The way that many businesses work has changed dramatically in recent years, and as many as 74% of US companies currently have a hybrid work model or are planning one.

A hybrid office can provide a new, innovative way for people to get work done, and they’ve already proved very effective. They’re still a fairly new concept, however, so most organizations aren’t too sure about the best practices when creating one.

In this guide, we’ll look at some key elements that will help you create a balanced hybrid workspace. Keep reading for more.

Ask Employees What They Want

Everyone has different priorities, and therefore different things that they want out of their workplace. The best way to get a better insight into what your employees would prefer is to simply ask them.

Most workplaces haven’t used a hybrid model before, so it’s hard to know exactly how to set it up. You can get feedback from your employees on what they think would be most useful for them. Make sure, however, that you keep things realistic and reasonable.

This could relate to the tools they have available, amenities like coffee or vending machines, or simply access to ergonomic office furniture so that they’re more comfortable at work.

Offer Some Options

People love flexibility, so giving your hybrid team options can prove very beneficial. This can include allowing for primarily in-office teams, primarily remote teams, or an even balance between the two.

You can allow people to change their preferences, but not too frequently. You want to be able to plan ahead and stay aware of where people will be at different times. Doing this will help you with resource allocation.

Embrace Technology

Modern technology has made remote working possible and it helps to make hybrid workspaces a reality. Videoconferencing tools and cloud-based productivity software, for example, are essential for almost all online workspaces.

Make sure everyone has access to the hardware and software they need to avoid technical issues and delays. There may be some tasks that can only be done in-office, so identify these and determine the best solutions.

Ensure your employees have easy access to whatever they need, but your network also needs to be secure. Cybersecurity is a major risk, so not something to be ignored.

Maintain Your Company’s Culture

Pinning down company culture can be tricky, and even more so with people working remotely. Through effective team management, you can keep remote employees tethered to the social side of your company. Informal online meetups are an ideal way to do this.

Remote employees should still feel like they’re getting the full colleague experience. It’s also a good idea to review perks to make sure they’re not only benefiting those who are in the office. If they are, work on finding a solution that will ensure everyone is treated fairly.

Your Hybrid Office

There are various approaches you can take to a hybrid office. It’s important to think about what would work best for your company and your employees.

Workplace Solutions can help to design and outfit your office to create the perfect hybrid workspace. Get in touch today to find out more about our office design capabilities.