Employees Favour Hybrid Work Approach

Posted by The Landsite on 1st September 2022 -

Summer is coming to an end, school life resumes once more, and work continues in earnest for the final quarter of 2022. 

Since March 2020, the number of employees working from home (WFH) has substantially increased.   However, with advice from the government constantly changing, will the numbers of remote workers begin to decrease as we enter the final quarter of 2022?   And if not, what changes do businesses have to adopt to encourage their staff back into the workplace? 

The majority of WFH surveys have concluded that many people are generally happier working from home because it allows for more flexibility. 

Global Management Consultants McKinsey & Company estimate that 20 to 25 percent of the workforce could work from home three to five days per week without any productivity loss.   

However, while having staff work from home full-time is not feasible for many businesses, flexibility is. The hybrid working approach, where staff work from home for part of the working week, is proving a success for many companies. 

These companies recognise that commercial and personal success is driven by their employees' happiness and by promoting a productive environment in the workplace and their employees' homes. 

Adopting mindful design concepts at home and in the workplace is a driving factor for businesses successfully adopting the hybrid working approach.

Employers looking to encourage employees back to the office could consider changes such as:

·      Encouraging a sense of community spirit through re-design, such as creating office break-out areas, shared kitchens or open plan work areas to promote team building. 

·      Providing access to green spaces and creating community gardens for winter and summer for employees to enjoy will contribute to a sense of wellbeing at work. Outdoor spaces aren't possible or practical for all commercial properties, but there are ways designers can bring the outside in with living walls and indoor plants.   

·      Creating a comfortable, safe space for anyone with underlying health concerns and staff still concerned about the risks of catching Covid-19. 

And to promote productivity amongst WFH staff, offer support and advice on creating mindful work environments at home, encouraging:

·      Sufficient exposure to daylight at home desks or effective indoor lighting solutions. Since lighting plays a massive role in our moods, if possible, the position of desks should maximise natural light. 

·      Bringing the outside in with furniture, textiles and décor that mimic naturally occurring textures. Wooden desks, natural fibre rugs and wicker are all ways of creating a natural environment indoors. 

·      Adopting simple Feng Shui practices at home, like de-cluttering rooms and walkways to allow energy to flow. There are hundreds of small and easy steps you can take to enhance wellbeing for a positive work/life balance at home. 

While a hybrid working approach will vary for every business, promoting a sense of wellbeing in the workplace, be that onsite or at home, will be essential for long-term success. 

 

Discover more articles and features from us in TLS Insights September 2022 edition.