If lockdown, quarantine, and WFH were the buzzwords of 2020, the term hybrid working is fast becoming the words on everyone’s lips right now. After nearly two years of adapting to constant change (both at home and in the workplace), it would seem that we’re slowly settling into a ‘new normal’, thanks to the hybrid working model.
Before the pandemic, 68% of people had never actually worked from home. But now, a staggering 81% of people would like to continue with some kind of home/office balance. Having gone from bustling offices and fast-paced commuting to working from home, we’ve since transgressed to somewhat of a hybrid state that gives employees the flexibility to work remotely and spend time back in their physical working space. It’s a growing trend that’s quickly becoming favoured by employers and employees alike.
What does hybrid working look like for employees?
It may mean hot-desking, reduced or more structured office space, or a need to create a healthy and stable home-working environment. So how can you support your employees to help that hybrid working model feel more fluid, seamless, and of course, comfortable?
We’ve put together a list of the top five hybrid working must-haves as we settle into a new level of connection, flexibility and hopefully, people-centred working.
Stay caffeinated
One of the ways morning routines changed at the height of the pandemic was our journeys to work. Remember when the only decent cup of coffee was the one you had to make yourself in your own kitchen?! It may sound too simplistic, but routine is everything. So make sure your employees are not only able to enjoy a cuppa on the go or when sitting at their home desk, but also encourage them to quit their takeaway cup habit by gifting them a reusable coffee mug. Think thermos-style copper vacuum mugs; they’re well-insulated, perfect for keeping hot drinks hot and cold drinks cool, plus they come in a range of lovely colours. You could even gift it with a voucher for your local coffee shop.
In the bag
With hybrid working comes the need to cart your laptop and be able to work from wherever. Whether that’s from the sofa, a hotdesk, the train, or the kitchen table, give your staff the best set-up with a travel laptop bag that acts as a case, a laptop stand, and a sturdy backpack for that office commute.
Let’s do lunch
Failing to plan is planning to fail and for a healthier working day, prepping lunch the night before is key to keeping those energy and concentration levels up! Help your team stay nourished and focused with a bamboo lunch box, complete with a wooden knife and fork, and encourage them to take time away from their desk, home or away!
Go Green
Breathe some life into their desk space with a desktop planter. Or why not gift them a grow-your-own kit? Whether it’s a succulent for their desk or a grow-your-own herb garden, add some mindfulness to their workspace. Plus, you can add in a little healthy competition with a grow-your-own plant, perfect for those team Zoom meetings!
Standoff
While your office space might be ergonomically designed to cater to everyone’s needs – supportive desk chairs, desks at the right height – you can’t guarantee that their home tech is up to scratch. Laptop stands are a great way to keep tech neck at bay!
