While the massive switch to remote work caused by COVID-19 caused all kinds of headaches, companies that embraced remote working capabilities opened up a whole new world of labor possibilities.  

Companies looking to hire top talent for office-based positions are no longer restricted by geography or even nationality. For example, if a company in Phoenix is looking for a remote copywriter, it could hire someone from Tucson, Tallahassee or Tanzania. The only major limitations in this era of remote working are language and time zone-related availability. According to recent data from Zippia, 63 percent of American companies are using a “productivity anywhere” work model. 

Companies that switch to a hybrid work model see major benefits, with one of the biggest being an improved ability to attract and retain talent. According to Zippia, companies that allow for some degree of remote working see a 12 percent decrease in turnover, and 54 percent of employees surveyed said they would leave a current job for one that offers remote work. 

Have You Considered Your Team to be Hybrid?

Considering that teams of hybrid workers are a somewhat new concept, they often call for a few changes in organizational processes. Below are a few best practices associated with making the switch. 

Have the IT Infrastructure in Place 

More than likely, the COVID-19 pandemic has already forced your company to adopt the technology needed for remote working. Having the right IT in place is vital, as Salesforce Co-CEO Bret Taylor told CNBC that investing in a digital headquarters is actually more important than investing in a physical headquarters. 

Collaborative workspaces, project management software, messaging platforms, video conference applications, virtual time clocks, and other essential tools make it possible to replace on-premise working with virtual working. If you don’t have these vital tools in place or the ones you have aren’t fit for purpose, it is important to make investments in these key areas. 

In addition to having the necessary software infrastructure in place, it is also important for your hybrid workforce to have the proper hardware. Based on your specific situation, you may need to provide employees with mobile devices, webcams, headphones, laptops, or other devices. 

Lean Into Communications 

To make sure that your hybrid staff communicates effectively, establish rules for how various tools are used so that people stay on the same page and key assets are easy to access.  

According to the International Association of Business Communicators, leaders should take a remote-first mentality to communicate with hybrid teams. Because they are physically separated, remote workers require more frequent and repeat communications. Be sure that all team members understand the value of reiteration and regular check-ins. Because responses to messages can vary, set expectations around availability. 

Establish Structure and Expectations 

It is essential to establish expectations and structures so your staff members share work equally, regardless of their work arrangement. Try to set similar goals for all team members and ensure remote members are kept in the loop with regular check-ins and communications regarding upcoming deadlines. 

We Can Help Your Company Take Advantage of Hybrid Possibilities 

At The Finders, we’ve been working hard to help our clients not only adjust to this new normal of remote and hybrid work, but also take advantage of it. If your company is currently looking to tap into this new realm of possibilities, please contact us today.