The recent changes across the world have made companies reorganize their structures. Yet, many hybrid office employees tend to prefer this new working arrangement. This has significantly increased the demand for effective hybrid workplace solutions.
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Hybrid Workplace – Definition
A hybrid workplace, also referred to as a hybrid office or “office + anywhere” is a mixed form of work that combines remote and on-premises locations. The term ‘hybrid workplace’ can also be used for organizations offering a completely remote form of work as well as one involving being physically present in the office*.
Benefits of a Hybrid Workplace
A hybrid office utilizes peak performance hours of employees, which is not always possible in the traditional office environment. Not only does it increase working efficiency, but it also creates more opportunities for spending time on the activities staff enjoys, which contributes to well-being and acts as a natural incentive. A 2020 Gartner ReimagineHR Employee Survey revealed that the number of high-performing employees had grown from 36% to 55% after switching to a hybrid workplace**.
This is a win-win situation for employees and their employers, who can significantly cut down the expenses required for maintaining large office spaces.
How to Design Hybrid Workplace?
A hybrid office is more staff-centered than company-centered, focusing on the employees’ preferences for the working schedule, which can be used as guidelines for organizing work and a blueprint for a new office design. Hybrid workplace requirements include minimum facilities for a constant number of people working on-premises and flexibility for a fluctuating number of hybrid workers. Movable compact units such as an office pod or a phone booth are useful options for office re-design.
Great attention should be paid to the equipment and areas for video conferences, as this is an inherent part of a hybrid office.
Eco-friendly Office Supplies – Most Important Items
Any modern office should adopt an eco-friendly design. Hybrid workplace organization promotes environmental protection while reducing commuting and the usage of disposable products common in public places, such as paper towels or plastic cups.
This approach can be further enhanced by switching to recyclable stationery, reusable tableware and towels, while the digitalization of documents can reduce printer and paper usage. Green plants in the office can improve air quality.
Ideas for Improving Hybrid Office Culture
Hybrid office culture should include opportunities for engaging in social life such as company events and team-building activities to overcome the lack of in-person communication.
Making the office space appealing with beverage and food programs as well as ergonomic design based on comfortable furniture and solutions for working solo can ignite the culture even more.
