Hybrid working arrangements are new to us all...

...but working out how to divide our tasks between home and the office will be crucial to success!

In the months since companies began planning their post-pandemic work models, a key concept that has emerged is ‘hybrid’ – a structure combining remote work and in-office days. The hybrid model allows employees to retain the flexibility they’ve experienced working from home, and still have the kind of in-office contact with colleagues that strengthens teams and collaboration.

Workers in many nations are now starting to head back into office and beginning to trial this new way of working. The hybrid pattern will be unfamiliar for employees and employers alike, and some workers may wonder how to best allocate their tasks, so that their time in each work environment is used to maximum advantage.

Experts suggest choosing which work to do where, being communicative with managers and maximising in-person interactions can play a crucial role in making a success of a hybrid workweek.

‘Approach your more limited in-office time intelligently, plan your days and maintain a steady line of communication with colleagues.’

Optimal office days

Even though hybrid set-ups will differ – some people will work a fixed number of days in the office, some will have specific pre-selected days during which whole teams are in together, some may be allowed to set their own schedules flexibly – there will be commonalities. For many, an early challenge may be working out how to move seamlessly between home and work offices.

Simple tasks which can be completed from start to finish without input from others, such as responding to direct emails or putting together a solo presentation – should be done at home, where you’re able to have large blocks of uninterrupted time. Certain kinds of meetings may be suited for at-home days as well, such as brief check-ins with a small group of managers or colleagues about an upcoming agenda for the week.

Jobs that require collaboration, conversation, brainstorming or group creativity with many interdependent parts, should be done on office days. Connecting with colleagues over video has proven to be more draining. People are slower to process non-verbal cues when using video technology, which can lead to anxiety and fatigue that gets in the way of collaboration.

Proving your productivity?

As new working models have emerged, there’s been debate about whether remote workers will find themselves side-lined in terms of promotions, because if they’re not in the office, their contribution may be less obvious.

As a result, on their in-office days, workers may feel the need to prove to managers that they are being productive.

What do you think?

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