Ever since the pandemic hit us, the operating ways of businesses and organizations have changed completely. Hybrid and remote work is the new working model for many organizations, initially caused by pandemics but has some benefits for organizations.
A survey from Gallup revealed that remote work increased to 39% after the pandemic, and the hybrid work model increased to 42% after the pandemic. These trends have not declined significantly, as these models were adopted to prevent the Covid-19 spread, but businesses also saved many expenses and resources by implementing hybrid and remote work.
Employee well-being and a healthy work environment are equally important, as it was onsite work. However, this doesn't mean businesses can ease their standards and compromise the work environment. Employers and managers should also create a healthy working environment in a hybrid workplace.
How Can Employers Make A Healthy Hybrid Workplace?
According to Workforce Institute, 2021 Engagement and Retention Report, 52% of employees in North America will quit their jobs. These resignations are because of many factors that have come out in recent years that can help retain or make employees leave your company. Employee needs and behavior are not the same as before the pandemic.
There are several reasons employees are not happy in the work environment; many employers are mistaken that remote or hybrid work will give relaxation and feasibility to their employees. A recent report shows that remote and hybrid work can stress employees' physical and mental health.
However, companies can take specific steps to reduce employee burnout, reduce stress and increase their productivity in a hybrid work model.
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Give Employees Flexibility
Many people indeed find working from home comforting as their work and private life can co-exist in a single place. But you need to understand that their communication and socialization are declined, unlike when they were onsite with managers and coworkers by their side.
With the new working methods, their needs are also changed, and working from home might not be the same for everyone. Some employees have children, while some can face space issues in their homes. These are common problems but can affect employee productivity and increase stress.
According to the World Economic Forum survey, 66% of employees believe they should have flexible working hours' while 65% of employees agree that they are more productive with flexible working hours.
Employers and managers should be aware of their employees' working conditions and create schedules and shifts that can be feasible for employees and productive for employers.
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Promote Appreciation Culture
Employee appreciation has always been essential in retaining employees and creating a healthy workplace regardless of the onsite or hybrid work model. A report from McKinsey & Company shows that being valued by an organization remains an essential factor for healthy work culture.
Organizations that do not compliment or acknowledge their employees' work are likely to see resignations. To improve the relationship between employees and employers, the managers and leaders should constantly keep in contact with the workforce, acknowledge their efforts, give constructive feedback and give maximum support and guidance.
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Motivate And Support Your Employees
A good working environment is where employees are motivated and see themselves in a good position while working in your company. Hybrid work is a real challenge in keeping your employees motivated and fully productive. But there are some measures businesses can take to ensure the well-being of their employees and get their dedication to company growth
In hybrid working models, not everyone can access the necessary commodities to work from home. Check on employees to see if they have all the power, internet, and necessary equipment for hybrid work.
Hold training exercises for various skills so that all employees can work on the same level without trouble and be there for them in times of need. Your managers should also be trained and aware of the possible problems in hybrid work models and team-building skills.
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Give Them Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is an essential element in an employee-businesses relationship. Poor work-life balance can massively impact an employee's physical and mental health. A study reveals that one in four American workers quit their job due to mental health issues. Employers can work on providing a better work-life balance to their people by cutting long meetings short, giving enough breaks for relaxation, distributing work equally, setting realistic deadlines, avoiding overtime work, and having feedback.
Conclusion
A healthy work environment is crucial for a company's long-term and short-term growth. Without it, the organization cannot remain stable as employees will continue to leave regardless of onsite, remote, or hybrid work models. Managers and leaders should implement the above steps to make their work culture healthy and take help from Definity First's tools and software for hybrid teams and organizations. Contact us today and make your work culture an example for all.
