevent this by budgeting for hybrid workers.
   

Boost productivity

Hybrid work has become an integral part of the labor market. In these times, it is important to be open to this new way of working and respond well to it. Immerse yourself in the needs and wishes of employees. That way, they will stay satisfied and you will help maximize their productivity.

Have questions, comments or looking for a new employee to work hybrid or remote? Get in touch with us!