Workplaces around the world are undergoing profound transformations. Pandemic restrictions compelled firms to adopt new working modes, including remote work. In the process, companies learned that employees could perform some jobs from home or outside the office as well. Since then, the Hybrid work mode has been gaining popularity with employers and employees.
According to a Mckinsey report, hybrid culture is here to stay. More than four of every five poll respondents who have worked in hybrid models in the last two years prefer to keep that in the future. More and more organisations are considering hybrid arrangements. They are allowing employees to function from home as well as the office. Employees get to experience the best of both work arrangements.
The hybrid workplace model combines the traditional office model with remote. Benefits include increased flexibility for employees. And cost savings, access to talent, and improved productivity for companies. But, a survey by Microsoft found that 61% of remote workers reported experiencing increased stress levels. And 45% reported feeling more isolated than when they were in the office. And a survey by Owl Labs found that remote workers experience higher levels of anxiety and depression than in-office staff.
Other challenges include reduced mental wellness of staff and difficulties in staff interaction. Businesses need help with collaboration, engagement, and connection among the team.
As much as we embrace this new way of working, it’s important to remember that the well-being of employees is crucial to the success of any business. And to fulfill that, we need to think of hybrid workplace wellness.
Concerns of hybrid work culture
One of the main concerns about a hybrid workplace is creating an inclusive culture.
According to a Global Forbes Survey, 57% of respondents in a hybrid workplace feel alienated from their organization and coworkers. And 62% believe that limited networking chances hampered their professional progress. Businesses must address their employee’s problems by crafting an effective hybrid work strategy.
Here are some of the worries bothering hybrid work environment and how businesses can handle them with proper layout and setup:
Better work-life balance
Employees say finding balance is more manageable in a flexible arrangement. With more control of schedules, they can free up time to care for their personal lives. But sometimes, it is challenging to separate work from individual lives. That is a big reason for stress and unhealthy work-life flow.
Employees should be encouraged to prioritize health and create space for focus work. Companies, on their part, can provide employees with dedicated workstations. An ergonomically designed workspace will support good posture and health.
The following report supports this fact. A survey by the Society for Human Resource Management stated companies are investing in ergonomic furniture, such as standing desks and ergonomic chairs, to support the physical health of their remote staff.
More and more companies are following this for their workforce. It will create a clear distinction between their work and personal lives.
Dynamic workplace
Millennials want to work in flexible and exciting offices. Companies need to make the office a place where employees want to be – multipurpose furniture can find great use here.
Flexible workspace options bring out the best. They feature ample storage capacity, privacy screens, and tech-enabled furniture. Equipping your office with all that is essential to create a dynamic and productive environment. For, e.g. a pedestal storage unit doubling up as a seater is an excellent idea for a hybrid setup.
Communicate with your employees
We all know the importance of communication. In fact, it is the key for any company to thrive. Businesses in a hybrid mode need both synchronous and asynchronous communication. And employees need easy access to technology, power outlets, charging stations, and connectivity.
Tech-enabled workstations with built-in power outlets, wireless charging pads, and integrated cable management systems will help. With technology in hand, employees can function more efficiently. They can remain connected during work hours and complete assignments regardless of where they are.
Delight and connect remote and on-site employees
In Hybrid work mode, part of the staff works from home while others work from the office. The arrangement requires extensive coordination of schedules for leading hybrid meetings.
To ease the process, companies can use cloud-based collaboration tools for real-time communication. Offices and conference rooms with upgraded collaboration stations will ensure full participation from remote staff in team interactions.
Apart from business meetings, companies must find ways to connect and delight their staff. Facilitate staff conversations with round tables, collaborative workstations, and comfortable seating areas. Create break-out zones where employees can meet and formally and informally discuss projects.
Hybrid work conforms to the renewed purpose of the workplace
People prefer to work from home for the convenience it offers. But, it should be worthwhile if they travel into the office from home. The hybrid mode works best when employees come with a purpose to the workplace. The reason could be for collaborations, meetings, and or socializing.
Feelings of isolation and loneliness have increased in hybrid mode. They impact work-life harmony and mental wellness. Address the issue by promoting social interaction. Communal workspaces or zones specially created to encourage collaboration and conversation work best.
Furniture choices and arrangement plays an important role here.
In hybrid workplaces, collaborative furniture is the smart choice. It is easy to move and can be arranged in different configurations to suit various work styles.
Modular workstations are great for isolated individual contributors; and teams who work together. They can be set in patterns to create diverse workspaces. A simple layout change can switch workstations between a hub and individual pods.
Sound-absorbing panels, privacy screens, and acoustic pods are other ideal solutions that suit the new trend in our work. Explore our latest blog Sourcing the Best Collaborative Furniture: A Comprehensive Guide
Businesses must create a hybrid workplace that allows workers to work in their desired ways and carve out a perfect work-life balance. Creating a healthy workplace with ergonomic workspaces will promote wellness, provide space for mental breaks, and promote communication.
Explore the Employee Well Being: The Ultimate Guide
space
At Fusion Furnish, we understand the need. We help businesses achieve holistic well-being by providing high-quality, customizable furniture. Connect with us to ensure your employees have suitable furniture to perform well at home and in the office.
