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Work modelsHow to Easily Implement Hybrid Working in Big CompaniesHybrid working has become increasingly popular in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic serving as a catalyst for its widespread adoption. In fact, a recent survey shows that 8 out of 10 people work in a hybrid or remote setup, with only 2 out of 10 employees going to the office every day.
However, implementing hybrid working comes with its challenges, especially for big companies because they have more complex structures and systems in place. If you want your big company to adopt hybrid working more easily, you need to take into account the unique needs and challenges of your organization.
■ Not sure which hybrid work model to try? Get inspired by our examples
4 Easy Steps to Implement Hybrid Working
1. Provide a Centralized System
Having a centralized system of information is essential for making hybrid working in big companies effective. This way, employees can access the information and resources they need to perform optimally regardless of their location.
Your system can include cloud-based software, project management tools, and virtual meeting platforms that streamline communication and collaboration. With these components, you can ensure that remote and on-site employees within your big company are equally equipped to work efficiently.
Example:You can use a central dashboard that displays real-time updates on project progress, team member availability, and other important information your employees should have access to.
■ Want an efficient centralized system? Rely on office automation
2. Streamline Communication
Streamlining communication is critical for implementing hybrid working in big companies, where there are more employees to coordinate and communicate with. You can use a range of communication tools such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management software to facilitate communication among your hybrid employees.
Through streamlined communication, big companies can improve collaboration between hybrid employees, promote transparency, and enhance overall employee productivity.
Example:Using a project management tool can allow your employees to easily collaborate on a shared document, communicate through comments, and track progress in real-time.
■ Ensure you don't promote proximity bias in the workplace
3. Consider Employee Preferences
Considering employee preferences when it comes to hybrid working can be especially challenging for big companies—with a larger number of employees, it can be difficult to find a model that works for everyone.
However, you can gather feedback from your employees to understand their preferences and design a hybrid work model that best suits their needs to ensure employee satisfaction and retention.
Example:A split-week hybrid model can cater to different employee preferences by including both office and remote days. This can allow your employees to enjoy the benefits of both setups, boosting their work-life balance.
■ Need help choosing your hybrid work schedule? Try these strategies
4. Rethink Your Office Space
When implementing a hybrid working model, big companies need to adjust their office space to ensure employees can work efficiently regardless of their location. For example, you can turn your offices into flexible workspaces that better cater to the needs of both remote and on-site employees.
What's more, rethinking your office space can help you reduce your occupancy costs through office space optimization—and you can simplify this process by using an automated solution like POC System.
Custom seating plans for maximum employee productivityReal-time tracking of current seating and office layoutAdvanced insights into analytics to tailor your space according to your needs
With its powerful office optimization features, this app can help you quickly transform your office space into a more flexible environment, ensuring you can successfully implement hybrid working in your big company.
Master Hybrid Working in Your Big Company
Implementing hybrid working in big companies can present some unique challenges, including difficulty keeping track of a larger number of remote employees. However, by providing a centralized system, streamlining communication, considering employee preferences, and rethinking office space, you can overcome these challenges and successfully implement hybrid working.
Automated solutions like POC System can also help big companies streamline the implementation process and quickly adapt their office space to cater to the needs of hybrid employees. By combining these strategies with automated solutions, you can create a comfortable work environment for your hybrid employees and boost your bottom line.
■ Book a demo with POC to streamline your hybrid work implementation
Work modelsSmooth Transition: How to Get Employees Back to the OfficeSince the pandemic, many companies have shifted their operations to a work-from-home/remote work model. Many employees have found this beneficial because of the autonomy, flexibility, and comfort the remote model provides.
According to recent surveys, approximately 61% of employees prefer working from home over the office environment.
On the other hand, some employees want a clearer separation between their work and home life, which is why many of them may be ready to return to the office.
Is Remote Work Ideal For You?
