Working from home (WFH) permanently or for a few days of the week has become a norm worldwide. With most of the working professionals getting the covid19 vaccinations doses completed, businesses are now transitioning from a remote to a hybrid working environment. According to LinkedIn research, 86% of Indians believe that the hybrid work paradigm has several advantages as a location-flexible arrangement, including improved work-life balance, employee satisfaction, and productivity. However, after nearly two years of working completely remotely, the abrupt adjustment may crop-up some adjusting challenges. One example would be maintaining high productivity levels when switching between multiple work environments. As a result, the transition from WFH to hybrid should go smoothly. There are several methods for increasing productivity while working in hybrid model:
Get the appropriate apps and tools:
Connected technology solutions can prove instrumental in boosting productivity in the hybrid workplace. These solutions keep the ecosystem linked regardless of where employees work. For example, getting robust broadband connectivity and using AI technology-driven noise cancellation tools to avoid background disturbance. Adopting cloud storage allows teams to access files from anywhere they work, subscribing to project management solutions, employing team collaboration tools (such as huddle rooms), and syncing work apps across devices. Adopting technology can result in less data and time loss and easier operations while also removing the initial discomfort of transitioning to a new work style after nearly two years.
Creating a productive work environment for oneself
While working from your bed or your favourite position on the couch may be more convenient, having a dedicated office area can help you be more productive. Choose a separate space where you may work that has enough natural light and could serve as your dedicated home office. This will help you break up the monotony of working in the same place and stimulate you.
Making a physical boundary between your desk and your rest area can help you further separate your professional and personal lives. If working from a separate room is not an option, choose an area with the fewest distractions. Get noise cancellation software to eliminate background noises while working from home or a noisy café or even from a busy office.
Incorporate flexibility
According to a recent industry research, over 40% of millennials and post-millennials actively seek out organizations with a mission, flexible work timings and consider it a high priority.
In fact, with the changing priorities of millennials, a survey found that nearly 48% of respondents would consider changing employment for more freedom, and almost 56% of employees believe that having greater flexibility at work makes them more productive. In contrast to the traditional work paradigm, which can be strict at times, the hybrid system incorporates many models and places a premium on productivity. To achieve the pinnacle of hybrid productivity, one must be willing to experiment with the office and WFH paradigm. Organisations must also consider how this affects their staff.
Take a Break
Short frequent breaks are best to keep your mind active. You should aim for 5-10 minutes away from your desk every hour, especially if you stare at screens all day. You can even take this time to have a quick chat with your friends, continue reading your favourite book, cook a healthy meal etc. Taking on physical activities like stretching and exercising can help reduce the aches and pain you might feel while physically sitting in your home- workspace for long hours.
Establishing boundaries between work and home to maintain a healthy work-life balance
While we all recognise that there are times when you may receive urgent work and, based on the time, you may need to change your schedule to meet deadlines; it is equally vital to set boundaries. You can inform your family and friends about your work schedule and how you intend to spend your working hours. Additionally, inform your team members of the same to be aware of your work schedule. This can assist in achieving a healthy work-life balance. In fact,
Conclusion
Making a permanent WFH or a hybrid model work for employees and organisations to run more profitably and efficiently is possible with technology and a few structural adjustments.
