The COVID-19 pandemic catalysed a rapid transition to hybrid working, with organisations and employees hastily adjusting to a remote work environment. Whilst for many the technology to facilitate this shift was already in place, many were caught unprepared for the sudden change. Now, hybrid working isn't merely a temporary solution—it's become the new normal, offering a wealth of opportunities for organisations that are willing to embrace it. However, companies insisting on a full 'return to the office' are finding it challenging to retain and recruit talent.
Not all roles are suited for remote or hybrid working, particularly those requiring specialist equipment. Some roles, such as sales executives, service engineers, and those managing multiple sites, have always incorporated remote work.
Today, there's a growing expectation for more people to work remotely or adopt a hybrid model (working both in the office and elsewhere). In a challenging environment with economically inactive workers, higher costs of living, and employers eager to offer hybrid working, talented individuals have more choices. They no longer need to travel and live in expensive cities to find good jobs; they can stay at home and work remotely.
As leaders and managers, it's our responsibility to challenge ourselves about hybrid working. It presents countless opportunities for attracting and retaining talent. We just need to ‘get over’ our hang-ups and concerns.
Last month, we tackled this challenge in Aspirin's Leadership Gym by collaboratively creating a SWOT analysis to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of hybrid working.
Here's a snippet of what we discussed:
Strengths: Clear expectations, certain 'outward-facing' roles
Weaknesses: Lack of trust, poor technology
Opportunities: Wider talent pool, talent retention
Threats: Data security, reduced collaboration and learning
Managing Remote Teams: Presence vs. Outcomes
A key concern in hybrid working is managing people remotely, especially for those accustomed to managing by presence rather than outcomes. The emergence of AI and remote working raises additional questions, such as an interviewee's knowledge (versus using ChatGPT) and the number of companies they work for by leveraging ChatGPT for productivity.
Adapting Company Culture: Embracing Hybrid Working Permanently
One business leader shared their experience of evolving their company culture to embrace hybrid working permanently. They established clear expectations for when employees should be in the office and when remote work is acceptable. Wednesdays, for example, are designated remote working days for everyone. They also implemented new ways to work and socialise more collaboratively, including social spaces, well-being walks, and planned problem-solving activities.
Action Points for Hybrid Working Success
To successfully integrate hybrid working into your organisation, consider the following steps:
Challenge yourself to embrace the opportunities that hybrid working presents.
Identify how hybrid working could be further utilised in your organisation, preparing for requests from existing or potential employees.
Recognise the threats and weaknesses, determining which must be addressed before hybrid working can be more widely offered in your organisation.
By understanding and addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with hybrid working, businesses can thrive in today's dynamic environment, attracting and retaining top talent while fostering a supportive and productive work setting.
Aspirin Business Solutions is here to help you navigate the world of hybrid working with our leadership development programme and business leader mastermind group. Take the first step towards unlocking the future of work and mastering hybrid working for talent retention and business success.
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