While remote working has its advantages like flexible hours and more autonomy, it can also lead to feelings of isolation and burnout because there are no clear boundaries between personal life and work. To check whether this work model is sustainable for you in the long run, here are some pros and cons:
Pros
Saves commuting costs and time: It's no secret that employees spend hundreds of hours a year commuting. Eliminating commute can save time and reduce gas or transport costs for your employees.Lower facility costs: Companies that work remotely don't need as much office space, allowing them to reduce the costs associated with maintenance and utilities. Increased autonomy: With remote work, most employees have more control over their schedule and how they work, which is highly beneficial for employee satisfaction. Improved comfort: The ability to work in any setting with limited supervision is one of the main reasons why so many employees enjoy working from home.
Cons
Decreased socialization: When working from home, many employees miss out on the socialization of an office environment and might feel isolated—in fact, around 25% of remote workers have reported feelings of loneliness. Might lead to less optimal results: Remote working can sometimes lead to reduced employee productivity due to distractions such as family members in the household or house chores.Zoom fatigue: Many employees have also reported feeling "Zoom fatigue", where employees feel tired and anxious due to the high amounts of screen time their remote meetings require.
■ Promote employee happiness with a safe and comfortable workspace
The Hybrid Model Can Be Your Solution
To get the best of both worlds, the hybrid work model combines both on-site and remote work. It draws on the flexibility of working from home and the socialization and structure of a traditional office workplace to create a solution everyone can enjoy.
This allows employees to set their own hours while retaining the benefits of a scheduled presence in the office for team meetings, projects, and collaboration. However, there are many aspects to consider when planning your hybrid working model, and we'll look into some of them below.
■ Get inspired by these hybrid work model examples
Office Layout
An example of a layout tailored for hybrid work is a space that combines the benefits of open-plan offices with some private office features. This allows employees to collaborate in an open environment while offering them privacy when needed. What's more, this can be space-optimal and cost-effective, as there's no need to rent more office space for multiple meeting rooms or private offices.
This layout also helps ensure that all spaces in the workplace environment are used efficiently, giving employees the ability to choose when and how they work—either in the office or from home.
■ Choose between open vs. closed office spaces based on your company culture
Optimal Occupancy
The hybrid work model offers you the ability to maximize office space and resources while providing your employees with more than enough flexibility. With hybrid office working, you can reduce the number of occupants in the office by incorporating hot desking, which eliminates any vacant desks and allows for optimal occupancy. This can help you save on energy bills while still providing your employees with an efficient workspace.
■ Use these tips to determine the right amount of office space per employee
Space Optimization
The hybrid work model also allows for space optimization by eliminating the need to rent additional office space. For the majority of companies, the best way to achieve maximum space utilization is to use automated software like POC System's Space Management Software to better track and manage office occupancy.
This useful tool can help you make your hybrid work model an ideal set-up for maximizing efficiency with these features:
Custom seating plans for maximum employee productivityReal-time tracking of current seating and office layoutAdvanced insights into analytics to tailor your space according to your needsSimplified desk and meeting room booking
Ensuring all employees are able to maintain a comfortable work environment, the software lets you create a hybrid work model that strikes the balance between privacy and collaboration.
■ Optimize your space usage with key space utilization metrics
Transition Back to the Office Smoothly With the Right Help
The hybrid work model is an effective solution for your business to maximize space and resources while providing employees with more flexibility. This type of working environment combines the benefits of remote and office settings, allowing employees to set their own hours while retaining access to collaborative spaces in the workplace.
Automated software like POC System's Space Management Software can further facilitate flexible workplaces and help you make the transition back to the office easier for your employees. With the app's useful features, you can easily achieve the balance between remote work and a structured office environment for the most efficient hybrid work model.
■ Need help creating your hybrid office? Book a demo to explore POC's abilities
Work models8 Benefits of Hot Desking to Consider For Your StartupMany startups often overlook the importance of selecting the right work model and office layout for their workplace—I certainly did! Like most organizations, I just followed the traditional closed office model. Now, while sticking with tried-and-tested models is not wrong, there are many benefits of hot desking that you might be missing out on.
