Hybrid Work Strategy: Tips to Navigate the Future of Work

What is a hybrid workplace?

A hybrid workplace is a flexible work model that blends both in-person and remote work. Employees have more freedom to choose when and where they work, balancing traditional office settings and remote locations. This approach acknowledges the diverse needs and preferences of the modern workforce, maintaining the benefits of in-office collaboration while accommodating remote work.

What is a hybrid workplace strategy?

Research shows that organizations offering a hybrid working model score highly in positivity and effectiveness. However, there is no one-size-fits-all hybrid work model. Creating a successful hybrid workplace strategy requires understanding your business’s unique needs, the needs of your employees, and careful planning, implementation, and management of the hybrid work experience.

“In terms of what’s successful in returning to office, taking a ‘no policy’ approach doesn’t tend to work very well. Even if you’re not sure what the best possible strategy is going to be at the start, you still want a strategy regardless.”

Kathleen Archerd, Senior Product Manager at OfficeSpace

Creating an effective hybrid workplace strategy

Adopting a new way of working should start with the right workplace strategy. This involves asking the right questions and including the right stakeholders. Understand where your organization is in its journey, any policy constraints, goals for space utilization, and company culture. Hybrid work may be here to stay, but it doesn’t look the same for everyone. Understanding your organization’s needs is essential before creating an effective strategy.

“Hybrid work is here to stay, but it does not look the same for everyone.”

Mary Carnes, OfficeSpace

6 Successful hybrid work strategies

Take a flexible approach

While it’s helpful to look at industry trends, the most effective plan is one tailored to your organization and employees. Be prepared to make adjustments and adapt to maintain buy-in from the organization.

“Your approach is tailor-made, to a certain extent, in terms of really relating to the vision and the needs of the company and then driving some of their core values.”

Surabhi Raman, Savills

Remember that change can be scary

Change is challenging, especially when adopting a new workplace model without historical data. Make the transition as simple and organic as possible. Clearly communicate the reasons for change, such as team building, collaboration, supporting different work styles, or mentorship. Explain how the hybrid work policy benefits employee well-being. With the right messaging, companies can create effective policies and select appropriate workplace technology.

“It really comes down to understanding what your business is, what your priorities are, and then aligning the space type in the office space for that need.”

Johanna Rodriguez, Savills

Don’t rely on mandates

Office attendance is often lower than expected due to remote workers’ preference for flexibility. Many companies avoid mandating in-office attendance, focusing instead on making the office a magnet. Focus on the needs of your team members to attract and retain top talent.

Listen to your employees

Ask employees about their decision-making around coming in or not. Address commuting costs, health concerns, or adaptation to new layouts. Consider perks like team-building activities, meals, and special events. Today’s empowered employees expect flexible environments.

“There has to be a balance of social connectivity along with purpose in the workplace today.”

Surabhi Raman

Implement the right technology

The right technology is critical for managing hybrid workplace change. Technology supports hybrid work in two ways:

• ​People-focused: Enhances employee and workplace experience.
• ​Real-estate focused: Enables data-informed decisions for corporate real estate.

Adopt technology that facilitates an easy transition, such as flexible working software, video conferencing, and cloud-based collaboration tools. Develop modern office floor plans and use space management software for analytics and optimization. Choose scalable solutions aligned with your goals.

“If people need to go to the office, and if they go there for connection and collaboration, then we need to ensure the office is set up and adopted as a tool to support this work.”

Mary Carnes

Give employees what they need to succeed

Keep employee needs top of mind. The office may serve as a community and collaboration center, requiring the right number of meeting rooms and collaborative workspaces. Offer location and schedule flexibility, and consider strategies like coworking or reduced work weeks. Embrace workplace agility to accommodate diverse working styles and generational preferences.

“It’s about creating and understanding what the real reasons are for that office.”

Johanna Rodriguez

Benefits of a hybrid work model

Hybrid work models offer benefits for both employees and organizations:

• ​Flexibility for Employees: Better work-life balance and choice of work environment.
• ​Increased Productivity: Employees can choose environments that suit their tasks, minimizing disruptions.
• ​Talent Retention and Attraction: Hybrid models attract and retain talent from a broader pool.
• ​Cost Savings: Reduced commuting expenses for employees and lower overhead for organizations.
• ​Diversity and Inclusion: Accommodates employees with various needs, supporting inclusion.
• ​Adaptability: Businesses can quickly adjust to changing circumstances.
• ​Improved Collaboration and Creativity: Combines in-person and remote work for diverse collaboration opportunities.
• ​Efficient Use of Office Space: Enables flexible, collaborative, and efficient layouts.

Navigating the Challenges of Hybrid Work

Success in hybrid work depends on anticipating issues, addressing challenges, and empowering employees. Key challenges include:

• ​Connectivity: Ensuring coworkers are present when needed; scheduling visibility is crucial.
• ​Diverse Workstations: Provide a variety of workstations, private areas, and collaboration spaces.
• ​The Right Tools: Equip workers with tools for communication, booking rooms/desks, and schedule visibility.
• ​Guidance and Support: Use workplace experience software to help employees access spaces and resources.
• ​Effective Management: Managers and facility planners must plan for the complexity of nonlinear workdays.

Key partners in a hybrid transition

Employees are the ultimate stakeholders. Two key partners in the transition are:

• ​Human Resources and People Management: Set and communicate policy.
• ​IT and Office Facility Management: Implement technology for a seamless transition.

What is the future of the hybrid workplace?

There is no single future for the hybrid workplace. Each company’s approach will be nuanced and informed by real-time data and employee needs. The right technology, policies, and change strategy management are essential for success.