First published: July 29, 2022 @ 6:00 pm
In recent years, the hybrid workers’ number has grown at a tremendous rate.
This workforce comprises part-time, temporary, independent contractors, and freelancers who are working from home or from a virtual office.
There are about 4.7million of remote workers in USA today. That’s almost 8% of America’s total workforce.
What does this mean to employers? How can you best use this resource to make your business more efficient?
And what are the new challenges for managers who must manage these workers in an era of virtual work?
What Hybrid Workers Need to Make Working Smoother and More Productive
1. Stable Internet Connection
Working from home can be a challenge for employees and employers alike.
When internet connectivity is unstable or slow at work, the employees feel like they have to neglect their work or put it on hold until they resolve the problem.
This situation is highly frustrating for employees who have to wait for their jobs to resume because of a broken connection.
The solution: Make sure your company allocates the budget to support the technology.
With mobile devices, ensure that your employees have enough mobile data plan to meet their demands.
With laptops, ensure that they have enough battery life and speed to complete their work in a reasonable time.
2. Remote Access To Business Systems
While some workers prefer working from home, many others need the ability to work in an office environment as well.
A new type of employee, who might previously you have classified as part-time or temporary, is now called a hybrid worker because they do not fit neatly into either category.
It is important for employers to understand how this employee type needs access to business systems.
Remote access is essential for many hybrid workers, but especially for those who work remotely from home.
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3. Security And Data Protection
Data privacy is a major concern for many businesses.
Companies increasingly recognize the need to offer better security for their customers and employees.
Many tools are available to help employees monitor and control their personal data.
And as more companies come to realize the value of the technology, we expect this trend to continue.
We are also seeing a growing demand for mobile-friendly applications that give users greater control over their data and apps.
These applications typically include end-to-end encryption, so that no one has access to a user’s information or personal data without their consent.
They also offer stronger privacy controls, like not requiring users to share passwords with third parties, among other benefits.
But these technologies alone aren’t enough; businesses must also invest in staff training and development on how to use these tools effectively.
Otherwise, they risk losing business from disgruntled customers who feel that the company has unfairly targeted them for a security breach.
4. Communication With Clients And Colleagues
It is important for employers to consider the needs of hybrid workers when developing policies and rules that apply to all employees.
This includes access to communication tools that enable remote work.
It is important for employers to understand what tools hybrid workers use and whether we can use them in the office or from home.
In addition, sometimes it is important for hybrid workers to communicate with clients and colleagues, especially during the hiring process.
Sometimes, this will require communicating with these people in person or by phone, so employers should consider these needs as well.
5. Education And Training For Employees
Education and training are crucial to ensuring the smooth integration of technology into the workplace.
There are several factors that can affect this, including:
Individuals may be reluctant to adopt new technologies or procedures if they do not have a solid understanding of them.
This can lead to training being overlooked or not undertaken.
The lack of an understanding of how to use new technologies can also cause problems when workers attempt to use them, leading to frustration and stress.
6. Well-Designed, Functional Work Environment
While employees who work from home do not need to come to the office, hybrid workers still allocate half of their time to do so.
Therefore, employers should consider how they can design the work environment to make it more functional.
This could include better lighting, a spacious office room for an individual to perform their job, and more storage space for documents and files.
7. Clear Policies And Rules For Employees And Employers
A company still needs clear policies and rules, even when they employ hybrid workers.
For example, employers must be sure that their new employees comply with federal law regarding employee hours.
These rules may vary by state, but employers must make sure they know what the state’s requirements are.
Employers should also create rules and policies that govern the relationship between employers and their hybrid workers.
These rules should include things like job descriptions, responsibilities, work hours, vacation time, training requirements, benefits, compensation, and more.
8. A Work Environment That Allows For Flexibility And Adaptability
Employers should consider how hybrid workers can perform their job functions in both the office and at home.
Hybrid workers should also adapt their work methods to fit each situation.
In addition, employers should develop a process that makes it easy for hybrid workers to request time off from their jobs or request permission to take vacation days when they need it most.
This will allow them to keep up with family responsibilities or care for an ill relative without having to interrupt their day-to-day job functions.
9. Maintaining A Healthy Work-Life Balance For Employees And Employers
A healthy work-life balance is important for many hybrid workers.
While this type of worker may have flexibility in their work schedule, they will also need the ability to set boundaries and make time for important personal activities.
Need Help in Managing Hybrid Workers?
The challenge of managing hybrid workers is unique.
It is important for employers to consider these challenges when developing policies and rules that apply to all employees, including the hybrid worker type.
Our blog, WorkDeputy, has a blog post on managing hybrid workers that you may find helpful.
For more information about remote working and hybrid environment, visit our blog now!
