Adopting a Hybrid Work Model: How to Re-Integrate Employees

Recent data shows that 68% of executives want their employees in the office at least three days per week. Meanwhile, that same poll found that 55% of employees want to work from home three days per week.

It’s clear that there’s a slight disconnect between the desires of many higher-ups and their employees. So how can everyone get what they want while enjoying maximized productivity?

Keep reading as we explore how your company can implement a hybrid work model that benefits everyone and how you can re-integrate employees effectively.

Starting The Re-Integration Process

You have a tough task ahead of you, so where do you even begin?

Start by checking out the CDC guidelines on business reopenings. While it’s great that you’re ready to bring people back into the office, things will look quite different, at least for the first few months.

You’ll need to add sanitation stations, solidify a new and more rigorous cleaning schedule, and make sure employees keep a proper distance from each other whenever possible.

Let your employees voice their opinions, as well. Ask about their preferences and allow for flexibility with scheduling.

Some may not feel comfortable returning to the office yet, while others are ready to get back to ‘normal.’ There’s no right or wrong answer here. You should consider each employee’s preferences throughout the process and aim to compromise.

Businesses that listen to feedback tend to keep their employees happy and motivated, resulting in less turnover.

It should be a team effort, not a corporate mandate.

Coming Together as a Team

Speaking of teams, working away from one another can lead to some emotional distance among employees. It’s been a year, after all, and not seeing coworkers for that long can strain relationships.

Make an effort to focus on team building during the first few weeks back.

Come up with at least one safe, socially distanced team outing and encourage but don’t mandate attendance. For some ideas, you can Learn More here.

Host a town hall after the first few weeks back to get a sense of how your in-house talent is taking to the re-integration process. Encourage honest, open feedback and communication, and don’t punish dissenting opinions.

Don’t Be Afraid to Revisit Hybrid Practices

Not every industry or team is fit for remote work. And there’s nothing wrong with that!

If you find that a hybrid work schedule isn’t as effective as you hoped, there’s no shame in adjusting until you find the right fit.

Likewise, you may find that remote work is exactly what your team needed. If that’s the case, leave your hybrid work model be, It may be more challenging to adapt but it is possible if you choose the right strategy and tools such as employee monitoring software from https://www.workpuls.com/.

A happy team is a productive team and is more likely to stay with your company.

Making the Hybrid Work Model Fit Your Business

As cliche as the term ‘new normal’ might be, that’s exactly what the hybrid work model is. As you start to move operations back into the office, listen to your coworkers and ask for feedback at every turn.

Want more tips on how you can bring your team together? Check out the rest of our business section!