Hybrid work format: How to organise productive work remotely and in the office

Today, about 60% of employees use flexible work schedules, and the hybrid model is emerging as the best answer to the need for efficiency and flexibility. However, to maximise productivity and maintain team cohesion, important questions arise. How do you maximise productivity in a flexible environment and maintain collective cohesion over distance? Companies are faced with the challenge of smoothly transitioning to a hybrid working model.

Nearly 46% of employers report an increase in productivity after implementing a hybrid work model. However, challenges remain in planning and maintaining team cohesion. Addressing these issues requires focused strategies to fully utilise the benefits of hybrid working. Companies must strike a balance between remote and office work to successfully implement this model.

Benefits of hybrid working

Hybrid working offers significant benefits to employees and companies by combining the best of remote and office work. One of the key benefits is flexibility, which allows workers to organise their own time and work tasks, increasing their satisfaction and productivity. In addition, hybrid working helps to reduce travelling time, which improves work-life balance. This approach also reduces the strain on office space, helping companies optimise the cost of maintaining workspaces.

Here are the key benefits of hybrid working:

• Individual flexibility and job satisfaction: The widespread adoption of hybrid working practices fulfils the need for work schedule flexibility, which helps companies attract and retain talented employees. Individual flexibility that allows employees to customise the workplace to their preferences contributes to their productivity and overall well-being.
• Increased productivity and balanced collaboration: The hybrid working model has shown good results as 46% of employers have noticed an increase in productivity. This is because flexibility helps employees manage their time and tasks better. By combining remote and office work, teams are able to collaborate effectively to complete important tasks in the office and focus on working from home. This model allows for a balance between collaboration and concentration, which has a positive impact on overall efficiency.
• Reduced travel: Fewer commutes mean better work-life balance and a smaller carbon footprint, aligning business goals with environmental values.

The downsides of hybrid working

Despite the truly undeniable benefits of hybrid working, it also poses a number of challenges. Difficulties arise in planning and maintaining team cohesion. Without clear strategies, an organisation can face shortcomings in team management. It's also important to balance remote and office work to maintain productivity.

Let's look at the cons of hybrid working and ways to address these challenges:

• Scheduling Difficulties: The success of the hybrid model depends on careful planning that combines remote and office work. This is really difficult in a telecommuting environment, as it is easier to keep face-to-face communication all the same.
• Maintaining cohesion:Initiatives such as company seminars and regular face-to-face meetings are essential to maintain company culture and team cohesion, as employees do not have such close communication and this can interfere with the workflow.
• Fairness between employees:Ensuring equal access to information, resources and development opportunities for all employees, whether they work remotely or in the office, is fundamental. This can be facilitated by clear and transparent policies, as well as the use of centralised platforms for sharing resources and information.

Organisational Strategies: How to be productive remotely and in the office

Training managers for hybrid working includes teaching key skills such as effective communication, managing results, maintaining team cohesion and employee well-being. Managers must be prepared to adapt to flexible conditions and keep the team productive in the new working environment. It is important that managers know how to use digital tools to connect with the team, set measurable goals and encourage collaboration across work formats.

Flexible work schedules support a balance between employees' professional and personal needs. Transparent work rules and clear expectations help avoid misunderstandings, promoting efficient work. Clear work rules and expectations of employees, as well as investments in collaboration technologies such as video conferencing and screen sharing systems, ensure efficiency. Regularly training employees on new technologies helps maximise their productivity.

Workspace organisation plays an important role in maintaining company culture. Offices should be converted into flexible, collaborative areas where employees can easily interact and share ideas. The flexibility and modularity of office space allows companies to quickly adapt it to different needs, creating a comfortable working and collaborative environment. Spaces should be modular and easily adaptable to different types of activities.

Technology should integrate into office spaces to support remote and office work. Investing in quality video conferencing, interactive whiteboards and other solutions ensures seamless collaboration between employees, regardless of location. The use of advanced technology in the office improves interaction between remote and office workers, creating a more productive work environment. Attention is also paid to office design, including lighting and break areas, which promotes employee well-being.

Conclusion: The hybrid model as a pathway to the future of work

Hybrid working is becoming an important tool to increase flexibility and improve collaboration in professional environments. Examples from companies such as L'Oréal, Google and Siemens show how innovative approaches to workspace organisation and flexibility can improve collaboration and support high productivity.

Companies that successfully transition to a hybrid model utilise cutting-edge technology, adapt office spaces and implement flexible schedules. This allows them to maintain a balance between remote and office work, strengthening teamwork and supporting company culture.

The hybrid working model offers companies the opportunity for further innovation and development. Effective use of this model requires strategic planning, technology adoption and the creation of an inclusive work culture, all of which contribute to the success and sustainability of the organisation.