With the introduction of remote work, many employees were fascinated by the idea of "working from home." One can wear whatever they want during work without worrying about how it affects their professional appearance, cook on the side, or go for a jog before work. However, more and more people are now transitioning from full-time remote work to hybrid work, some voluntarily and others at the urging of their employer. This involves working in the office for a few days a week. The transition, which brings more flexibility, sounds easier than it is, as adapting to hybrid work can become a complex process. In this post, I will present some ideas for employers on how to facilitate the adaptation to a hybrid work model for their employees, including implementing a meeting room booking system.
Combining Social Contacts and Work
In the office, it's common to engage in random conversations with colleagues at any time. Who doesn't remember those times before remote work—enjoying a relaxed coffee in the kitchen, nibbling on a piece of chocolate, and engaging in small talk with coworkers? Interacting with others is one of the enjoyable perks of working in an office. However, returning to the office can also be distracting, especially for those who have become accustomed to working from home.
Therefore, it's important to be able to combine the enjoyable aspects of being in the workplace with the actual work that needs to be done. Our tip: encourage your employees to develop time management skills to structure their workday. Utilizing a timer can be helpful.
Hybrid Work: Time for New Connections
It's important to note that returning to the office also brings the opportunity to form genuine personal connections. In the home office, workers have become accustomed to communicating without the personal contact of face-to-face interactions with colleagues. Because team or Zoom meetings cannot replace real contact with colleagues, especially when many participants disable their cameras during meetings. At this point, we can affirm that nothing can replace personal interaction.
When returning to the office, it's important to rebuild and foster relationships among employees, as office life is enriched by fostering company culture. To encourage interactions between employees, especially between new and existing staff, employers can plan regular personal meetings in the office kitchen, where individuals can get to know each other better over a drink or snack. This would help foster relationships and interactions that may have been missed in the home office.
The Most Important Time: Time to Rest
According to Forbes, 69% of employees suffer from burnout while working from home. Conversely, working in the office and having a day full of social interactions can also lead to exhaustion. In a hybrid setup, it's essential to leverage the flexibility of this work arrangement to rest when not in the office and enjoy interaction while at work.
If not already in place, it would be advisable for employers to organize lounges or rest areas for employees where they can retreat during breaks if they need some time for themselves. By ensuring that their employees feel balanced, employers can create a more comfortable office environment and prevent burnout.
Health is Paramount
The pandemic complicates the return to the office immensely. With the situation constantly changing, employees need to feel protected for a comfortable office environment. Therefore, more and more employers are turning to workplace booking software. These platforms provide insight into available spaces in the office, ensure minimum distancing, and with a 3G check, safety is largely guaranteed.
This facilitates a more comfortable return to the office and helps employees feel comfortable and safe. With its integration for COVID and the 3G check, both employers and employees face less hassle. With just a few clicks, available workspaces can be booked and, if necessary, canceled from a smartphone.
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