As more B.C. companies mandate that their employees return to in-person work at the office at least a few days per week, human resource experts say communication and flexibility are key to ensure that employees are motivated and productive in a hybrid-work model.
A survey released by human resource consulting firm Robert Half earlier this year shows that nearly half of workers said they’re comfortable collaborating in person, an increase from 34 per cent a year ago. The company’s August 2023 data shows that more than half of hiring managers say a hybrid arrangement was the ideal situation.
To ensure that employees are satisfied and engaged in a hybrid work arrangement, Brown says it’s essential for employers to make sure that there’s a solid reason and value added for workers to come in the office, whether it is team building, collaborative work or rolling out new information, and ensuring flexibility in terms of the dates and time employees work in the office.
Some companies choose one or two predetermined days when everyone comes to the office and let employees choose their third in-office day, Brown adds. “I think the biggest thing is to talk about it and listen to the employees. Listen to what works for them, works for their life. Most employees want to be productive, they want to do a good job, they want to be part of a team, so how can you help them do that in the best way possible?” said Goldbeck.