According to government statistics almost a quarter of workers working hybrid in 2022.
The idea behind a hybrid working model is that people have more choice about how they want to work. For example, 3 days WFH and 2 days from the office.
The hybrid model comes with its challenges.
Let’s look at what can an employer and employee do to increase productivity within your workforce.
EMPLOYERS RESPONSIBILITY
To improve productivity, employers need strong leadership, teamwork, and effective communication.
1. Get the right work equipment for your staff (for home and office)
As an employer, you are legally obliged to supply your staff with everything they need to get the work done.
This may be a laptop, a computer, a second screen, a desk riser, a desk/standing desk, a mouse, a keyboard – anything they need.
Your team shouldn’t have to use their personal equipment to work for you.
2. Invest in tools and software that make staff work smoother
Companies are increasingly turning to technology to increase productivity in the workplace by streamlining processes, automating tasks, improving communication, and providing access to valuable data and tools.
Better communication means swift/clear communication, that can easily be tracked and referred to.
There are lots of software and project management tools for that.
Slack – internal messaging tool
Zoom – for virtual meetings
Loom – for screen and video recording
Jira – project management tool
If you work in private equity, you should look into an entity management system like this one to save time, decrease expenses, and reduce the risk of errors.
Additionally, repetitive tasks like basic customer support, data entry, report generation, email filtering can now be done by AI-powered solutions (AI = Artificial Intelligence).
3. Make regular check-ins a thing
As a hybrid team, you can’t always create an inclusive atmosphere, because everyone works by themselves in their rooms.
That’s why conducting regular check-ins is extra important.
Make your staff feel supported by having regular check-ins, where you talk about work.
Make your people feel like they and their opinions matter.
These small actions can boost productivity, regardless of an employee’s location.
EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY
To improve productivity working remotely, you need greater self-discipline, motivation, and time management skills.
1. Remove any distractions from your working area
Not all of us have a dedicated home office.
You may be working from a bedroom or a living room.
The place you work at can play an important part in how productive you are.
If you’re sat in a cluttered and messy space with no room for anything, it can be hard to feel focused and motivated.
Remove all distractions where possible.
Try and clear your desk at the end of every day and have a good system for organising files.
Remove all distractions where possible.
Once you have arranged your space, create a list of the home tasks that often distract you and figure out a way to factor these into your week without becoming a distraction.
For example, plan to do your washing before work or empty your dishwasher on your lunch.
2. Set boundaries at work and home
Setting boundaries with other members of your household is key to your productivity.
Just because you work from home, doesn’t mean you are available.
This is why you need to set firm boundaries between ‘work time’ and ‘home time’.
These boundaries will be completely individual to you. They could include not working past a certain time or not working in certain areas of the house such as your bedroom.
3. Break up your day with a walk or exercise
For your own mental clarity and energy levels, take regular breaks.
Even a 10-minute walk around the block during lunchtime is better than nothing.
Break up the workday with movement. Working from home means you might be spending a lot more time without moving your body, which can make you feel stiff or tense.
If possible, set a time to go for a walk, run, or bike ride for some fresh air.
4. Ask for help when you need it
Asking for help can boost your productivity as you won’t be rushing through tasks and in a poor mental space to get your tasks completed.
If the task is new to you or you know someone who can do it quicker/better, ask them.
There are only 8 hours in the day, so it’s important you spend it wisely. You don’t want to burn out.
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