While a hybrid work environment proves beneficial for most people, it still leaves some just a little confused. During the pandemic, more and more companies found hybrid work environments more useful for getting the work done and since then it has become a normal way of working.
Although some companies are still trying to see the full benefit of it, here’s what we know, the hybrid work environment still leaves some employees baffled. The dilemma is they’re still not sure how to treat this new work environment. For instance, they’re still a bit unsure of what to do when they’re in the office versus when they’re at home. So, here are a few strategies I want to leave with you about your hybrid work situation.
Understand the Value of Being in The Office
I understand that you may not ever want to be in the office. But there is some value to being there, and here are three ways it can be of value to you.
1. Meet With Key People
Try to arrange to meet face-to-face with key people when you know you’re going to be in the office. For instance, if there are some complex topics on the line and there isn’t much headway being made through the virtual or distanced modes of communication (email, fax, phone, etc.) schedule a meeting with the key people, if possible. That way you can meet face-to-face. You’d be surprised how much difference just noticing the body language of a person can impact the discussion. So, when you’ve got some brainstorming or debating to do around critical problem-solving topics, face-to-face meetings always work best.
2. Meet New People
The office couldn’t get any crazier than during the pandemic. People were leaving, people were coming, people were doing both with a hybrid set up — now you see them, now you don’t. I’m sure the term “disarray” is an understatement. My point is that there are people in your office that you probably have not met in person. Take the time to bond with new coworkers and build new relationships. When you’re in the office, cultivate new relationships but reinforce those old relationships too. It’s so much easier to work remotely when you’ve built relationships with your peers.
3. Seize The Energy
Being able to work from home is great. Your priorities are more in line with what’s important and you still get to work at work you love doing. But, if we could be honest for a moment, sometimes it’s welcoming to be around other working people. We can easily lose our focus and being around our working peers can help get us back on track. There’s a certain energy and buzz you get when you’re in the office. People are moving, things are shaking. Yeah, it’s a little rat race, but you could probably use it. It’s like your best cup of coffee for the week. Use that to your advantage. Take that energy and build on it for the work you do from home the following week.
Going into the office from time to time shouldn’t be a problem. In fact, it’s a good thing. Learn to turn your office experiences into productive ones. Focus on what you need from that visit, whether to finally solve perplexing problems, build relationships, or just grab some of that energy. At the end of the day, you want to feel a sense of accomplishment and remember the value in everything you do.