Article
How a hybrid workplace model can boost employee efficiency and engagement
June 10, 2021 · Authored by Jennifer Price, Bryan Schader
A previous version of this article was published in June 2021 by the Portland Business Journal.
The hybrid model will likely replace conventional workplace norms, evolving how companies manage business operations, employees, and the client experience.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies had limited work-from-home policies. However, the remote workplace has uncovered unexpected operating efficiencies — and many businesses want to retain and improve upon them to attract talent and boost financial results.
What’s a hybrid workplace?
A hybrid workplace is a developing norm that combines in-office and remote work, letting employees manage their own workflow while having opportunities for in-person collaboration.
Hybrid workplaces also offer greater cloud-services adoption, stronger security infrastructures, and enhanced collaboration tools. This makes them better equipped to be on-demand and provide employees greater flexibility to work based on their availability.
More importantly, they allow offices to become collaboration sites that are solely intended for team building and innovation.
Did COVID-19 accelerate the transition to a hybrid workplace?
COVID-19 forced many businesses to rethink their strategies. Most companies weren’t prepared to be fully remote in March 2020, but the pandemic required they adopt new business approaches, leverage new technologies, and enhance their cybersecurity infrastructures.
The good news is that many companies did this successfully. Now, they can more easily transform their remote offices into strategic hybrid workplaces by retaining the successful parts of remote work while incorporating in-person interactions.
The pandemic also changed the perception of remote work; it’s no longer a privilege, and it’s built into many job descriptions. This creates a new level of employee engagement and expands the pool of potential employees and employers.
What are the pros and cons of a hybrid workplace?
A hybrid model provides clear benefits and challenges for employers and employees alike.
Benefits
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