On 27th June Unleash provided details from Microsoft’s UK Envision Conference held back in May around Hybrid working stating that one size does not fit all.
Organizations need to design a working model that allows all employees to thrive and do their best work.
During the keynote, Tony Danker, director-general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), talked about the challenges employers in the UK (and beyond) face in the future.
Not only is the economy suffering – inflation is sky high – but labour shortages exist “across every sector, every job category and every part of the country”.
“It’s happening because of a complete realignment in the way people work” as a result of COVID-19, but also Brexit. “I talk to 40 CEOs every week, and [they talk] about labour shortages even more than inflation”.
One area that employers need to prioritize and focus on as they tackle the current economic situation, and particularly the talent war dubbed the ‘Great Resignation’, is getting hybrid work right.
Hybrid is going to be the future of work. Microsoft’s 2022 Work Trend Index found that 38% of the 31,000 workers surveyed are working in a hybrid model – and 53% are planning to implement this type of model in the next 12 months.
In addition, a lack of flexible working options is a major cause of the ‘Great Resignation’. Most employees want to choose where they work, and they want to fit work around their lives (rather than the other way round).
It is very easy to talk about the theory of hybrid work but actually figuring out the right model for their organization, and implementing it is a huge challenge for employers.
While remote work has its positives for individuals and businesses, a successful hybrid model must also retain a significant role in the office and in-person connection.
73% of those surveyed in the Work Trends Index want flexible working to remain, but 63% desire some in-person connection. How you bring people together is the critical thing.
Microsoft’s internal employee survey data showed that while 58% said doing focus work was the least likely reason they would come into the office, the same figure also said focus work is the main reason why they would go to the office. Therefore, there is a need to think about designing the office to have focus areas, that are almost like library and are deadly silent.
From conversations within my own network, it is clear the vast majority of people are working from home for most of the week, going to the office or client sites for specific meetings and keeping connected on a personal level. Getting the balance right for the organisation, employee and team is the key to satisfaction and productivity. The technology is there, use it to it’s full potential.