Rethink the workplace to be an intersection of people and technology, and not just a destination where the workforce convenes. Hybrid workplaces create opportunities for organizations to:

• Re-evaluate when, where, and how employees perform their essential job duties for the benefit of all stakeholders.
• Consider which tasks must be performed onsite versus those that can be accomplished anywhere.
• Invest in new technology, such as the Meeting Owl, which will improve hybrid communication (visual and audio), or Miro and Stormboard, which offer electronic whiteboards for real-time collaboration.

Design a plan and policies that reflect your employees’ preferences and needs, the needs of the business, and a timeframe for implementation and transition.

• Anticipate employee concerns and communicate consistently throughout the transition to maintain employee engagement and buy-in.
• Host townhall meetings to exchange information and gather ideas about what is and isn’t effective. Conduct anonymous surveys to ensure that employees’ voices are heard and develop and execute an action plan to address concerns and suggestions.

Outline clear expectations for time spent onsite versus remote work and duration of the arrangement (e.g., mixed schedules during the week, a 4-day work week, long-term hybrid vs. remote only).

• Establish and document your employees’ hybrid schedules, ensuring equitable opportunities for in-person connection and socialization as well as remote flexibility.
• Consider what your remote workforce may require in order to maintain productivity at home and adjust your policies accordingly. Be prepared to reimburse employees for technology, equipment, and secure internet to ensure they can perform their job duties effectively and efficiently when working remotely.
• Establish or update policies around these practices and communicate them to employees.

Planning for a hybrid workplace requires flexibility, resiliency, investment, and emotional intelligence to ensure you effectively foster employee engagement, productivity, and collaboration. It’s time to reimagine and reconsider our mindset in how we approach the new world of work!