A common question affecting employees and employers is whether returning to office-based work is really an option or is working remotely the new norm.
COVID forced businesses to utilize various teleworking modes and adapt and understand the new types of work environments, but do business owners have to accept this as the new norm? Or is there another option, one that can provide a risk-free return to the office, while also maximizing the benefits of on-site and remote work?
So, what is this new option, and what are the powerful reasons that would persuade businesses to return to the office and reunite with colleagues.
The Hybrid Work Model
The new work option is the Hybrid Work Model, which combines elements from the traditional physical office environment with remote work, offering flexibility and support to employees. There is more autonomy and a better work-life balance, so employees are more engaged, and employers benefit from a more productive, healthy, stable workforce.
But a ‘style of work’ definition will not be enough to embrace another workplace change, so what are the powerful motivations to get staff excited?
1. Dedicated and made-for-purpose workspace: Although people have made temporary or single area adjustments, the home is not primarily designed for working either individually or as a group, lacking specialized space and furniture to sustain the average 8-hour workday. Dedicated space and furniture built for the operation of a business, increases the productivity of individuals and teams, and ultimately positively impacts performance.
2. Safe interactions in a pleasant space: Socialization is essential for all organizations. Having a close relationship with coworkers allows teams to function more cohesively and creates a positive work environment. Although software tools like Zoom have improved how remote workers communicate, they will never replace face-to-face interactions.
3. Hello creativity, goodbye monotony: Staring at a screen all day can erode even the most motivated employee. So relaxed, often non-work-related communication with coworkers is crucial to break up the day. Isolation dramatically reduces the ability to share ideas, so a professional environment keeps employees focused on their work and builds their capabilities. Also, a variety of work and rest areas encourage creativity.
4. Keep emotional health and motivation: On-site work allows differentiation between these two personal areas, as well as the opportunity to change environments and socialize with coworkers. This will help you reduce stress and apathy in a more effective way, and it will also serve as a source of motivation.
5. Work-life Balance: Since employees started working from home, the definition of ‘work-life balance’ began to change. Before COVID, many believed that working from home was a perfect balance, but what we have seen are longer work hours and fewer lifetimes as a result. Without commuting, meetings have started earlier and gone on longer, significantly increasing the standard 8-hour workdays. The move back to the office will reestablish these barriers and bring back a work-life balance, where home is really a home.
To conclude, adequate lighting, a noise-free environment, being around colleagues, quick connectivity, and a comfortable and ergonomic work environment help to boost innovation, teamwork, and productivity. Although workspace is a significant part of a business’s expense, The Hybrid work model provides options to build your environment around the needs of the business. From shared conference rooms and kitchen areas to maintaining privacy with individual suites and having complimentary Wi-Fi, hybrid space can work for every company.
Workstyle flexible and collaborative spaces are based on the hybrid model and are built for flexibility, providing startups and small businesses with individual spaces at a fraction of the cost of traditional office space. Workstyle encourages creativity and encourages collaboration to generate emotional connections.