The transition to a hybrid workplace

Hybrid working is here to stay. Under the influence of the covid pandemic, this flexible way of working has widely spread. The forced working from home has given both employees and employers new insight into how and where we prefer to organize work. Which doesn’t provide a clear answer; the ideal working situation is a personal matter in the end. Besides the personal needs of employees, the type of work also determines the choice in workplace. What does this mean for the office lay-out? Ans what is the transition to a hybrid workplace asking from employers?

FLEXIBILITY AND AUTONOMY

Flexibility and autonomy in deciding where to work and at what time, is being appreciated a lot amongst employees. Research by TNO shows 75% of employees having worked from home during the covid pandemic, would like to keep partially working from home. The Monitor Hybride Werken from KPN shows similar numbers. No less than 90% has found a good balance between working from home and spending work time in the office. 85% of employees wants to choose what days to work in the office. A third even says to want to change jobs if their employer makes working in the office all of time obligatory. However, three-quarter of the interviewees agrees with the employer having the possibility to oblige them to be in the office on certain days. As long as it happens in mutual understanding, it’s no issue for them.

HYBRID WORKPLACE IS TAILOR MADE

For the layout of the hybrid workplace there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. After all, no employee is the same. Somewhat who is sensitive for stimuli and sounds will prefer a quieter place. Someone blooming from a bit of buzz on the contrary likes to join others in a common workplace. Furthermore, the type of work is determining in what space we would like to work in. Writing complicated policies for example requires a completely different working environment than a creative brainstorm session with the team. The hybrid office is a place that meets the individual needs of employees and that supports different types of work. Think of different kinds of spaces, like open meeting places to get together in an informal setting, brainstorm places for creative processes, phone areas to have video meetings of phone calls in on your own, conference rooms for hybrid meetings with big groups and quiet workplaces to work in completely focused. The option to adapt the workplace to your own needs with regards to lighting, sound and temperature also makes part of a hybrid office environment.

HYBRID OFFICE AS MEETING SPACE

The function of the office shifts more and more from a place to work to a place to meet. Working we can do now from home as well; we don’t need the office for it anymore. What we do need to office for, is the live contact with coworkers. The talk at the coffee machine, lunching together or a spontaneous exchange of ideas. They are crucial for the sense of connection with coworkers and the organization. The hybrid office environment is mainly a place where employees want to be in touch with each other, seek collaboration and experience meaning. Employers can respond to this with an (interior) design focused on stimulating social interaction, meeting, and collaboration. And with a design in which the identity and the core values of the organization are clearly visible and tangible. In a response to this we see more and more hospitality concepts are being applied in the office environment. A hospitable and welcoming look, a domestic atmosphere and a unique experience facilitate the mutual contact and contribute to a sense of connectivity.

FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE

Do you want as an organization to get the best out of hybrid working, search together with your employees for the right balance. The challenge here is this balance is different for everyone.  Talk with your individual employees and map their personal needs. How do they prefer to work? Where and when are they at their best? What do they need to do their work well? What contributes to their job satisfaction? And on the other hand: what is important for you as an employer? Make agreements together and create rules and frameworks. For example, about when coworkers must be available for each other. Or about when and for what kind of work you expect them at the office. Keep communicating with each other and adjust when needed. A hybrid working environment is always adaptable and in motion. Look for a way in which both parties can get the best out of themselves and each other. Whether this is at home or in the office, that’s not important.

FLOORING FOR A HYBRID WORKPLACE

Transforming your office into a hybrid workplace? We like to think along with you for the proper flooring. Especially when it comes down to customization, we have everything you need to shape individual spaces and create the right atmosphere. From flexible and modular flooring solutions, inspiring colors and patterns to custom-made designs and dimensions. We know how to get the best out of the flooring in a hybrid office environment. Furthermore, for a complete total experience you are at the right address at our custom printing label Prints van Oranje. This way, you easily align the different elements in the interior with each other into a coherent whole.