Our quest for the optimal hybrid workplace
It’s the second workday of 2024 and I’m looking over my collection of articles that discuss how in-person workplaces are more productive and engaged. I just finished reading Jane Thier’s article in Fortune about how American workers keep proving they don’t need to return to the office to be productive. Yes, I want productivity. Yes, I want innovation. Yes, I want engagement.
Advice to businesses from those who study workplaces is conflicting, and I must make the decision without enough data to feel comfortable. Without a clear best practice, we decide to embrace the hybrid model based on our company’s values (read about why we committed to a hybrid model). Sometimes, comfort can be overrated.
Rising to the challenges
That afternoon, at an all-hands meeting to discuss the successes and challenges of last year’s hybrid working test, the team exposed various challenges and opportunities.
We can improve our virtual environment. We can improve our physical environment. We can improve our operating behaviors. We can be better. We have committed to a hybrid model, now we are committing to going on a quest to develop the ideal hybrid system for our team.
Our goals are the same as many organizations.
Productivity: We want to serve our clients and customers as efficiently as possible, to conserve their resources and our own.
Innovation: As a marketing firm, we rely on creativity and innovation, and every role in the company needs to embrace innovation.
Engagement: Engaged employees are more productive, more innovative, and frankly, more fun to work with.
Wellbeing: Wellbeing is more than physical health, encompassing social, emotional, financial, and community elements and serves as a key attribute of resilient and thriving teams, according to Gallup.
Return on Investment: We want our system to be as cost-effective as possible. Boosting productivity and innovation is a solid investment.
Organizational robustness: How well do we function? Do our new hires succeed? Can our team members who are parents and caretakers thrive?
Poised for success
We have the tools and capabilities to succeed at this quest. Uncork-it is a marketing and virtual experience agency, and we already capture and analyze our hours and productivity. We have design, experience design, and data/analytics in house. We have strong partners with skills and perspectives who can help or advise us when we encounter a challenge.
How do we start? How do we balance our quest with our paying work? Will we be a different company because of this quest?
We invite you to join our quest—advice, resources, partners, and comments are welcome.
