Although hybrid working offers a lot of freedom, it is not elusive. You can agree with your employees about work locations, working hours, and accessibility. In this way, you as an employer remain ‘in control,’ and the expectations for your employees are clear.
Although boundaries must be guarded, many employees like to be able to switch more quickly between work and private tasks. This means more time for the children, sports, and other personal matters. You get home faster.
Work More Efficiently
Many employees who work from home have found that they get more done in less time. They can concentrate for longer, and that has many advantages. If you can manage this in the right direction, it will boost your company’s performance.
Good Employers
If you respond to the wishes of your employees to work in a hybrid form, you show that you are a good employer. Being a good employer is very important to retain employees for longer and to attract new talent. It may even be a solution to your staffing shortage.
Save Money
With hybrid work, you can also save on personnel costs. Research shows that you spend less money on reimbursing working from home than on travel allowances. Count out your winnings!
7 Steps for Hybrid Working
You can’t just let hybrid work run its course. What does it take to combine homework and office work successfully? Follow these seven steps:
Let your employees think along
Hybrid working often arises from the wishes of your employees. As an employer, you try to consider your people’s desires.
Of course, this should be possible. You may not be able to cater to all employees. In any case, try to do it in good consultation. Ask your employees for smart solutions. This encourages them to think alone and is often helpful for better business operations.
Provide an ergonomic home workplace
According to the Working Conditions Act, you must include every job in your working conditions policy as an employer and the home office.
You must have it checked whether the home workplace is ergonomically designed. Think, for example, of a desk and office chair at the right height.
You can purchase or reimburse the necessary work equipment for working from home as an employer. You can do this largely tax-free within the work-related expenses scheme (WKR). You should also educate employees about the risks of working from home.
Make clear agreements
You must make clear agreements about hybrid working to avoid misunderstandings and potential labor disputes. That is also important for your employees.
For example, indicate the expectations regarding accessibility and in which cases employees should be in the office. Record all agreements in a work-from-home deal and have your employees sign for approval.
Arrange the proper means of communication
Of course, your employees must be able to do their job well. In any case, specific means of communication are part of this. Think of a smartphone and/or laptop of the company.
You may already use video calling or video conferencing systems like FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. You can use these kinds of tools, which are perfect for hybrid work.
Make sure your employees make regular video calls. Video calling is preferable to ordinary calling because you can better perceive emotions. You can also more easily view and discuss documents and presentations with each other.
Ensure regular alignment
Common complaints from people who work remotely are the lack of social contact and a loss of connection. What can you do about that?
As a manager, you can play a superior role, namely that of the connector. Stay connected through all the means of communication out there. Even if you call your employees briefly every day, it contributes enormously to the team spirit.
In addition, it is essential to meet regularly with your team, remotely or at the office. Provide a fixed structure of work consultation within your company. This way, you prevent everyone from working on their own island.
Take advantage of the tax-free work-from-home allowance
Employees who work from home often incur additional costs. For example, water, electricity, heating, toilet paper, coffee, and tea. How can you compensate for this?
From 1 January 2022, you may give employees who work from home a tax-free allowance of a maximum of $2 per day. Even if employees only work from home part of the day. There are some rules to it, though. Read more about the work-from-home allowance.
Keep motivating your employees
In addition to the day-to-day business, you also have to keep an eye on your employees’ motivation. Pay close attention to whether they are still enjoying their work and try to encourage that.
Also, keep in regular conversation about personal growth and ambition. You can do a performance interview via video. Ask your employees how they like the hybrid form of working and what you can do to improve it.
Help employees guard their boundaries, too. Be clear about expectations, for example, when the work is done. You can motivate employees and make hybrid work successful with that attention and clarity.
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