Hybrid work is the path forward, fast-tracked by the pandemic to become the preferred work arrangement. With the right mindset and technology infrastructure, any business can thrive on a hybrid work model. If you are leading a small company, you will want to check out this article on how to do hybrid work for small businesses.
Understand the Different Hybrid Work Arrangements
Global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company wrote an article about the ongoing disconnect between employers and employees and why business leaders must realize the value of doing hybrid work.
The organization said that three out of four top-level executives want their employees back in the office. While remote work is surprisingly effective, leaders and managers argue that the work arrangement hurt the companies’ sense of belonging and organizational culture.
On the other hand, 46% of workers worldwide are ready to jump ship to do remote work or other employment opportunities with flexible work arrangements.
The good news is that businesses do not have to use remote work alone. Hybrid work can come in at least three types of arrangements.
Remote-first: Businesses allow their employees to work from anywhere while providing office space for client meetings and workers who prefer to perform their duties in an office setting.Office-occasional: Many companies have this arrangement, allowing their employees to split their work schedule between the office and off-site. For example, they can work two days at home and three days in the office.
Office-first: Employers require their employees to work in the office while allowing them to work remotely occasionally.
Focus on Maintaining Open and Effective Communication
Communication is crucial to any business’s success, particularly when implementing a hybrid work model. Business owners must create an employee communication and engagement plan to keep everyone connected wherever they are working.
Maintaining employee communication is never an issue in an office-only work arrangement. However, company owners and managers must think, plan, and implement multiple communication channels to give their employees all the chances to stay connected. You can do regular check-ins with each employee to ensure they are productive and happy.
Business owners can perform video conferencing, SMS, emails, push notifications, phone calls, and other communication methods. You can also create a virtual party to promote camaraderie and strengthen esprit de corps between on-site and remote workers.
We at Croo can help your business maintain open and effective communication with your home and away teams. We provide a telephony service that makes your remote workers feel right at home in your organization.
Use the Right Technology
A hybrid work model requires the right technology to allow for efficient and effective collaboration, communication, and productivity. It would be impossible for employers to stay in touch with their remote workers without the right tools.
A Cloud-based telephony system fits the bill perfectly, especially if you pick Croo as your business partner. We offer a wealth of digital telephony features that improve your employees’ productivity while empowering you to stay connected with them.
Our Cloud-based telephony service connects multiple internet devices wherever they are. You can have an employee in Bali, another in the UK, and you will never miss communicating with them. Each worker can use up to five devices, empowering them to take multiple clients calls and improve your company’s bottom line.
We have a platform that simplifies call management while allowing you to integrate advanced CRM programs. Our extensive suite of functions will help you manage your workers, both in-office and offsite.
Stay Flexible
Businesses that observe a hybrid work model must show flexibility in accommodating the needs of the company and workers. Flexible work arrangements allow organizations to motivate employees to perform better and encourage them to manage their off-work responsibilities. It drives job satisfaction, effective stress management, creativity, and energy.
You can also institute measures to make working in the office more pleasant, comfortable, and enjoyable. Business owners can improve the employee lounge’s ambiance and look for other ways that foster flexibility.
Be Clear about Expectations
While hybrid work lets workers achieve excellent work-life balance, they must never forget their job responsibilities. Business owners must clarify the expected results when working remotely and in the office. The expectations must be clear before employees start working either on-site or at their preferred place.
You can use our Croo Talk to stay in touch with your remote workers. We have call monitoring and time-tracking features that you can leverage. It would be best to give your workers the opportunity to clarify things and ask questions, too.
Conclusion
Hybrid work for small businesses entails understanding the different hybrid work arrangements, maintaining open communication, using the right tools, staying flexible, and setting clear expectations. You can grow your company and thrive if you adhere to these tips.
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