The hybrid working model is becoming more and more popular and seems to be the future of collaboration for many companies. Almost 62% of companies in Germany want to pursue a hybrid approach in the future and give employees more flexibility - regardless of whether they are a start-up or a large corporation. In addition to flexible working hours and locations, combating the shortage of skilled workers and saving costs are also among the main motives of companies. But how can hybrid work be established in the long term?
Key facts
- According to a recent study, 62% of German companies are opting for hybrid working in the future.
- Last year, this figure was only 36%. The main reasons for introducing this are improving the employee experience, positive effects of remote work and plans to save costs in the office.
- In order to successfully implement hybrid working, companies must consider factors such as technology, communication, corporate culture and a new space usage concept. The right technology and the right organization are central to the transformation.
Hybrid working is gaining ground
After 2 years of the pandemic, and after various protective measures were removed, various models have found their way into companies. The fear that too much home office would reduce productivity, employee loyalty and company tenure was not confirmed. Many different studies refuted this. Nevertheless, employees did not want to give up the new flexibility, but still wanted to seek social contacts in the company. The compromise was the alternating model of hybrid working, which is slowly but surely gaining ground.
According to a recent IDC study, 62% of the 300 companies surveyed want to pursue this approach. A year ago, the figure was just half. The reasons for this are clear, according to the study:
- improving the employee experience
- continuing positive experiences with remote work
- and making cost savings.
What should you consider when switching?
There is no blanket answer to this question. Every company is different and has individual problems to varying degrees. However, some problems are typical. To promote the transition and transformation to the new working model, you should set yourself the following goals and keep the following factors in mind:
- Technology
- Communication
- Corporate culture
- Space usage concept
Technology: Suitable tool for collaboration
Since many different factors are interrelated, a central platform for communication and organization is needed that reaches all employees and is actually used. Ideally, this platform should not only be suitable for communicating with each other, but also include the organization of workplace bookings. Because hybrid working also means rethinking the office and sharing physical workplaces. All of this requires a central system, which is implemented by the IT department, for example. This not only makes organization easier, but also promotes exchange and collaboration within the workforce. Because even those who are not in the office should be able to attend meetings or events. The right technology can master this challenge and simplify the transformation to the new working model.
Communication: Constant exchange with employees
Regular contact within teams, departments and the entire company is important. For hybrid working to be successful, many small communication channels are important to promote team spirit and encourage exchange among each other. Structured but also informal communication channels are the key to success here. Important information should be deliberately communicated on specific channels. This way, everyone, whether remote or on-site, knows what is currently happening in the company. Weekly meetings should also be another means of communication. But time should always be given for informal meetings. This also supports exchange among each other, promotes bonds between employees and strengthens team spirit.
Corporate culture: reaching out to all employees
Collective norms and values are a central element of a corporate culture. Bringing these values into the virtual space for old and future new employees takes a little time and creativity. Because communicating, establishing and maintaining a corporate culture online takes work. However, it is important to reach out to all employees, no matter where they are. Communication about shared values can take place in the office, but is not necessarily tied to a physical location. Team events or informal meetings are key here - especially when it comes to onboarding new employees. Events can take place at regular intervals. It is important to create routines, rituals and traditions that employees enjoy taking part in. This could be an online pub quiz or a team outing.
Organization: Space utilization concept
The change between home office and office also has an impact on workplace management. The concept of hybrid work can enable the reduction of space and desks. As a result, several employees have to share a space on different days. To ensure that every employee has the security of having a guaranteed desk on the working day, the organizational effort sometimes increases. Here, too, technology can help to reduce this effort extremely. With a central tool, almost all resources in offices can be booked and the capacities in the office can be made visible. This means incredible potential not only for employees, but also for companies. This is because employee behavior can be observed and office space can be reduced or redesigned as a result.
Introduce Seatti as a central tool for booking workplaces
Technology plays a crucial role in ensuring that the transformation to the hybrid working model is successful. It greatly simplifies communication and organization within the company. With Seatti, you can quickly and easily implement hybrid working in your existing system landscape such as Microsoft Teams. This allows your employees not only to book desks, but also to book meeting rooms and parking spaces. In addition, employees can use the location overview to see which colleagues are currently coming into the office. In this way, you actively promote social interaction and collaboration in the company.
