After the pandemic, there’s been a clash between CEOs demanding a return to the office and employees preferring to work remotely. So it’s no surprise that a hybrid work schedule has become an increasingly popular solution as it offers the best of both worlds - the flexibility of remote work and the advantages of in-person collaboration.
We’ll take a closer look at how to optimize your hybrid work schedule and how it can help you ensure a seamless transition between remote and in-office work. You’ll see why it may work even better than a full-time on-site or full-time remote schedule.
How does a hybrid work schedule work?
It’s quite simple. A hybrid work schedule combines remote work and in-person office time. It allows employees to spend some of their workdays in the office and some in their home office.
This flexible arrangement offers a balanced approach and is a good compromise that satisfies the requirements for on-site collaboration as well as the desire to work from home.
Types of hybrid work schedules
Split schedules or company-driven schedules
Company-driven schedules are a top-down approach to the hybrid model. The organization sets the guidelines and determines the remote and in-person work ratio for all employees. This approach ensures consistency across the organization.
Such a top-down approach usually results in split schedules, which can be 3-2-2, 50/50, or even a 4-1 or 1-4 schedule.
For example, the 3-2-2 schedule is a popular format where employees work three days in the office and two days remotely, followed by two consecutive days off. A 50/50 schedule means that employees have to evenly split their office hours between remote and in-office work.
Team-driven schedules
Team-driven schedules are a bottom-up approach to the hybrid model. Teams or departments have the autonomy to establish their own work arrangements based on their specific needs and preferences.
This approach results in a more flexible schedule. It allows hybrid teams to collectively decide on the balance between remote and on-site work that best suits their requirements and work style. It also allows teams to optimize the work-life balance of their team members.
Staggered schedules
Staggered schedules involve dividing employees into different shifts or time slots to manage in-person work. For example, employees may work morning or afternoon shifts or alternate between specific days and times for office work.
Staggered schedules help organizations optimize office space and minimize crowding while still allowing for in-person collaboration.
Let’s see how to decide which hybrid work schedule is best for your needs.
Optimize your hybrid work schedule
Assess your team's or employees’ needs
Even if you’re not going for the team-driven approach, you need to evaluate the nature of work, project requirements, and team dynamics to determine the best hybrid work schedule for your organization. Consider factors such as collaboration needs, individual preferences, and work-life balance.
Implement a cohort
To maximize in-person collaboration, determine which teams need to collaborate most often. Then implement a cohort schedule where specific teams or departments have designated office days together. This fosters a sense of community and facilitates face-to-face teamwork when employees are all present in the office.
Leverage workplace management technology
Invest in apps and tools like Joan to streamline and optimize your hybrid workplace and work schedule.
Joan's intuitive platform simplifies desk booking, meeting room reservations as well as office equipment reservations, and other office workflows. It ensures employees have a seamless experience when transitioning between remote and on-site work and can make the most out of their time in the office.
Align communication and collaboration tools
Everyone uses tools like Zoom, Slack, Teams, and project management software to communicate and collaborate. What’s key is to align the main tools your teams are using or to find platforms that can integrate with other tools and apps. Having a centralized collaboration hub will help you foster a culture of transparency, inclusivity, and real-time information sharing across remote and in-office teams.
Benefits of a hybrid work schedule
A well-implemented hybrid work schedule offers numerous benefits for both your organization and employees, including:
Increased employee productivity
Flexible work arrangements that hybrid schedules enable have been shown to boost employee productivity. Employees can leverage live collaboration when in the office and asynchronous work to tackle tasks efficiently when working remotely.
All employees are assured to work in their preferred environment at least some days of the week, while many actually like it best to switch it up and have more dynamic workdays.
Improved employee engagement
Hybrid work environments foster a sense of autonomy and trust, resulting in increased employee engagement. Employees feel empowered and motivated when given the freedom to manage their work arrangements and schedules to at least a certain extent.
Cost savings and sustainability
A hybrid work model reduces the need for large office spaces, resulting in cost savings for businesses. Moreover, it contributes to sustainability efforts by minimizing commute-related carbon emissions.
When you combine a hybrid model with Joan, the process of managing your workplace becomes even more efficient and enables you to optimize the use of your office space and assets.
Talent retention and attraction
A hybrid work policy allows businesses to tap into a wider talent pool. Some employees won’t work for companies that don’t allow any remote work and you can also recruit remote employees from different geographical locations if you offer completely flexible schedules. This increases the diversity and skills within the organization, driving innovation and creativity.
Reduction in burnout
By providing the flexibility to work remotely, a hybrid work schedule can help combat burnout. Employees have the opportunity to recharge and avoid the exhaustion often associated with long commutes and rigid office routines. This also contributes to improved work-life balance.
Embrace the hybrid work schedule with Joan
Exploring the benefits of hybrid work is key for businesses that want to thrive in the future of work. The hybrid work model enhances productivity, employee satisfaction, and business success by embracing the best of remote and in-person collaboration.
The tricky implementation of a hybrid model is made much easier by Joan. It offers the tools and capabilities needed to optimize your hybrid work schedule. From managing desk reservations to coordinating meeting room bookings, Joan simplifies the transition between remote and in-office work and creates a more efficient workplace.
If you’d like to know exactly how Joan can help you create the best possible hybrid environment, get in touch with our sales team and explore the possibilities.
