Hybrid working has a host of advantages for employers and employees. Gone are the days of endless journeys in traffic and awkward small talk at the water machine. In 2021, the workspace has evolved – with employees designing their own office space at home, and making trips to the office a rare occurrence, only for essential circumstances. My name is Muge Yalcin and I am a leading senior Property Manager for Vodafone. I have observed the growth of Hybrid working in the last two years and have noted key challenges hindering and stagnating employees’ progress and development. However, I believe these challenges can be overcome by implementing solutions that directly mitigate any potential harm caused.
Challenge 1-> Workers managing their Schedule & Time
With workers now managing their schedule & time, this can prove beneficial and detrimental for staff as long as they remain self motivated. When employees work on their plans, they can prioritize the tasks they see as essential and organize their working day to suit them. However, this can prove challenging if employees exploit this freedom and allow themselves to be easily distracted by their home environment or avoid specific tasks. These distractions can lead to employees becoming less productive with their time and even avoiding certain key tasks.
Solution 1 by Muge Yalcin->
Employees should stick to their business hours; this requires setting a clear work diary with hours set aside, divided by tasks or level of importance. Setting aside a physical space at home just for work is also necessary for avoiding any distractions at home. This may involve purchasing a small partition to separate the home office from any distractions such as the television.
Challenge 2-> Endless Distractions
Distractions are everywhere in a home working environment, from a small child to the temptation to catch up on household chores during working time. Distractions lead to a definite downfall in productivity, affecting staff motivation and morale.
Solution 2 by Muge Yalcin->
Distractions can be avoided by ensuring that the working space at home is separated from apparent distractions such as television, other family members, etc. Even something as simple as putting makeup on or dressing for work can subconsciously prepare oneself for work, and subsequently, one is less likely to observe or entertain distractions. Avoiding ‘pajama’ or ‘duvet’ days is essential if employees maintain a level of professionalism in the new ‘workplace.’ Psychologists have observed that our appearance can affect our mindset, which is the case for the workplace whether at home or in the office. This was clarified in a recent study available here.
Challenge 3-> Reduced Supervision & Direction
Although it is a universal fact acknowledged that employees love to complain about their colleagues, the hybrid working model has threatened to fracture the integrity of the manager/employee relationship. Employees are now often working from home with minimal direction and are less likely to ask questions on the physical premises. This can lead to small and huge ‘mistakes’ and also a lack of confidence at work.
Solution 3 by Muge Yalcin->
Remaining in close contact with management is crucial if employees are to retain motivation and continually strive for excellence at work. Regular communication through zoom calls and instant messaging platforms should be a feature of the employee’s day. Managers should not feel guilty or shy about instigating these calls to observe and monitor progress and direction.
Challenge 4-> Isolation & Lack of Motivation
Isolation within Hybrid working is often expected due to the lack of regular, face-to-face communication with colleagues. Isolation can lead to feelings of sadness and subsequently a lack of motivation at work, directly affecting personal and company performance. In addition, humans are social creatures, and working from home may lead to some employees missing the mundane ‘small talk’ conversations about their weekends that they used to dread.
Solution 4 by Muge Yalcin->
Isolation can be avoided by having regular team calls over Zoom and virtual conferences that allow employees to discuss work or home/life. These calls may not necessarily always have to be related to work but rather give employees the chance to socialize and ‘catch up virtually.’ With Hybrid working as the new model for many businesses, companies are developing online ‘game days’ and ‘team challenges’ to foster a team spirit in a virtual working environment. Even using instant messaging to chat to colleagues can be helpful, whether directly related to work or just for a ‘catch up.
