As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect businesses, many organizations have had to explore alternative working arrangements in order to stay afloat and remain competitive. As such, many are turning to the hybrid workforce model, which combines both remote and onsite workers to optimize efficiency and productivity. This strategy allows organizations to adjust quickly to changing trends and leverage resources more effectively, while still providing employees with flexibility and choice.
However, before jumping into a hybrid workforce model, there are certain key considerations to take into account. Here are some tips for strategically planning for a hybrid workforce:
1. Review & Evaluate Your Equipment & Technology: It’s important to review the equipment and technology that your organization has available for remote and onsite workers. Make sure you have the hardware and software necessary to ensure everyone can be productive from any location. Additionally, consider investing in tools that enable better collaboration and communication amongst teams, such as video conferencing, document sharing, and project management software.
2. Establish Clear Policies & Procedures: When transitioning to a hybrid workforce model, it’s important to set clear policies and procedures that both onsite and remote employees must follow. For example, if employees are working remotely, how often do they need to check in with their supervisor? What times must work be completed by? Be sure to create detailed policies that provide enough structure and guidance so that everyone knows what is expected of them.
3. Develop a Wellness Plan: Given the recent stress and uncertainty caused by the pandemic, it’s essential to develop a plan to support the mental and physical well-being of your workforce. Provide access to mental health resources and ensure that employees have adequate time for rest and breaks during the workday. You could also consider offering amenities for your onsite employees, such as wellness activities or healthy snacks in the office.
4. Identify Strong Leaders: When managing a hybrid workforce model, it’s important to identify strong leaders who can provide direction and ensure tasks are completed on schedule. Consider promoting those who have been successful with remote or onsite work in the past and who have demonstrated effective management skills.
By strategically planning for a hybrid workforce, businesses can gain a competitive edge and continue to thrive in the current economic climate. By establishing clear policies, leveraging strong leadership, and investing in the right technology, businesses can successfully transition to a hybrid workforce model and start to reap the rewards.
