During the coronavirus pandemic, many workers were thrust into remote working with little-to-no warning. As we are beginning to return to the office, we are seeing a boom in the popularity of the flexible workspace. Let us take a look at how to set up a workplace that is flexible enough to keep everyone safe during the COVID era.
Hybrid offices to set up a workplace
One way that you can make your workplace more flexible is by adapting to a hybrid office model. This allows employees to either work from home, from the office, or a mix of the two, depending on what they think is best for them, and what best suits their individual needs.
Hybrid office solutions have risen to prominence through the pandemic and its related restrictions. However, according to a report by tech giants Microsoft, 71% of UK workers would like flexible working options to stay after the COVID-19 crisis has passed.
The same report also found that 62% of businesses are considering redesigning their office space to accommodate hybrid working. This will ensure that the office is future-proofed, and will protect companies in the case of another unpredictable event in the future.
Flexi-time
In addition to geographical flexibility, you might also consider allowing workers the opportunity to adapt their start and end times. This can help to take pressure off of employees for other commitments they have outside of work, such as childcare, and avoiding busy commuter times.
This is already the most popular working practice in the UK, with almost 4 million employees holding contracts that allow for flexible working hours in 2021. This is likely due to the pandemic restrictions, and the fact that flexi-time can allow employees to have a better work-life balance, boosting overall employee wellbeing.
How to implement flexible working successfully
1. Be open and honest
When communicating with your employees, both during the switch to flexible working and after, make sure that you are open, honest, and direct. Honesty and ethics are crucial if you want to start employee time tracking to make sure your employees are highly productive while working from home. As some employees might be located somewhere completely different, or working at different times, it is important that everything you say is as clear as possible.
2. Ensure collaboration
Collaboration is more important than ever in flexible working scenarios, as this will allow your company to adapt and innovate going forward. In order to do so, it might be best practice to ensure that your core team are all scheduled in the office on the same day at the same time at least once a week for an in-person meeting.
3. Implement desk booking systems
Implementing a desk booking system will mean that employees can take charge of their own schedules, rather than putting pressure on a colleague to organise who is working when and where. This also allows you to keep track of sanitisation and prevent a further outbreak of the coronavirus.
Overall, there are many ways that you can make your workplace more flexible, and an array of useful hints and tips to assist you in adapting effectively. By opting for a flexible workplace, you will not only be able to survive the unpredictable COVID era, but also future-proof your business in case of any later disasters.
