The Conference Board of Canada offers advice for organizations considering hybrid work in their “Benefits and Challenges of Hybrid Work” online experience. 

Benefits 

Acceleration of technology

The pandemic served as a catalyst for stronger use of technology and digitization of many processes. Organizations see this digital transformation as an opportunity to move more services online, enhance service quality, increase accessibility, and provide more flexibility to their customer-focused strategy. 

Shared workspaces

Hybrid work plans commonly use shared workspaces. Essentially, the workstation is static and the occupants are dynamic—no one has an assigned office or seat. Shared office layouts can be designed to facilitate unstructured collaboration and communication within and across teams. 

Social connection

Combining on-site and off-site work arrangements will help combat virtual meeting fatigue while reducing the loneliness and isolation that many experience when working remotely. A hybrid workplace model may support mental health and wellness for employees and customers, as they are able to socialize on-site without losing workplace flexibility.

Reduction of office space

With the implementation of a hybrid work model, organizations can revisit their office layout. This could save an average of 30 per cent of real estate costs due to less space and maintenance.

Challenges

Acceleration of technology

Hybrid workplace models can be more challenging when it comes to scheduling and coordination of team members. Managing schedules for customer-facing job functions will require additional planning within and across teams.

Employee inclusivity

In hybrid workplaces, leaders need to be mindful of including remote team members when holding an on-site meeting by ensuring that all employees, whether on-site or remote, have opportunities to speak and participate.

Technological challenges

To support a hybrid workforce, training and support relating to technology should be provided to all employees.

Source: Conference Board of Canada