The hybrid workplace model has been implemented for many reasons. Whether it was out of necessity due to COVID-19, energy conservation, or productivity, the hybrid model for working is becoming more and more widely accepted. We have found that some industries can greatly benefit from a hybrid model and for others, the need for face-to-face interaction is still very much needed. The hybrid working environment is an ever-evolving landscape and the hybrid workforce is no different.
The Hybrid Environment
The hybrid work environment is starting to become the standard in certain industries. An office supported by the proper infrastructure can thrive. Although a portion of the workload is completed offsite, it is key to provide a comparable setting in the office. When employees are in the office it is important to have an adequate workspace that is comfortable and efficient.
Although the remote environment is very different from an in-office setting, it is important to maintain commonalities between the two. Personal workspaces afford employees the same amount of solitude they would have working remotely. The most efficient way to provide this to employees is with the use of a custom cubicle. A cubicle makes it possible to work uninterrupted but it also doesn’t alienate employees from one another. With completely customizable cubicles, design workspaces in clusters to facilitate communication or allow them to stand alone as a personal space.
The Hybrid Workforce
A hybrid workplace can benefit both the employer and the employee. The autonomy that the employee gains through a hybrid working environment can lead to increased production. Not limiting work to an office setting has the possibility of increasing morale. Employees are better able to manage their mental health and stress levels outside of the office which can only add to the quality of their work. As the hybrid workforce continues to grow and the model becomes more and more viable, we will continue to identify new benefits.
The hybrid workforce is continuously growing. Employees have realized how much they enjoy the flexibility of the hybrid model and employers have learned how feasible it may be. More industries are moving toward hybrid models and having great success doing so. Strategies are constantly evolving as each industry learns what works best for its environment. And more companies are implementing this model as they learn what’s possible for their office. This is what is fueling the growth of the hybrid workforce.
The Future of the Hybrid Workplace
Forbes highlighted a recent AT&T study: ‘Future Of Work’. The study reveals what the hybrid workplace means for growth, diversity, and areas that need special attention. The study found that one of the biggest areas that need addressing is the lack of collaboration. Technology makes it possible to communicate effectively while working remotely but it is hard to foster collaboration outside of the office. The hybrid workplace model does not come without issues.
Since a lack of collaboration is one of the greater concerns when it comes to the hybrid model, it is imperative to maximize productive collaboration opportunities when your team works in person. Due to the fact time spent working in the office is limited, the key to working with others is efficiency. Providing an environment that encourages communication is necessary for increased productivity in a team setting.
As the hybrid workforce continues to grow and the model becomes more and more viable, we will continue to identify new benefits.
In a recent article, the analytics company Gallup highlights how employees would rather work completely from home or at least in a hybrid setting. Gallup reported that almost half of all full-time jobs can be done fully remotely. While a lot of employers might not want to make that transition, they may find some benefit in allowing their employees to have a little more freedom. Gallup’s report found that the majority of workers would prefer to have a blended schedule that would let them work in person and from home. Some companies choose to have a set schedule, while others give their employees autonomy over their in-office days.
The Custom Cubicle
Offices can benefit from the custom cubicle in many different ways. Being able to move the cubicles and arrange them to meet employees’ needs is one major advantage. The cubicles can be arranged, assembled, and disassembled depending on the project at hand. Teams working on projects can use this to their benefit. Being able to isolate themselves from other groups and potential distractions or including others on an as-needed basis makes the custom cubicle a great solution for an ever-evolving workplace.
Providing an environment that encourages communication is necessary for increased productivity in a team setting.
Custom cubicles also make an ideal setting for desk hoteling or hotdesking. These two models of desk sharing may be useful if your hybrid workforce is trying to maximize office space.
Offices that are new to the hybrid work model will always have learning curves. There is a lot that needs to be considered when designing in-person workspaces. The implementation of custom cubicles allows room when adapting to a hybrid transition. A hybrid workplace is a dynamic environment and the flexibility and mobility of custom cubicles make it an ideal choice for office furniture.
Collaboration in the Hybrid Workplace
Hybrid working environments and custom cubicles should go hand in hand. As the workplace changes, the workspace can change also. With the introduction of new employees and staff, it is easy to add cubicles to clusters or groups. If there is a shift from a hybrid model back to an in-person model, add additional custom cubicles easily to accommodate the larger team. The versatility of custom cubicles and the different variations helps with limiting the investment and risks of transitioning to the hybrid model.
There will always be a need for communication in the workplace. This is especially true if the objective is to create and foster collaboration and innovation. Whether an office is using the hybrid model or not, productivity and collaboration will always be important. Creating this environment using our collaborative furniture gives employees what they want while helping give employers what they need.
Browse our collaboration furniture for inspiration in designing your hybrid office.
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