Let's dive in and see how exactly hot desking can help your startup in the long run.
1. Enables Significant Savings on Real Estate Expenses
This is perhaps the best overall advantage of hot desking (or at least it should be according to my accountant). Hot desking has eliminated the need for a dedicated workspace for each employee, so I don’t have to worry about renting or purchasing large spaces to accommodate my growing team. This also means that my overhead costs like furniture and office supplies are minimized, and I won't necessarily get stuck in long-term contracts or lease agreements.
I think saving on real estate expenses is particularly relevant for startups since they're often in need of flexible workspace solutions while they scale up and build their team. Hot desking has helped me with this.
2. Eliminates the Traditional Office Hierarchy
A traditional workspace setup has an inherent power structure and hierarchy. This can restrict the free flow of thoughts, ideas, and opinions, which can limit a startup's potential for growth.
I've seen how hot desking levels the playing field between my employees. With no physical separation between team members, there's an improved sense of equality and cooperation, which encourages creativity and innovation in our workplace.
3. Means to Attract & Retain Top Talent
Getting and keeping talented employees can be very difficult. Top talent often gets multiple offers, so they can compare companies at their leisure—and they do! But since we implemented hot desking, it's something that regularly catches applicants' eyes and they ask about it.
Hot desking is a flexible and dynamic setup that prospective employees find attractive. It shows that our startup is open to new ideas, solutions, and growth.
■ Flexible workspaces improve employee happiness: Here's how
4. Fosters a More Collaborative Work Environment
Keeping with the idea of a level playing field, hot desking has helped to improve the collaboration and communication between my employees. The setup allows team members to move freely around the office and interact with each other in an organic manner. We've seen that it also helps to foster trust between team members as everyone is expected to contribute toward our company’s success.
5. Offers Greater Autonomy to Employees
Most companies fail to observe that employees crave autonomy, and this is especially true for startups. It's too easy to fall into the trap of micromanaging your employees. So, while we can argue that managing styles could always be improved, we did manage to give our employees autonomy when it comes to their workspace.
Hot desking gives our employees the freedom to choose where they want to work each day. They're no longer tied to conventional desks and can easily switch between workspaces if they want to work in a different area or get some inspiration from another team. It also allows them to work at their own pace, making the most of their time and resources.
Hot desking encourages our employees to take ownership of their work environment and become more engaged with our company’s objectives.
■ Explore the difference between hot desking vs hoteling
6. Improves Company Culture
The hot desking advantages I've already mentioned—more autonomy, better collaboration and communication, flat hierarchy—have all contributed to improving our company culture. Our atmosphere gives our employees a sense of ownership and belonging, which in turn boosts morale and employee satisfaction levels.
■ Here's how to prevent gender bias and proximity bias in your company culture
7. Enhances Employee Performance & Creativity
Building from the previous advantage: once motivated, our employees' performance and productivity increased. Hot desking fosters creativity by allowing team members to draw inspiration from each other and come up with innovative solutions. And isn't this what every organization is striving for?
By providing a work environment where our employees can freely collaborate, communicate, and be creative, we've opened up a whole new world of potential for our startup.
■ Follow these tips on managing your office space to increase employee productivity
8. Results in Neater, Tidier Workspaces
Finally, hot desking has helped us create a neater and tidier office environment. Since our teams no longer need to be assigned to their own desk space, the areas can be cleared of any unnecessary clutter and kept free from items that aren't necessary for day-to-day tasks. This has reduced the amount of waste that accumulates in the office over time.
■ Does hot desking actually work? Measure these metrics to determine its success
Start Off Hot!
As you've seen, hot desking has many advantages, particularly if you're a startup. However, switching to a hot desking setup might require plenty of consideration and strategic planning, which can be very tedious and time-consuming. There are many different aspects you need to consider.
One of the easiest ways to implement hot desking and circumvent all the hassle is to use POC’s office space management software. You can expedite the switch without requiring technical drafting skills, allowing you to create and run simulations to see what works best. You'll also have access to booking software if your employees want to book specific spaces in advance. Easily optimize your space utilization and manage your workspace smarter to enjoy these benefits.
