As I write this blog, I can tell you that working remotely actually does “work.” I have 23 years of first-hand experience. I have freelanced, worked part-time, and held full-time positions working from home. Is it for everyone? No, it’s not.

However, I do think it takes all types of employees to make a hybrid workplace successful. I am introverted. I enjoy sitting in my basement office. I am happy to interact on Zoom calls and share information via screen share. I like talking to my co-workers on chat, over the phone, and on video conferences. I know my coworkers just as well as if were talking to them in-person at the office.

On the other hand, I believe that extroverts enjoy the hustle and bustle of the office, going on sales calls, and interacting with coworkers in the office. Other employees fall in the middle. They like the idea of working at home and spending a bit more time with their families, but they also like to get out and go to the office a few times a week. It takes all kinds of employees to create a well-rounded hybrid workplace.

What is a hybrid workplace?

According to a WeWork article, the hybrid workplace model is a type of work environment that combines aspects of remote working and in-office working. Employees have the freedom to choose where and when they work.

Here are 7 ways you can create an inclusive, productive, and engaged workplace:

Talk to employees about what they want

Don’t assume that all of your employees want the same thing. Employees should be able to contribute to the hybrid workspace. Survey or poll your team and be respective of their answers. There is a greater chance your hybrid workplace will be successful if employees feel included in the journey and help contribute to the plan.

In a study conducted by Fortune with Momentive, almost 50% of workers who are still remote or hybrid say they will look for a new job if their employer forces them back to the office after the pandemic ends.

Communicate your plan

Give your employees options on how they might structure their hybrid workplace. For instance, one option is mostly office-based, one is mostly working from home, and one is somewhere in the middle. Then, you can go ahead with your workplace plans, knowing that you have a better idea of where everyone will be at any given time. You can also allocate resources more effectively.

Engage the right technology

The same technology that powers remote working is also at the heart of a well-oiled hybrid workplace. Use cloud-based tools, productivity software, and video conferencing to create a bridge between those who are working remotely and those who are in the office.

Revise your company culture

Corporate culture is hard to articulate. A hybrid workplace requires the management of two distinct employee experiences. Invest an equal amount of effort into your at-home employees as you do for you in-office employees. Find ways to connect the two halves. Host virtual social hours, use chat platforms, and share your values and goals across the company.

Create social distance at the office

With fewer people in the office, you can easily implement a layout that’s optimized for employee safety. Introduce plenty of personal space and create shared spaces within the office. In addition, the physical workplace must satisfy all health and safety requirements. Contact local health and work safety authorities and ask questions relating to maximum number of employees, cleaning and hygiene, employee communication, and social distancing.

Keep in touch with remote workers

Remote workers can easily be overlooked. They are less visible than their in-office counterparts. That means they’re at a greater risk of being overlooked for promotions and other opportunities. Train your managers to support and include remote workers. Consider setting up weekly or bi-weekly meetings to touch base with your remote workers. Get their feedback, let them vent, and tell them you appreciate their hard work.

Consider a no-code Connected Workplace mobile platform

At CatalystXL, we want to help you quickly and easily share information and foster collaboration across your entire organization. We can deliver a no code, custom-branded enterprise mobile platform that unlocks answers and provides insights via Cardware™ platform — sharing categorized content in a powerful flashcard format. Our Connected Workplace mobile platform fosters a community of collaboration, engagement, and connectedness for your employees – both in and out of the office.

Book a demo today.