Hybrid Workplace: Designing A Long-Term Strategy

Remember back in 2020, when we thought this whole “pandemic thing” would blow over in a few weeks? Two years later, it’s something we’ve learned to live with.

The changes we’ve seen in workplaces are here to stay. It’s unlikely that all of your employees will feel the same way about returning to the office. Some will want to remain at home, while others will want to work exclusively at the office. What if your staff could alternate between the two?

The hybrid workplace allows for flexibility. Employees can use the office space to collaborate, coordinate, and connect with their teammates. And when they need to, employees can also choose to work remotely.

Now, businesses are faced with a tough decision: how do you design a long-term strategy for managing a hybrid workplace? Here’s how a coworking space can help:

Adapt to a Rapidly Changing Situation

Life ebbs and flows. With COVID-19, waves of cases rise and fall. Sometimes, cases are relatively low, and more employees will feel comfortable coming to work. But other times, a majority of your staff will feel safer at home.

With a coworking space, you can take advantage of pay-as-you-need services. Use credits to book conference rooms when you’re holding meetings. And when you don’t need the space, you don’t have to pay for it; coworking spaces are economical and adaptable.

Strike a Balance

Working exclusively from home might seem awesome at first. You get to stay in your PJs, skip your morning commute, and cook lunch from your own kitchen.

But after a while, there are certain things you start to miss. Things like chatting in the lunchroom, saying “Good morning!” as you enter the office, and the immediacy of a face-to-face conversation.

Employees who work at home may feel excluded from the workplace culture. And remote collaborations can be tricky; sometimes, it’s just easier to talk in person.

On the days when your employees work independently, they can stay at their home offices. When it makes more sense to meet with other teammates (or they need social stimulation for their mental health), they can visit the office to do so.

Talk to Your Team

You want to design a workspace that works for everyone. For your hybrid workplace to be a success, you need a strategy that will keep your team’s needs in mind.

As an employer, you need to decide what you’re comfortable with. How often do you want people working from home, or being in the office? A hybrid workplace allows you to maintain accountability and safety.

Here’s our suggestion: survey each employee about what works for them. Would they be comfortable coming into the office 2 or 3 days a week? Which tasks are better to do at home, and which are best done in collaborative groups? Based on this feedback, you can design a schedule that works for you and your staff.

A hybrid workspace will help all of your employees feel safe and connected to your team. Better yet, it’s a better long-term option for your finances, too. Have you considered a Toronto coworking space? A coworking space allows you to adjust your office space needs on the fly; it’s perfect for any hybrid workplace.

Want to learn more about how a coworking space can benefit your business? Contact Workplace One today.