Hybrid working, according to The Oxford Dictionary:
a flexible working arrangement in which employees work partly at home and partly in the office
In 2023, hybrid working is more than just a buzzword, it’s a working practice that’s become standard practice within most professional services firms. The benefits can be substantial in terms of productivity, staff retention and cost reduction. Equally, the pitfalls can be significant if it’s not considered in the right way.
At Agile, we work with a wide variety of organisations, and hybrid working is a pretty consistent topic. This article outlines our 5 keys to successful hybrid working.
Establish Clear Guidelines
Clearly define and communicate the expectations, policies, and guidelines for hybrid working within the firm. Outline factors such as remote work schedules, availability, communication methods, and any specific requirements related to client interactions or project deadlines. This ensures everyone is on the same page and understands their roles and responsibilities.
Embrace Technology
Invest in robust and reliable technology infrastructure to support seamless collaboration and communication. Implement unified communication tools, project management platforms, and cloud-based systems that facilitate virtual meetings, file sharing, and real-time updates. This enables effective teamwork regardless of physical location.
Foster Communication and Engagement
Encourage open and frequent communication among team members. Establish regular check-ins, both individual and team-wide, to maintain connectivity and provide updates on projects, progress, and challenges. Utilize video conferencing and instant messaging tools to facilitate quick and efficient communication, ensuring that everyone feels connected and engaged.
Promote Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
Embrace the essence of hybrid working by promoting flexibility and work-life balance within the firm. Encourage employees to set boundaries between work and personal life, avoiding burnout and promoting overall well-being. Allow for flexible work schedules that accommodate individual preferences and obligations, as long as client needs and team collaboration are effectively managed.
Focus on Results and Accountability
Shifting to a hybrid work model requires a focus on outcomes rather than just physical presence. Establish clear goals, metrics, and performance indicators to evaluate employees based on their deliverables and results. Emphasize accountability and trust, empowering individuals to take ownership of their work and contribute to the overall success of the firm.
By following these steps, professional services firms can foster a positive and productive hybrid work environment, where collaboration, communication, and flexibility are valued. It enables employees to thrive while meeting client expectations and maintaining the firm’s performance and reputation.
Well planned technology and suitable user engagement is a large part of a successful hybrid working practice, and we believe our range of simple, flexible communications services offer a great advantage to our clients.
James Toms from Ruby Red Financial planning said:
With a growing team based in separate locations, we really needed to update our comms infrastructure. Ollie spent the time to understand our logistics and outlined the options available to us before making a recommendation. James then implemented the system and provided great training for our team.
I was hugely impressed with the knowledge and service of both Ollie and James and highly recommend Agile Comms.
We love engaging with organisations and understanding their communications challenges.