Companies that need to create physical workspaces to accommodate employees as they return to office work must also consider factors that drive performance and utilization. This can include the variety, quality and function of work settings, according to Hasson and Fain, which can extend to the look and feel of the workplace. There should also be simple and intuitive technology integration as employees move from the home office to the workplace.

The two note that as employee demographics change, companies should continue to regularly communicate and provide ongoing reminders to employees about the defined strategy—regardless of how well the process is progressing.

Build on employee reluctance

Despite efforts to return employees to an office setting, some will argue that they are more productive in a remote work environment. However, Hasson and Fain say it’s essential to build on that feeling rather than dismiss it.

For example, they note that there is a difference between individual and collective productivity and point out that cultivating a shared ability to learn and innovate together is easier to do in person. As a result, companies may need to audit current space arrangements to confirm that there are areas where employees can be productive, while ensuring there is a balance between head-down space and meeting space. group.

And JLL cautions that if increasing productivity is a management goal, it should be prepared to have data to back it up, while defining how it measures productivity up front. In addition, training employees about the type of work they should plan to do at home rather than at the office can help maximize individual and collective productivity.

Recurring themes appear in successful hybrid transitions and within the office

JLL found consistent themes among companies that initiated a strategic workplace transition. In addition to clearly articulating policy and expected outcomes, executive leadership alignment with the proposition is important to ensure employees understand the “how and why” of an overall strategy. This may also include encouraging all layers of management to shape the desired policy and communicating accordingly with their teams.

Ultimately, the most successful companies have a key understanding of the “work approach” that best suits their organization because they tend to carefully consider the needs of employees, leaders, and overall business operations.

While this new era of work can be intimidating and untapped, it is possible to arrive at a hybrid requirement that satisfies both employees and leaders. Fain and Hasson emphasize the evergreen nature of workplace strategy – stay curious and open to change as your organization adapts to the new normal.