Employees are actively looking for remote and hybrid work as a way to balance their work life with other parts of their lives. While this can be a good thing, there are also some downsides. Lack of control and uncertainty are two of them. For example, you can’t guarantee that employees are able to take breaks or that they aren’t working too many hours. You need to be sure to have the right technology to allow employees to do their jobs, but there are also other things you can do to make the experience of working remotely more pleasant.
Invest in the right technology
Investing in the right technology for remote and hybrid work is a key part of a productive, successful workplace. Technology isn’t just a solution; it’s an investment that can help businesses boost productivity, build cultures, and promote employee well-being. Using the right tools can also simplify connectivity and increase employee engagement.
With the increasing popularity of hybrid and remote work, it’s important to invest in the right technology for both. With the right tools, your employees can stay in touch, work together more, look after their own health, and make the most of their home and work office space.
To start, a company should determine its needs and assess its culture. Then, it should develop a back-to-office strategy that incorporates the tools and resources employees need.
Encourage breaks
Companies that have a “clear break” policy can reap the rewards of improved employee productivity. While the exact details may vary depending on your workplace, it is important to make sure that all employees know exactly what to expect from their employers.
Breaks help to alleviate stress and burnout. They also boost overall productivity, which in turn increases morale. By promoting the right breaks, companies can make their workers feel more valued and reduce the chances of employees leaving the company.
Companies that encourage breaks can also increase work-life balance. Most studies have shown that having a more flexible work schedule increases employee retention. Similarly, having a break-friendly workspace can also boost productivity.
Taking the time to celebrate milestones and employee accomplishments is a good way to show employees that their efforts are recognized. Not only does it create a sense of gratitude, it also shows that your business is dedicated to its employees’ well-being.
Encourage work/life balance
When employees actively look for remote or hybrid work, they can do a number of things to make sure they have a better balance between work and life. From using technology to prioritize tasks to letting their managers know when they are free from work, there are plenty of things employees can do to improve their work-life balance.
One of the most important ways to promote a healthier, happier work-life balance is to encourage employees to take breaks. It doesn’t have to be a full-on gym session, and even walking your dog for a few minutes can do the trick.
The other is to offer a variety of workplace policies that allow employees to balance their work and life. For example, companies may provide paid time off, and have an emergency policy in place for when an employee becomes ill or injured.
Uncertainty
Almost half of the respondents in a PwC survey intend to implement remote or hybrid working in the near future. The study surveyed 401 IT decision-makers. It also showed that nearly two-fifths of them are concerned about the security of their remote operations.
Despite the positive impact that hybrid and remote work have had on employees, many are still skeptical about their long-term viability. In addition, they are worried about their employers’ expectations for their return-to-office expectations. Moreover, they are concerned that the current economic climate could threaten their well-being.
But there is hope for the future of work. CEOs must lead with empathy and flexibility to meet the needs of their workforce. They must make sure that they have a clear vision of their organization’s future, as well as communicate with their employees frequently.
Lack of control
Managing workforces today requires a new approach. Rather than relying on traditional office-centric methods, organizations are embracing a hybrid model that blends face-to-face and remote work.
This is not only a way to enhance productivity for employees, but it offers substantial benefits for businesses as well. Hybrid work offers employees more flexibility, lowers real estate costs, and develops a deeper connection with customers. It also provides the opportunity to transform the distribution of resources.
But hybrid work isn’t without its challenges. Studies have shown that the move to a hybrid environment is often more emotionally exhausting than full-time, in-person work. And it can create an underclass of workers who feel disconnected from the rest of the organization.