■ Book a demo to see POC's solution in action
Work models7 Game-Changing Coworking Space Trends to Expect in 2023Coworking spaces are transforming the way we work and collaborate. They're transforming our cities, our economy, and even how we think about the future of working. The coworking space industry and its trends are growing faster than ever, while also constantly changing and evolving.
Therefore, it's important for coworking space owners and managers to stay on top of the trends that will shape their industry in the coming years. In this article, we discuss the most anticipated game-changing trends that will be adopted by coworking spaces in 2023.
1. Rise of Spaces With Multiple Locations
Many coworking companies have only one or two locations, which is still restrictive because many people don’t have access to them. By 2023, expect to see more coworking spaces with multiple locations popping up around the globe. This will allow even more people to work in a space that fits their needs and preferences.
2. Growth of Niche-specific Spaces
While coworking spaces aim to offer a professional environment at a reduced cost, niche-specific spaces add additional value by offering a tailored space for a targeted group. Focus can be placed on a specific profession (e.g., artists, designers, consultants, etc.) or demographic (e.g., single working parents). The space is designed to cater to their specific needs and encourages them to form a community or support base.
3. Connection to Natural World
Coworking is all about connecting people, and nature can be just as powerful of a connector as technology. In 2023, expect to see more coworking spaces incorporating elements of nature into their designs. This will not only give people a break from staring at screens all day but can also help to improve productivity and mental health. A green workspace can be implemented by bringing more plants indoors, having outside areas surrounded by luscious plant life, or offering programs that are orientated towards sustainability.
4. Focus on Fostering Community & Culture
Coworking spaces are more than just office buildings. They’re designed to be communities that foster collaboration and creativity among their members, which can help them grow into some of the world’s most innovative companies. In 2023, you can expect coworking spaces to continue building on this idea by providing avenues for people to connect outside of work hours as well through classes, leisure activities, or coworking events.
5. Evolution of Corporate Culture
Corporate culture has drastically changed since 2020 as traditional office setups are no longer the only option. Flexibility has become the keyword and coworking spaces provide just that. Companies can provide their employees with a space that meets their specific needs, thereby ensuring employee satisfaction and increased productivity. Coworking spaces can allow for private, focused work as well as opportunities for connection and growth.
6. Innovative Space Design & Layout
Space planning and management are at the core of coworking spaces. Apart from practical considerations like setup costs and maintenance, the type of employees that will use the space dictate everything else—because why invest in a space that's not going to be utilized? Effective coworking spaces have flexible seating (private vs open and inside vs outside) because different tasks may require different environments. They also have appealing visuals and take note of the colors used in different spaces to stimulate different moods.
7. Increasing Need For Automation & Technological Integration
In the modern workplace, the need for automation keeps growing. Coworking spaces are no exception. From robotic cleaners to automated check-in kiosks, coworking spaces use technology to streamline various processes such as space management software, booking systems, and employee time tracking. They can also provide their members with tools like Wi-Fi, printers and scanners, and other services like meeting rooms and conference calls with just one click on their website.
Ready to Up Your Game?
The coworking space industry is growing at a breakneck pace, with the number of coworking spaces expected to grow by more than 50% in the next five years. However, it's not just about the numbers—it's about how these spaces are changing the way people work and interact.
Coworking spaces need to stay ahead of the curve and continue to provide an environment that meets employee needs, whether it's investing in a niche audience, fostering community and corporate culture, optimizing office space, or investing in the newest technology.
■ Looking for an all-in-one spacing solution? Explore POC System's solutions
Work modelsTop 5 Hybrid Work Model Examples to Get You InspiredThere are many different ways to picture the future of the workplace—including hybrid working models. While this method may appeal to you, you may be unsure where to start, especially regarding your employees and workspace management.
Here are 5 great examples of businesses that have made the hybrid model work for them that you can follow.
