Many workspaces are looking to get back to the office, part-time or full-time as of spring 2022 here in Canada. Whether you are going back to the workplace two days a week, or two days a month, we know that hybrid work can be even more complex than all-virtual or all in-person work. In today’s post, the first of several around “gearing up for back to office work”, I wanted to share six areas you might want to consider in terms of making the transition smoother.
Here are six things to think about:
Today and tomorrow, in parts 1 and 2 of the series, we’ll look at how to work more effectively in the other ways of working. On Wednesday of this week I’ll follow up with 10 questions to consider in a hybrid environment, and more posts to come next week.
Let’s first start with these six things that can help you thrive in the hybrid workspace.
Be intentional – Intentionality is key in the virtual space, and even more important in the hybrid world. While we found it challenging to bring people together online, it can be even more challenging to bring everyone together digitally and physically. Being intentional gets us to become more proactive in how we do things. A Little bit of planning can go a long way.
As it relates to intentionality, this is beneficial on a few levels including, intentionality with:
Meetings - what outcomes are you looking for? Who needs to be there? What preparation needs to be done before the call?
Have a routine – As you move into a hybrid workspace, routines and structured processes can be valuable in terms of supporting our best work. It can be important to build in time for the things that are most important to us – for example, if you want to keep up your physical routines are you scheduling in workouts at lunch. We know how important physical workouts can be for mental health, and if commuting is adding to your time, how are you ensuring that you are still prioritizing things that will help you flourish.
Other routines to consider are: Hours of work, preparation or going into the office (see next point!), getting things done around the house.
Consider what you need, where? The return to office will not usher in a workspace that looks like it once did, in many cases. Hotelling is a new reality for many employees. With that in mind, consider what you need where. If you are working onsite 3 days a week, what do you need to get set up quickly. When you are home, what do you need to do your best work there?
Tomorrow we’re going to dive into three more areas you will find useful in the shift to hybrid working. This is in addition to our own style preferences. Consider taking the Hybrid Work Styles™ quiz if you haven’t done so yet – you can find the five types here.
Enjoy!
Jennifer
Here are six things to think about:
- Have a routine
- Consider what you need, where?
- Create boundaries around what’s needed for your work
- Build in the things you want from the start – i.e. workouts at lunch, taking lunch
- Spend time reconnecting
- Consider your mindset
Today and tomorrow, in parts 1 and 2 of the series, we’ll look at how to work more effectively in the other ways of working. On Wednesday of this week I’ll follow up with 10 questions to consider in a hybrid environment, and more posts to come next week.
Let’s first start with these six things that can help you thrive in the hybrid workspace.
- Be intentional
- Have a routine – Build in the things you want from the start – i.e. workouts at lunch, taking lunch
- Consider what you need, where?
- Create boundaries around what’s needed for your work
- Spend time reconnecting
- Consider your mindset
Be intentional – Intentionality is key in the virtual space, and even more important in the hybrid world. While we found it challenging to bring people together online, it can be even more challenging to bring everyone together digitally and physically. Being intentional gets us to become more proactive in how we do things. A Little bit of planning can go a long way.
As it relates to intentionality, this is beneficial on a few levels including, intentionality with:
Meetings - what outcomes are you looking for? Who needs to be there? What preparation needs to be done before the call?
Have a routine – As you move into a hybrid workspace, routines and structured processes can be valuable in terms of supporting our best work. It can be important to build in time for the things that are most important to us – for example, if you want to keep up your physical routines are you scheduling in workouts at lunch. We know how important physical workouts can be for mental health, and if commuting is adding to your time, how are you ensuring that you are still prioritizing things that will help you flourish.
Other routines to consider are: Hours of work, preparation or going into the office (see next point!), getting things done around the house.
Consider what you need, where? The return to office will not usher in a workspace that looks like it once did, in many cases. Hotelling is a new reality for many employees. With that in mind, consider what you need where. If you are working onsite 3 days a week, what do you need to get set up quickly. When you are home, what do you need to do your best work there?
Tomorrow we’re going to dive into three more areas you will find useful in the shift to hybrid working. This is in addition to our own style preferences. Consider taking the Hybrid Work Styles™ quiz if you haven’t done so yet – you can find the five types here.
Enjoy!
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized |Reconnecting Workspaces | Group Coaching Essentials
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats
Follow us on Instagram @ReconnectingWorkspaces
Phone: (416)996-8326
Check out my TEDx talk
Looking to bring your workplaces back together, whether you are remote, hybrid, or face-to-face? Pick up a copy of my new book, Reconnecting Workspaces, at Amazon.
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