As a manager, implementing hybrid work can boost the productivity of your team and help you attract talent. In a survey from Robert Half Canada on the Demand for Skilled Talent, 90 per cent of hiring managers across the country stated retaining top talent was their top concern going into 2024. With retention top of mind, these leaders also shared their current actions and plans for keeping employees engaged and on the team:
94 per cent currently or plan on, increasing recognition efforts
93 per cent currently or plan on, allowing flexible hours
91 per cent currently or plan on, allowing hybrid work
In the same survey above, data collected also revealed that 75 per cent of employees want a form of flexible work. Adopting a hybrid approach enhances your employer brand by sending a clear message that you recognize how important flexibility is to your employees. This not only resonates with potential new hires but also fosters pride and loyalty among existing team members, helping you retain your top performers.
Hybrid work arrangements offer additional advantages:
Focus and productivity: Different workspaces help employees find their groove in different situations. The flexibility to choose between a home office and shared workspace empowers employees to find the setting that maximizes their overall productivity.
More in-person collaboration: Don’t underestimate the power of face-to-face connection. While many workers have been able to build rapport with coworkers virtually, hybrid workers feel they can build stronger relationships when they see colleagues in person. With hybrid work, they get the best of both worlds. Employees work from where they prefer without losing human connection and collaboration.
An emphasis on wellness and balance: The hybrid work model empowers individuals to create a work environment that suits them best, decreases time spent commuting, and increases time for professional and personal pursuits — a work-life balance adjustment many are keen to maintain.
Lower real-estate costs: The office is no longer just a place to seat employees — it’s a hub for collaboration. Companies can reduce their office footprint without sacrificing functionality. Also, understanding how these spaces are used can guide future design decisions, ensuring that the office remains adaptable.
Enhanced hiring efforts: Hybrid work allows you to hire beyond your office’s immediate vicinity. While it’s not quite the "hire-from-anywhere" approach of remote work, it does let you cast your net a bit wider. Maybe someone in a neighboring city has just the skills you need. With a hybrid work model, employees can still come into the office for a particular purpose but also enjoy the benefits of working from home.
1. Embrace technology
The most common change companies can make in their transition to hybrid work model arrangements, was adding technologies that make it easier for office workers to collaborate with remote workers. Making it a smooth transition and removing extra barriers that could deter employees can really motivate the team to be in the office more often.
Coordinate closely with your IT team when implementing these tools. It’s vital to make sure the technology supports everyone no matter where they work and provides access to key systems in your organization.
2. Break down communication barriers
To prevent communication gaps between employees in the office and those working remotely, you need a rock-solid strategy, encompassing regular team meetings, video calls, instant messaging, real-time chats and document sharing. Make sure everyone knows how to use each of these channels and encourage your team members to learn about their colleagues’ communication preferences.
3. Go beyond measuring productivity
When refining your hybrid work model arrangements, avoid focusing solely on metrics like productivity and overlooking elements like employee well-being. This really matters, because if a worker is unhappy, their performance will likely suffer. In the Demand for Skilled Talent survey by Robert Half Canada, 87 per cent of the hiring managers recognized that keeping their team motivated and engaged was a top concern for 2024. Engagement surveys and regular one-to-ones can help you measure the extent to which hybrid employees feel heard, respected and fairly treated.
4. Encourage socializing, whatever the setting
Kicking off meetings, whether they’re virtual, in-person or a mix of both, with icebreakers or lighthearted exchanges helps employees connect more deeply and enhances their rapport with each other. Outside of group meetings, encourage your teams to set up casual chats and virtual hangouts to foster stronger working relationships. And when everyone’s in the office, seize the opportunity to meet up, such as over a group lunch, in team-building exercises or sharing a coffee break.
Hybrid work models strike a balance between traditional and remote setups. By supporting both in-person teamwork and remote flexibility, you can build an environment that suits everyone’s needs. It’s a smart way to remain agile and resilient in a changing world.
