The 2023 State of Remote Work global report from Buffer and Nomad List reported that 98% of respondents would like to work remotely, at least some of the time, for the rest of their careers. Some of the main reasons included:
- 12% feel they have more time because they don’t commute
- 11% feel it’s better for them financially
- 7% prefer to work in their own space
Today, people are looking to continue working remotely, so encouraging them to return to the office can pose several challenges for employers. Are you dealing with office space that is not being fully utilized? Do you have enough space to accommodate for the increased number of employees returning to the office?
For long-term success, it’s essential to consider several factors, including the number of total employees, the days they will be working from the office, and the preferences of various departments and individuals. This insight will help determine whether you’re under- or overutilizing office space. It’s also crucial to understand which office environment suits your business needs, ensuring that in-office days are appealing for hybrid workers.
With so many variables to consider, here’s how to make the office an attractive place to return for hybrid workers with a hybrid strategy tailored to you.
Step 1: Define Your Optimal Hybrid Working Model
To define your optimal hybrid working model, you need to consider the constraints mentioned above and how your current office space can adapt. Luckily, with a hybrid intelligence platform like DNAi, the algorithm can take care of it for you, ensuring optimal space configurations for your business.
DNAi creates a tailored hybrid working plan based on your business constraints, including team dynamics, Work From Office (WFO) policies, and executive direction. The intelligent algorithm calculates millions of possibilities to propose the best office space configuration for your business, adjusting for different days of the week.
The result? Employees are evenly distributed across the busiest days, ensuring your space is fully utilized and business requirements are met.
Step 2: Manage & Adapt the Proposed Model
The next step is to test this hybrid working model in your space to see how it fits your team and whether it’s a viable long-term solution. Admins can make floorplan changes and updates through the Space Manager portal, which integrates with our Space Booking App.
Employees can reserve desks for their allocated WFO days by department or book flex spaces for non-WFO days. At Freespace, we understand that flexibility is key to a productive workplace. Our platform allows for adjustments based on unexpected changes or personal responsibilities, such as childcare or healthcare appointments, while still optimizing the workspace.
Step 3: Keep Your Employees Engaged
When introducing a hybrid working model, it’s crucial to engage your employees. Keep them informed about the changes through regular updates and internal events that encourage open communication. You can achieve this via HR platforms like Keka or Workday, communication platforms like Teams or Zoom, and collaboration tools like the Space Booking App.
Clear communication will foster trust and help employees feel involved in the decision-making process. Address their questions, listen to their feedback, and keep the lines of communication open to maintain trust throughout the transition. Use workplace technology like Freespace to make this journey easier:
- Employees can reserve desks via the Space Booking App before they return to the office.
- They can easily locate their desks using Wayfinding Signage.
- Availability status for other spaces is visible through PAL indicators.
By providing this support, you can ensure a seamless in-office experience for your staff.
A) Explain the ‘Why’
Another key to keeping employees engaged is explaining the reasons behind your RTO strategy. Share how it aligns with the company’s long-term goals and benefits both employees and the business. This helps employees understand the decision and feel that it’s in their best interests.
B) Address Commuting Concerns
One of the main concerns hybrid workers have when returning to the office is the commute. Working from home eliminates long commutes, but how can you make the office commute more attractive? Consider implementing flexible working hours to avoid peak traffic times and make the commute smoother. Offering travel subsidies or cycle-to-work schemes can also make the return to the office more appealing.
C) Organize In-Office Activities
To help employees feel excited about coming back to the office, consider organizing in-office events. Encourage social interaction, collaboration, and connection with team-building exercises, in-person meetings, or casual social events. From shared lunches to off-site retreats, fostering a sense of community in the office will drive engagement.
As an employer, if you’re wondering how to make the office an attractive place to return for hybrid workers, it’s essential to listen to your employees. With the right hybrid strategy, you can overcome the challenges of creating an optimal office environment that benefits both your employees and your business, get in touch with us how we can help.
