Trends In Hybrid Workplace

Hybrid workplace model has been ruling business headlines ever since the world witnessed lockdown for a year and braced up to return back to work. And it is certainly a great idea that can fit all sizes and kinds of industries effortlessly.

Since most of the organisations are changing their internal structure and space for inviting this workplace model, here are the top trends to look out for in hybrid workplace that are going to rule in the near future.

Mimicking on-site experience in virtual rooms

Companies that have adopted a hybrid work model or are thinking of diving into one are looking for ways and means to bring the workforce together despite the geographical differences. This includes bringing in new tools and technologies that make it easier for the employees to work on projects and carry out tasks seamlessly.

The outbreak of technologies targeted to mimic the on-site experience is a testimony to the changing workforce and the office environment which is now being shifted to a virtual space. No longer does the employee need to be physically present in the facility as apps like Zoom, Slack, Meet are bringing in features such as creating virtual chat rooms, updating the progress of various tasks, timely alerts, sharing work files and real-time dashboards.

Scheduling Processes

When the workforce is divided, there can be instances when the on-site employees may enjoy better space or collaboration than remote employees. This has led to the emergence of creating a balanced system wherein all the processes are scheduled and organised using apps and tools and other forms of technology.

For instance, a desk booking system allows the remote and on-site staff to choose their desk in advance with the help of an online system. Similarly, reserving meeting rooms and conference halls early ensures that the distributed workforce is able to work without disruption. Also, tools like asset management software allow the scheduling and maintenance of repetitive asset tracking activities, ensuring that the whole process stays organised and employees can focus on innovations.

Touchless Technology

The use of touchless and sensor technologies is widely becoming prevalent. What emerged as a need is becoming a trend as workplaces are turning hybrid after the coronavirus outbreak.

Offices are turning to smart technologies like the ones that enable the staff to enter and exit with sensors on doors, keeping track of visitors by using touchless systems on front kiosks and checking the temperatures of workers in office rooms and utilities with IoT devices. Similarly, various technologies enable the staff to know which areas require cleaning and sanitisation after usage, especially when the employees are returning to offices after the pandemic.

Intuitive Spaces

Space planning and optimisation for creating the perfect hybrid environment is one thing to look out for in the coming years. Offices are no longer the conventional cube cabins that the employees were stuck in for their life but instead, new designs and technologies to support the comfort of the workforce are being welcomed by all organisations with open arms. In a report, 37% of candidates prefer to choose a job with low salary if the office space has workplace facilities and technology. A comfortable and flexible work environment ladened with the right technologies can really improve the employees’ engagement and satisfaction.

In short, work ambience and flexibility with the right tools and software is already a priority for the companies looking for actual growth and employee retention in the long run.

Employee Well-being and mental health

A changing trend but the best of the lot is the importance of employee well-being. More and more offices are focusing on the work-life balance and are putting in efforts to really empower their employees. Happy employees are the more productive ones and therefore, companies are taking measures to ensure that they are providing more than just salary to their staff.

The creation of recreation zones, health seminars, discussions on mental health and moreover, setting up norms in the company for allowing greater flexibility to the working members is a part of the bigger revolution. Companies are beginning to consider employee’s happiness and satisfaction and are allowing them to have a life outside the office, willing to give them mental peace so that they outperform themselves while at the job.

Also Read: The Benefits Of Skills Assessment In The Workplace