How to Navigate (and Thrive) in a Hybrid Workplace

Negative circumstances can still lead to positive developments.

Medical innovations required on the battlefield during wartime have refined the way medicine is practiced for civilians. The Industrial Revolution may bring overcrowded cities, pollution, and poor working conditions to mind, but it also enhanced the wealth and quality of life for the average person.

Today is no different.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been negative in many ways, but it has also led to or accelerated some positive developments. The growth of remote and hybrid work is one of them. According to Zippia, 74% of U.S. companies are now using or planning to use a permanent hybrid work model.

The need to work remotely because of the crisis has changed the way we work.

Hybrid work is a flexible work model that allows employees to work when and where is best for them. Ideally, the hybrid work model is a win-win for employees and employers. Employees gain better work-life balance by choosing a schedule that fits their needs. As a result, employers gain more productive, engaged, and loyal employees.

One of the most significant job benefits of a hybrid workplace is the potential for flexible working hours. When you remove the strict rule for everyone to work at their desk 8-5 every Monday-Friday, you add the ability for employees to truly achieve work-life balance.

Giedre Kojaliene, head of people and organization development at carVertical, shared why they believe flexible working hours are a key benefit that leads to employee success:

If our employees have to pick up a kid from kindergarten earlier than usual or wish to visit the dentist in the morning, that is absolutely okay to do. We believe in a healthy work-life balance — flexible working hours help to achieve great results without sacrificing personal freedom.

Hybrid work also cuts back on commute time and costs. Saving time and money commuting less translates to more of both for personal matters: family, friends, and pets. Working out. Prepping food. Volunteering. Spending a little time each week on a hobby you enjoy.

Lastly, a big benefit of being a hybrid employee is how flexibility can aid productivity. When you have work-life balance, your well-being can improve, and your stress levels can lower. This can allow you to engage and focus more on your projects and problem-solving.

Having the autonomy to work when and where fits best with your lifestyle and responsibilities can be a real game-changer.

Sara Bandurian, operations supervisor for Online Optimism, recommends mimicking your at-home workspace and in-the-office workspace as much as possible.

Having two entirely different spaces that you’re moving between will cause undue stress and be an annoyance when you’re trying to remember where you put something, only to remember you don’t have the same options as your other workspace, said Bandurian.

And Bandurian explained that mimicking workspaces doesn’t need to be an elaborate task. Intentionally setting up your monitors the same way and stocking the same notepad and pen options could be just enough to stay productive no matter where you’re working.

Eric Fischgrund, founder of FischTank PR, said if you want to thrive in a hybrid workplace you need to effectively manage up. So when a project or assignment comes through, claim responsibility for it instead of waiting for direction.

Eric gave this scenario as an example: I saw Ms. Smith’s message about getting a press release started for next week. I’m going to work on an outline today and tomorrow and plan to have the release for this team’s review by Thursday. Does that work for everyone?

Taking the initiative and communicating shows a solid work ethic, allows you to tackle a new challenge, and could lead to more responsibilities.

Charlene Wheeless, career coach, author, and speaker for Charlene Wheeless, LLC and senior advisor for APCO Worldwide said, In all meetings, if even one person is virtual, everyone has their laptop and is on screen.

Charlene recommends this because it equalizes the experience for all meeting participants.

While deciding to do so may not always fall in your hands, you can still advocate for it. Plus, you can equalize the experience whenever you organize or lead a meeting.

No matter your title, leading by example is in your power.

Sharon Steiner Hart, executive coach with Talking Talent, said, Managing your mindset around new ways of working can be the key to embracing a hybrid work environment. One of the ways she teaches her clients to do this is to intentionally cultivate gratitude.

Aren’t you getting the best of both worlds? Sharon asks her clients. A few years ago, hybrid working models were not nearly as common, and now many roles have the opportunity to split time between virtual and in-person.

“Deepen your appreciation for both scenarios. Write each out and meditate on them. You can do this by closing your eyes for a minute or two and focusing on what feels good about each scenario. Try using self-talk that promotes a positive outlook for working in a hybrid environment.

According to Zippia, 74% of U.S. companies are using or planning to switch to a permanent hybrid work model. Consider companies worldwide, and your options only increase. Check out these 10 companies offering permanent remote or hybrid work.

Work is still work, not a vacation. So even though hybrid work models see success, they aren’t perfect. Challenges can arise when clear communication isn’t a constant. The proper project management and communication tools are critical to making hybrid work a success. Think of Slack, Monday.com, and Zoom as examples.

It’s very important not to let isolation deter your motivation when working in a hybrid or remote work environment. Be intentional about connecting with your colleagues — virtually and in person. This can be as simple as engaging on Slack channels daily. Or it could mean being intentional about going out to lunch once a week with colleagues on a day you’re in the office. If no one is doing that, don’t be afraid to be the one to get a healthy routine started!