How to Optimize Hybrid-Work for Your Organization in 2022

With the pandemic waning for what seems to be the 10th time we can say that now, there is now pressure for staff to return to the office once again. But with gas prices going up with no signs of stopping, and the lingering fear of yet another Covid surge, commuting and being in the office is still a difficult decision for individuals to make. Given the differing levels of health individuals have, as well as the varied distance they may need to commute, Hybrid-work is still a valid practice for any office to uphold to alleviate some of the stressors we are all experiencing as a society. Here are some ways to make Hybrid-work easier on your organization:

Host regular scrum meetings:

A Scrum is a daily meeting that lasts no longer than 15 minutes detailing the progress of a particular project or one’s daily tasks ahead. These meetings generally are held in the morning to set tasks for each individual’s work day, and check on work accomplished the previous day. Holding a brief group meeting with those in the office and those virtually attending simultaneously makes everyone present feel included on the same level regardless of their location. This Scrum also functions to keep everyone on task and ‘in the loop’ so that nobody falls behind on work.

Work with your staffs’ life schedule:

Everyone has different circumstances that attribute to their abilities to be in or out of the office, be it immunodeficiency, family, commute issues, etc. To make everyone feel that their life outside of work is valued, listen to each other about when they can and cannot be in the office, and plan accordingly. Given meetings have become hybridized throughout the pandemic, this practice has proven more than effective and can be maintained if necessary for individuals. Try to understand and map out when each other can and cannot be in the office throughout the week, so when certain materials or interactions are needed between one another, you know whether to depend on someone in person or online.

Listen to each other:

Communication is one of, if not the most integral part of an organization functioning well. We are all people and the last few years have been difficult for some and disastrous for others. Listening to your coworkers and understanding that they may be going through a rough time, or have added stress due to current circumstances, has the ability to alleviate stress and promote a healthy work/life balance within your office dynamic.

If you are looking for consultation on improving your organization’s communications, project management, or performance management, Echo Origin works with organizations to improve their processes, assist in running more impactful meetings, and manage project or company-wide change initiatives that give organizations the power to own the solution.