Hybrid working: These tips make it work
Many companies now rely on so-called hybrid forms of work, in which employees can work variably from home or on site. In order to be able to work productively in such changing settings, the Zurich-based start-up Headsquarter, which runs two coworking spaces, presents nine tips.
Working from a desk, sofa or balcony at home was not very popular in Switzerland for a long time. The pandemic suddenly forced companies to let their employees work from home wherever possible. This opened up opportunities for hybrid forms of work - countless employees now have the choice of flexibly determining their work location on certain days.
Flexible working as a model for the future
Flexibility in the workplace is certainly desirable. But changing work environments also pose challenges, as Anil Varghese, managing director of Headsquarter, knows: "Many companies still find it difficult to trust their employees when they are not physically present. Yet a contemporary, results-based performance appraisal vs. old-fashioned Facetime culture would be overdue in many industries." The young company Headsquarter runs two coworking spaces in the city of Zurich.
Headsquarter knows - by its own account - about workplaces that promote mental and physical well-being and thus lead to increased productivity. With these tips, efficiency can already be easily increased:
Sharing is caring
Flexibility is not only one of the challenges of hybrid working, but also one of the prerequisites. Anyone who is inflexible in terms of location and, to a certain extent, time cannot work effectively. Another condition for a functioning work environment is digital, location-independent access to information, for example via the cloud. This means that documents can be accessed from anywhere. Knowledge also needs to be shared, both online and face-to-face. Those sitting at the kitchen table at home must have the same access to knowledge as those on site. This is essential for a healthy and productive work culture.
Inclusion of all employees
To accommodate all employees, a change in corporate culture is needed. Many companies tend to measure employee productivity by their physical presence, thereby making those who opt for a higher office presence better off. However, performance has nothing to do with physical presence. However, it is certainly desirable to give employees an incentive to work and socialize in the office.
The office as a second home
When moving frequently between work locations, choosing an attractive place to work is essential. "An attractive and inspiring working environment that is deliberately different from the home office, offers all functional amenities, and where people also enjoy socializing, is a major boost to productivity," says Anil Varghese. Exchanging ideas with each other is also important in the office. To promote team cultures, a certain coordination of social exchange is recommended on office days.
Success through clear communication
Transparency is another keyword. Clear internal rules are needed, as well as the possibility to join meetings so that no employee feels disadvantaged. In addition to meetings, an office day should still have enough room for spontaneous exchanges to facilitate valuable conversations. "Spontaneous, unplanned meetings among colleagues and like-minded people not only promote employee satisfaction, but also measurable benchmarks such as productivity and innovation," Varghese emphasizes.
All-round carefree work
Hybrid working can ultimately be perceived as an enrichment of everyday working life and increase productivity and employee satisfaction. Those who do not have a work-friendly environment at home can retreat to coworking spaces. Headsquarter's spaces offer not only workshop and meeting rooms and private chat boxes, but also an equipped kitchen, lounge and sports rooms to air out the head.
Checklist for functioning hybrid work
- Flexibility in space and time:
Ensure flexibility in terms of location and time - Omni-channel access to information:
Location-independent access to information - Device agnostic knowledge sharing:
Equal access to knowledge - Measuring performance - a cultural shift:
Culture change: productivity is not linked to physical presence - Make the office at least as attractive as your "home:
Provide reasons to work in the office - Choose the right office - as a service:
Obtain the place of work as a service and according to current needs - Co-coordination of office days:
Promote collaboration and social exchange in the office - Transparent New Work policies:
Establish clear internal rules to involve all employees - Unplanned Interactions:
Enable unplanned meetings and encounters
More information on the Homepage From Headquarters
