Hybrid Work Environments is a phrase on everyone’s lips.  Here are some thoughts around key areas for a successful hybrid solutions

Software

Software is what allows a company to exist beyond a physical location. It allows a business to remain functional, viable, and operational even when there are no employees in the same physical location at any given time. This however, relies heavily on the versatility, utility, and quality of the software being used.

Collaborative software that allows us to proceed with business activities, meetings and other essential practices without giving thought to physical location are plentiful – especially with the dramatic changes brought forth by the global pandemic. Software providers have invested more resources towards their collaborative tools now more than ever before. These solutions can range from single programs such as Zoom, all the way to completely integrated structres that offer almost everything a business needs to implement a hybrid system, such as the Microsoft 365 suite.

The key is the software suite needs to be easily accessed, secure and not dependant of being in a physical office.

Hardware

Hardware is the portal through which employees can access their company, their colleagues, and any associated practices whilst working from home. This should provide employees with a seamless connection experience that does not inhibit them or impede upon their ability to work at their highest potential.

Many companies provide their employees work devices, especially in this day and age, however it’s an all too common oversight to assume all employees have access to a stable internet connection. Hardware devices such as routers, modems, and cabling all play an important part in determining the quality of one’s connection to the web. Staff who live in “deadzones” may need to be supplied with alternatives such as 4G dongles.

Office setups and ergonomic work conditions are also an important factor in the equation. Employees need access to a constructive, work-friendly environment. This incluedes appropriate lighting, and ergonomic equipment such as screens, desks, chairs, keyboards, headphones etc. 

People

Finally, we come to the most important part of any company – its people. People are what form the foundations of an organisation, and must be treated as such. WFH has recently exploded in popularity (no surpises here), and many individuals who now work from home have experienced a jarring transitional stage with very little support. For some, working from home can be an isolating, difficult experience – especially if they haven’t experienced WFH before and have had to adapt rapidly.

A few incentives that could make all the difference:

• Online staff events to prevent isolation
• Access to mental healthcare
• Coffee sent to the home address

Management just making the time to chat to staff during the day