Question 1

What is Hybrid Working?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid Working is a flexible working model where employees work partly in the physical office space and partly remotely (at home or any other chosen location). The idea arose from the desire of employees to have flexibility in their working days / hours, to gain a better work-life balance. And the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated this process. It is important that organisations understand the different needs and wishes people have when working hybrid. That way, the most effective working environment can be created. A flexible environment where they can collaborate, be productive, and feel appreciated and involved. Hybrid working models can vary in the degree of flexibility.

We can distinguish the following hybrid working models:
– Hybrid at will: employees choose which days they would like to work at the office.
– Hybrid split-week: The company assigns which days employees are working at the office.
– Hybrid manager-scheduling: The manager chooses which days their team will be working at the office.
– Hybrid mix: A mix of the above variations.

The number one purpose of hybrid work is to provide employees flexibility. It allows employees to work where and when they are most productive. Studies have shown that increased flexibility results in increased job satisfaction and employee well-being. The hybrid working models ensures happier and more loyal employees.

The most important element of Hybrid Working is technology. Structuring communication and realising a flexible workspace can be done by using the right technology. With Smart software tools for Desk Booking & Room Booking, the employees can book their workplace in advance. That way they are assured of a desk or meeting room, when they come to the office.

Room Management in the Hybrid Workplace

Desk Management in the Hybrid Workplace

GoBright wins Hybrid Working Solutions Award

Question 2

Why is hybrid working important?

Accepted Answer

That Hybrid Working is an important and relevant matter is proven by the fact that it is currently a C-level priority within many organisations. The hybrid model fits very well with the wishes and expectations that employees have from the modern office. Those who do not adapt to the demands and wishes that employees have, will no longer remain appealing employers. If you want to get the new generation to the office it is essential that you can offer them flexibility, responsibility and ownership, by adapting to the hybrid working model.

The benefits of hybrid working

Furthermore the hybrid working model comes with interesting employer and employee benefits. Studies have shown that the hybrid model comes with increased productivity and job satisfaction amongst employee’s, a better work-life balance and overall improved employee wellbeing. The hybrid model is also used to make the office a more safe environment. Fewer colleagues will be at the office at the same time, reducing the risks of diseases spreading. Not only during the pandemic but also now this remains an important factor with regard to employee health and wellbeing.

A sustainable office

If employees work more hybrid, they have to come to the office less often, which saves a lot of commuting. And when all companies do this, it results in significant environmental savings. In the office too, resources and facilities can be used more economically if fewer people use them, which leads to savings on floorspace and utilities. Working Hybrid and using Smart Technology can help with sustainable thinking and optimising workplace performance.

Question 3

What are the challenges when implementing Hybrid Working?

Accepted Answer

It is important that employers keep communicating with employees and that they pay extra attention to the behavior, wishes and wellbeing of employees. The hybrid office must be set up in a way that matches the objectives of employees. Corporate culture and trust are important aspects in relation to hybrid working. Employees no longer need to be in the office fulltime in order to be productive, so employers need to let go of the idea that everyone has to be in the office from 9-5. In fact, studies have shown that employees have stated that their productivity increased with the hybrid model and that they were able to balance their work and private life even better. So hybrid working comes with trust, responsibility, and personal ownership.

It’s crucial to understand how and where your employees are most productive. This way, the office can be set up in a targeted manner. The office turns into an environment where people come together to meet each other, to socialise, to brainstorm, to invite guests and collaborate on (group) projects. Employees have different needs and wishes when it comes to their workplace. And you can choose to work from home when you need to work on a confidential report, or concentrate on practicing a difficult presentation.

It is also important that the hybrid workplace is set up with smart and data-driven solutions. The hybrid office is the place where interactions meet technology. Staying in touch with employees and visitors, managing the workplace and re-designing the office environment according to relevant data is how you can successfully implement hybrid working to the workforce.

Question 4

How do you manage the hybrid workplace?

Accepted Answer

One of the drivers of the hybrid working model is flexibility. Employees from all over the world wonder how they can increase their flexibility in and around the office? But, in addition, autonomy, personal responsibility, clear communication and involvement are also extremely important. You want to keep employees engaged and motivated. A sense of belonging is crucial to our life satisfaction, happiness, mental and physical health and even longevity. It gives us purpose and meaning. Research has shown that loss of belonging has been associated with stress, illness and decreased wellbeing and depression.

People want to feel heard and seen. They need to know where they stand. Both at home and in the office. If you decide to come to the office for a day, you will want to know in advance whether a place is available. Companies therefore need new tools to offer the security and insights that their employees so well deserve.

Desk Booking in the hybrid office

By furnishing the office with smart technology solutions, you can increase effectiveness, productivity and flexibility. In particular, a Desk Booking system contributes to the flexibility needed when people work on a hybrid basis. Employees can check the occupation status and book their desk in the GoBright Portal, or Mobile App, within seconds. With GoBright Desk Booking you can stimulate hot desking. Whether employees want to work at home or at the office, they can always manage their workspace.

Room Booking in the hybrid office

GoBright Room Booking also contributes to flexible working at the office. Employees are able to book a meeting room according to their preferences (AV equipment / lighting/ catering services). Our Room Booking system allows employees to be assured of a room that suits their needs. Furthermore, employees can also grab a room spontaneously or make an ad hoc booking for the ultimate sense of flexibility. Again, whether employees want to meet online or at the office, they can control and manage their meetings in the office environment with GoBright solutions.

Question 5

What is the impact of hybrid work on the workforce?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid Working automatically comes with flexibility and autonomy. When designing your personal workday/workweek, people often feel their private,- and work life is much better balanced. Being happy and relaxed positively influences the productivity and cooperation of the employees.

Offering this kind of flexibility gives the employer a positive and pleasant character that moves along with modern developments. And has some advantages for the employer itself too. When being able to work hybrid, people tend to call in sick less. When you are feeling a bit under the weather, it might be a challenge to drag yourself to the office, while working from home feels more comfortable. In addition, if some of your employees work from home, you need less office space and resources. Where some companies first seemed to outgrow their office space, it now turns out that they have enough space within the current location and within the current working conditions.

A Hybrid Office environment furthermore influences potential employees and talent. People are attracted to a modern, flexible and pleasant environment and with Hybrid Working this is ensured. Attracting new talent becomes easier as they can work from home or from other locations. This means less commute time and stress, contributing to a positive employee and workplace experience.

Hybrid working

Whitepaper: The Future of work is hybrid

What to expect from a hybrid office

Employee types

Utilising space

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Workplace Analytics

Flexibility: Employee Types & Utilising Space

Flexible Working

The Impact of Hybrid Working on the Workforce

Creating a hybrid office with GoBright

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A Sustainable Office

Data-Driven Workplace

Employee Experience, Health, & Safety

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Discover how other companies optimised their workflow with our smart office technology

Desk Booking for managing the office's occupancy

Workplace management as a tool to improve the office’s occupancy

Frequently Asked Questions about Hybrid Working

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