Remote work has become increasingly prevalent, but for many organisations a complete shift to working from home isn’t always feasible or desirable. A hybrid approach that combines remote work with an office base has emerged as a viable solution, offering flexibility and autonomy while maintaining the benefits of in-person collaboration.
Here are 10 top tips for successfully blending remote work with an office base, enabling companies to optimise productivity, foster team cohesion, and adapt to the changing landscape of work.
- Communication, communication, communication
Implement robust communication tools and protocols to ensure seamless collaboration between remote and in-office team members. Near, far, wherever they are, use messaging platforms, videoconferencing software and project management tools to keep everyone connected and informed.
2. Define flexible work
Create flexible work policies that accommodate both remote and in-office work arrangements, allowing employees to choose the set-up that best suits their needs while ensuring alignment with business objectives and team dynamics. Flexible workspaces such as those at Theobalds Enterprise Centre or Hoddesdon Enterprise Centre can be ideal for this purpose, as you can tweak the amount of on-site space you need on the fly.
3. Invest in tech
Equip remote workers and office-based employees with the necessary technology and equipment to effectively perform their role. This can involve providing laptops, high-speed internet access, or ergonomic office furniture.
4. Regular check-ins
Schedule regular check-in meetings or virtual coffee chats to maintain connection and camaraderie among team members, regardless of their physical location. These informal interactions help foster a sense of belonging and teamwork.
5. Plan ahead
If you need remote workers’ presence in person for a particular meeting or event, remember they may need a lot of notice because of childcare or other family commitments. Giving them plenty of time to plan for such things helps ensure everything goes smoothly.
6. Transparency
Establish clear expectations for deliverables, deadlines, and communication protocols to promote transparency and accountability across remote and in-office teams. Regular progress updates and performance evaluations can help ensure everyone stays on track.
7. Hybrid meetings
When conducting meetings or brainstorming sessions, make use of hybrid meeting formats that accommodate remote and in-office participants. This may involve videoconferencing tools with features such as screen sharing and virtual whiteboards to facilitate collaboration.
8. Easy parking
When you’re a hybrid worker coming in to work on site, you don’t want to be wasting time finding somewhere to park your car or secure your bike. Both of Broxbourne Enterprise Centres’ sites at Theobalds and Hoddesdon have free parking, chargeable EV charging points and secure cycle parks, so you’ll be at your desk with your free tea or coffee before you know it.
9. Inclusion and equal opportunities
Ensure that remote workers have equal access to opportunities for career advancement, professional development, and social engagement as their in-office counterparts. This may involve organising virtual training sessions, networking events and team-building activities.
10. Evaluate and adapt
Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your hybrid work model and get feedback from employees to identify areas for improvement. Flexibility and adaptability are key to successfully combining remote work with an office base, so be prepared to iterate and adjust as needed.
Find out more about flexible working spaces at Theobalds Enterprise Centre and Hoddesdon Enterprise Centre here.
