Encouraging Your Office to Embrace Hybrid Work (P2)

Part 2: Solutions for Promoting Hybrid Work

If you have not yet read part 1, check it out HERE.

As an employee, you have a powerful voice when it comes to influencing your company's decisions. Your experiences and insights can provide valuable context for leaders as they consider return-to-office policies. Advocating for hybrid work doesn't require a leadership title — it starts with speaking up and making your case thoughtfully.

How to Advocate for Hybrid Work

• Provide Constructive Feedback: Express your views respectfully, using data and personal experiences to support your case. See directions below.

• Share Success Stories: Highlight how hybrid work has improved your productivity, well-being, or collaboration.

• Collaborate with other Advocates: Form a network of hybrid work supporting colleagues who can amplify each other’s voices.

Remember, speaking up helps leaders make more informed decisions that benefit both the business and its employees.

How to Handle Leadership Concerns

Managers may express a range of concerns about hybrid work. Here’s how you can respond effectively:

A manager might say, "I can't tell if people are working if I can't see them." 

Boosting Productivity: 

In response, share how you've maintained or increased productivity while working remotely. Provide examples of completed projects, performance metrics, or feedback that demonstrates your success.

A manager might say, "Without face-to-face meetings, collaboration will suffer." 

Enhancing Collaboration: 

Suggest ways to maximize in-person days for brainstorming and team-building, while using remote days for focused individual work. Highlight tools and platforms that enhance virtual collaboration.

Leaders may worry, "We’ll lose our company culture without people consistently in the office." 

Strengthening Culture:

Just because staff are physically in the office, does not mean they are connecting - Offer ideas for meaningful in-person connection such as lunch & learns, team in-person meetings once a week and brain storming sessions. Share how hybrid work has improved your own engagement and well-being.

Benefit the Business & Yourself

While it’s helpful to express the personal benefits of hybrid work, it’s important to remember that leaders will ultimately make a business-first decision. Strengthen your case by taking the initiative to show how hybrid work supports the company’s goals. Demonstrate your strategic thinking by outlining the following business benefits of adopting or maintaining a hybrid work model:

Reduced Overhead Costs

Maintaining a large office space is expensive. Hybrid work allows companies to reduce real estate expenses, including rent, utilities, and office supplies. Some companies have implemented hot-desking or shared spaces to accommodate fewer in-office employees, leading to significant cost savings.

Increased Employee Satisfaction and Retention

Employees value flexibility. Companies that offer hybrid work have a competitive edge in retaining talent and reducing costly turnover. Employees who feel trusted to manage their schedules are often more engaged, productive, and loyal. Additionally, hybrid work can enhance overall job satisfaction, contributing to a stronger workplace culture.

Greater Access to a Diverse Talent Pool

Hybrid models open opportunities to hire top talent from a broader geographic range. By removing the need for all employees to live near the office, companies can tap into a more diverse talent pool, leading to increased innovation and a competitive advantage in the market.

Enhanced Productivity Through Flexible Work Arrangements

Not all tasks require in-office collaboration. Many employees find they are more productive at home, free from the distractions of an office environment. Hybrid work empowers people to choose the best setting for their tasks, leading to greater focus and efficiency. Leaders who embrace this flexibility often see measurable gains in productivity.

Still Concerned about Hesitation from Leadership?

Propose a Pilot Program

Suggest to pilot the hybrid work program as a low-risk way to gather data on the impact of flexible work.

And Remember...

The future of work doesn’t have to be all or nothing. By encouraging hybrid work, you help your company find a balance that benefits both employees and the business.

Need help advocating for hybrid work or designing a successful pilot program?

We have free resources to get you going, or can be sent directly to your leadership team. When ready - we can connect to further explore how we can make hybrid work, work better at your office!