Do you trust your employees to get the job done no matter where they are working from? Many employers do not. This perception can cause conflict and an “us and them” mentality in the workplace.
Overall, the hybrid environment (where employees work both in-office and remotely) introduces more flexibility and choice to the workday, which can boost productivity. So why are some companies re-instituting in-office only policies?
It’s hard to say.
There’s a chance the employer doesn’t have a reliable way to monitor productivity in the first place, so seeing people work gives the illusion of productivity.
The truth is there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some workers will enjoy their work more, experience enhanced creativity and collaborate with co-workers more efficiently if they work from home. Others prefer the office life. Many like to have the choice.
So how do you figure out what works best in your business?
There are many ways to monitor performance and benefit from long-term productivity trends. But watching every key stroke is a bit Big Brother, right? If workers feel they’re being watched every second of the day, it could have the opposite effect you’re looking for.
Where do I start?
If you want to implement a system that can track productivity, now is the best time to start. Remember that most workers want to do their work well and show their competence. Understanding how they like to work and encouraging them to follow that path is an excellent first step.
Develop a plan that tracks performance without risking office morale. If workers feel trusted enough to do their jobs, they are less likely to be anxious about productivity.
A simple thing to do is automate repetitive tasks, if possible. This frees up time and should give a small productivity boost.
Finally, it is more important than ever to provide employees with the tools they need to do their jobs. In a hybrid environment this means the proper software, devices and communication tools that make balancing remote and in-office work easier.
If you need help transitioning to the hybrid environment, this is what we do every day.
Contact us to help you develop a plan.
Ian Robertson