■ Where do you start? Create a wise seating allocation for your hybrid workspace
1. Remote-first Hybrid Work Model | Spotify
Working remotely is the norm in the remote-first work model, whether from employees' homes or even coworking spaces. Although the business still might have some office space (for functions that must be performed on-site), all of the operations and rules align with remote work and its requirements.
Numerous employees at Spotify were overjoyed when the company introduced the "work from anywhere" (WFA) model in February 2021, allowing employees to move and work from different cities and countries. Spotify's strategy is to create an agile work environment, thereby distributing work through teams and giving employees more autonomy and flexibility, while still encouraging office visits (e.g., corporate events, in-person onboarding, etc.). Spotify's hybrid work model is an excellent example of how a company can use remote and in-office employees to improve productivity, efficiency, and work ethic.
Their remote-first model has allowed the company to:
Attract top talent worldwideMaintain current workforce (especially those that moved away from loved ones to be close to the office)Empower employees (creating a positive workforce)
2. Office-first Hybrid Work Model | Meta/Facebook
The office-first model requires employees to work in the office for the majority of the time, with optional remote working as needed.
Meta's implementation of the office-first hybrid work model has inspired people worldwide because the company is working to find new ways to make the workplace more flexible and efficient. Meta's policy requires that employees work in the office at least 3 days per week and work remotely when needed. The company is also developing its own tools to allow for seamless remote and in-person collaboration.
The advantages Meta has enjoyed so far include:
Employees have better work experiences (mixing autonomy of remote work with social advantages of working in person).Increased employee satisfaction (flexibility and employer taking their needs into consideration)Wider talent nets can be cast when hiring new employees (more applicants may apply for positions if they don't necessarily have to relocate for work).
3. Split-week Hybrid Work Model | Apple
The split-week hybrid work model is more ridged because it determines which days employees must be in office and which days they can work remotely.
This work model implemented by Apple requires employees to work in the office Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, while they can work from home on Wednesdays and Fridays (with manager approval). Additionally, Apple also allows their employees to work from anywhere for up to 2 weeks per year.
The benefits of the split-week hybrid work model include:
Improving logistics (e.g., maintenance, food services, personal arrangements employees have to make, etc.).Improving collaboration and team dynamics (work schedule means you know when your team is in office).
4. Designated Teams Hybrid Work Model | Google
The designated teams hybrid work model maximizes efficiency and employee productivity because it assigns which teams work in the office and which from home.
Google has implemented this model, stating that work schedules will depend on the specific team and each employee's function within the team. Therefore, some employees may work fully remote, some can split their time (3 days in office and 2 days remote), and some may have to work in office 4-5 days per week. It comes down to the best way to achieve company and team goals.
Additionally, employees get 4 work-from-anywhere weeks per year, focus time to limit internal meetings, and reset days where employees globally get an extra day off to rest.
The advantages of this hybrid work model include:
Employees have a better work-life balance (different work options can suit different work preferences).Employees have increased their productivity (especially because of focus time and reset days)
5. Flexible Hybrid Work Model | Salesforce
The flexible hybrid work model encourages all employees to work in a location and at a time that's best for them, thereby improving their effectiveness.
Salesforce has successfully implemented this model by being employee-focused. On any given day, employees must either work from a customer location, home, or the office. They can access all the necessary tools to complete their work from anywhere. Salesforce's work model easily synchronizes remote and in-person team members and emphasizes assessing workers based on results.
A flexible hybrid work model has allowed Salesforce to:
Increase employee productivity (employees feel trusted and have autonomy)Improve employee well-being (employees manage stress and workloads better)
Ready to Get Started?
These examples are just a sample of what's possible with hybrid models. Use some of these practices as a foundation, but make sure to tailor your model to your company and your employees' needs. Consider additional factors such as how to best optimize your office space, combat proximity bias, manage costs, and implement software to streamline processes. Remember that your model may be in flux at first until you've tried and tested different practices to find the right fit.
■ Looking for an all-in-one partner to help? Explore POC System's solutions