5 rules for a hybrid working world

Every company, regardless of size, has now realized how important it is to rethink existing working models. The office is no longer the only place where productive work seems possible. The hybrid working world is characterized by the fact that it makes it possible to work from anywhere - from home, from the city park or even on the other side of the world. To make hybrid working models work, you should know the most important rules.

How does the hybrid working world work in practice?

The benefits of digitalization are used to implement hybrid working models. Employees access the required data remotely, regardless of where they happen to be. It is up to companies to create the necessary technical conditions for this. There are different levels for the hybrid working world:

1. Office First
   The preferred workplace is the office. The home office remains an exception.
2. Semi-flexible
   Employees have the opportunity to work from home on a few days.
3. Fully flexible
   Everyone can decide for themselves when to work in the office and when to work from home.
4. Remote First
   The home office or location of choice is the preferred workplace. Only occasional meetings take place in the office.

The advantages of hybrid working models are becoming increasingly apparent. Employees enjoy a better work-life balance and time-consuming trips to the office are eliminated when they are not necessary. Companies save costs because less office space is required. In addition, they can acquire skilled workers regardless of their company location, who do not necessarily have to relocate for the new job.

Checklist: How to successfully implement hybrid working models

On the one hand, "hybrid" means that there is more flexibility, personal responsibility and creative freedom for work. At the same time, however, the hybrid working world needs a clear framework so that the whole thing doesn't end in chaos. Managers have the task of defining clear rules in order to establish planning reliability. The following tips can help you to successfully implement a hybrid working model in your company.

1. Digital meetings
   The less personal contact there is between the members of a team, the more important it is to convene regular digital meetings. Make sure that relevant matters are only discussed within the team and that everyone is involved. The structures must be designed in such a way that every team member can easily access the information that is important to them from anywhere.
2. Maintaining relationships
   Good teamwork thrives on intensive relationships. The more hybrid working models find their way into companies, the less personal contact there will be. Your job as a manager is now to give greater priority to the relationships between team members. This can be achieved through interactive formats or digital coffee breaks, for example.
3. Use collaboration tools
   There are numerous collaboration tools available to improve collaboration within a team. These enable collaboration in real time and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
4. Clear targets
   Hybrid working needs clear rules. Instead of fixed 9-to-5 times, targets are now defined that are to be achieved in one working week, for example.
5. Define success criteria
   Ultimately, criteria are needed to measure the success of hybrid working models. You should schedule regular check-ups and feedback sessions so that you can make changes in good time. 

Hybrid working models are still relatively new. By creating a clear framework in advance, promoting communication between team members and defining clear goals, you can benefit from the many advantages that a hybrid working environment brings today.

Do you want to know how to integrate these working models and structures into your company? We will be happy to help you!