How to implement a hybrid model in the company

The covid-19 pandemic has led to a giant leap in the implementation of telecommuting in Spain, but companies continue to resist not having their workers present in their workplaces. In order to establish a system that satisfies both organizations and their employees, the hybrid model has become the best solution.

With it, employees spend some days working from their usual workplace and several days a week can work from their home or from another place like a coworking space.

The implementation of telecommuting in the company

Remote work is not a trend or a passing fad, it's something that has come to stay. Numerous studies show that it improves work-life balance at all levels, and that employees value companies that allow them to work from wherever they prefer. Therefore, this way of working has become a mechanism for attracting and retaining talent.

But for telecommuting to be possible, the company must be sufficiently digitalized. Having tools that allow workers to fulfill their work obligations wherever they are.

Although it is a new topic, Spain already has its own regulation. Companies have to comply with the provisions of the standard regarding the delivery of material means to their employees so that they can work, time control, etc. But, in addition, they must establish their own internal system to manage how remote work will be.

Tips for integrating the hybrid model into your company

The hybrid growth of a company seems to have become the ideal solution in many cases. A system that combines face-to-face presence with remote work. But to achieve success, implementation must be done correctly.

The first thing to do is value the opinion of employees. If they are given the choice between always working from home, always working in the office, or a hybrid model, most choose the latter. Because it gives them flexibility and, at the same time, allows them to socialize in the work environment on the days they do go to the office.

Technology is the backbone of a successful hybrid model. Make sure you have the right tools to support effective collaboration and communication between teams. This may include:

• Videoconferencing Tools: Use reliable videoconferencing platforms for virtual meetings and face-to-face communication. Examples include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet.
• Online Collaboration Tools: Implement solutions that enable teams to collaborate on projects and share documents effectively, such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or Slack.
• Data Security: Ensure that company and customer data is protected through the implementation of appropriate security measures, such as firewalls and secure network access.

Some companies even offer to pay their employees for a coworking space in case they cannot work from home due to lack of space or equipment.

One of the challenges of hybrid work is maintaining effective communication and collaboration between teams. To address this:

• Regular Meetings: Schedule regular online meetings to keep everyone updated and foster interaction. This can include team meetings, one-on-one meetings, and brainstorming sessions.
• Collaboration Tools: Use online collaboration tools for shared projects and documents. This makes it easier for teams to work together in real-time, regardless of their location.
• Open Communication Culture: Foster an open and accessible communication culture, where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns, either in person or online.

Finally, consider the financial impact of implementing a hybrid model. While it can reduce costs related to office space and operating expenses, it may also require investments in technology and training. Carefully monitor costs and benefits to ensure the model is financially sustainable.

For many companies, the hybrid model is also a way to make more money, they are opting to rent out those positions that are now free to professionals looking for a workspace, almost as if it were a coworking space. In order to avoid being a problem for security or a nuisance for employees, electronic locks for offices are a good solution. Far from being a drawback, new ways of working are emerging as an opportunity for those entrepreneurs who know how to take advantage of them.

‍