7 Tips for Employers on Managing a Hybrid Workforce

Besides remote working, the hybrid work model has emerged as another popular alternative to the traditional 9 to 5 office routine.

A hybrid workplace allows employees to divide their work week between working in the office and from home.

The hybrid work model has grown more popular in recent years, especially due to the benefits that have been recorded. A study by International Workplace Group (IWG) found that hybrid workers sleep longer, eat healthier by opting for more home-cooked meals, and exercise more often, which contributes to better mental health. In fact, 66% of hybrid workers reported enjoying more personal time which has resulted in better stress management and a better work/life balance.

Another study from the University of Birmingham sited that 51.8% of people surveyed agreed that working from home improved concentration, and 59.5% agreed that it increased productivity.

While it may lower costs and improve productivity, a hybrid work model has its own challenges. Besides updating policies and restructuring work processes, managing a hybrid workforce well means you pay equal attention to staff when they are home just as when they are in office.

How do you manage a hybrid workforce effectively?

We recommend the following best practices:

1. Set clear goals and expectations

Communicate work briefs, goals, and deadlines with clarity to all your employees. You may want to hold daily or weekly virtual meetings to bring your hybrid workforce together to discuss projects and share progress. Communicating regularly is essential to keeping your staff aligned, especially if they don't all share the same in-office days.

2. Create a hybrid work policy

Developing a policy for hybrid or remote work will set down the rules on breaks, attendance, provision of equipment, cybersecurity, and ratio of home-to-office hours.

You should update your employee handbook with your hybrid work policy. Make sure you share it with your hybrid workers through your company intraweb or a cloud-based HR management software such as Peninsula's HR software.

3. Change parameters for assessing performance

To get the best out of your hybrid team, tailor your management style to their needs. Some workers may perform better with detailed instructions and frequent one-on-one meetings, whether in person or online. Others may only need clarity on objectives and deadlines.

Micromanaging or monitoring your staff when they're working from home will only put unnecessary strain on your energies. It will also be demotivating for your staff. Don’t put a premium on the number of hours clock in, but rather on the results delivered.

4. Organize in-person work socials

Monthly or bi-monthly team get-togethers may help your hybrid staff interact face-to-face and build a rapport. Team bonding will help increase workplace harmony and morale.

5. Hire candidates with the right skills

When hiring for hybrid positions, consider candidates who have the desired skill sets. Workers who are motivated, goal-oriented and/or have experience with remote or hybrid working would be ideal.

6. Take steps to ensure your staff is on the same page, especially on WFH days

Coordinate to ensure are not behind on major information on days when they work from home. Utilize virtual team meetings and internal communications. Livestream any office-based events (business talks, seminars, or training workshops) for the benefit of employees working from home.

Avoid spontaneous in-office meetings or team lunches/outings. Plan and give your hybrid staff sufficient notice of such events.

7. Focus on employee wellness and mental health

It is a good practice to introduce employee wellness programs and activities. If you don’t already, offer an employee assistance program (EAP). An EAP provides confidential counselling services to employees who may be going through personal difficulties, such as domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health issues.

Investing in the mental and physical wellbeing of your workforce is ultimately good for your business.

Do you need help creating a hybrid work policy?

We’re here for you. Whether you need assistance creating a hybrid work policy or expert advice on any other HR support or health & safety matter, let Peninsula’s experts take the confusion out of managing your employees. To learn more, call an expert today: 1 (833) 247-3652