Adapting to Hybrid Work: The Crucial Role of an Effective Intranet
The hybrid workplace model is no longer a stop-gap from the COVID era; it’s here to stay.
- Globally, 62% of employees have opted for hybrid work, 16% for remote work, and 22% for full-time office work. (State of Hybrid Work report, Owl Labs)
- Gen Z workforce value work-life balance and flexibility, and they will quit their jobs without it. (Forbes)
- Yet, according to Gallup, nearly 60% of hybrid workers lack the necessary training to thrive in this environment and 51% managers report a lack of training in how to lead hybrid teams.
An intranet can serve as a central hub that enhances communication, supports teamwork, and provides essential training for employees working in a hybrid environment.
The Hybrid Trend: Why It's Here to Stay
The benefits of hybrid working are numerous for both employees and employers. For employees, it provides greater flexibility, work-life balance, and the opportunity to work in environments that suit their individual preferences.
For employers, hybrid work can help attract and retain top talent, especially in today’s competitive job market. Additionally, hybrid work models reduce overhead costs.
Hybrid Working Challenges and Solutions
Limited face-to-face interaction can lead to reduced employee engagement, and cultural differences among dispersed teams can result in varying interpretations. Here are some things that could make hybrid work challenging:
- Employee Engagement: A Gallup study found that only 36% of hybrid employees are engaged at work, highlighting the need for strategies to enhance involvement and encourage contributions.
- Onboarding Challenges: Nearly 50% of respondents identified remote onboarding as a post-pandemic challenge. Training gaps have left some new hires feeling unprepared for hybrid roles, highlighting the need for improved onboarding processes.
- Mental Well-being Concerns: Many employees experience burnout in hybrid environments, pointing to the need for support systems that address isolation.
- Technology Issues: In hybrid models, considerations like security, compliance, compatibility, and integration across diverse devices are key, and cloud-based tools and digital platforms can help address these challenges.
- Challenges in Promoting DE&I: Employees working remotely may feel less visible compared to those in the office, which could impact perceptions of opportunities for advancement. This sense of inequity can be reduced through clear communication and efforts to reinforce company culture and inclusivity.
- Building Company Culture: Maintaining company culture can be challenging in hybrid settings. Focused efforts on team building and connection can help bridge this gap.
How Effective Training Can Help Hybrid Teams Thrive
Training equips employees with the skills they need to succeed in a hybrid environment, including communication, collaboration, and technology use. In traditional offices, people ask questions easily, but hybrid environments need a central hub for quick access to resources and information. Streamlined onboarding ensures a smooth transition for new hires. To make work engaging, companies can gamify tasks, like adding quizzes or rewards to motivate participation. Celebrating employee achievements boosts morale, and cultural awareness training promotes inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives.
How an Intranet can Help you Build a Successful Hybrid Workplace
1. Internal Communication and Collaboration:
Companies can use an intranet to share important updates and announcements, keeping everyone informed. Personalization enhances this experience, allowing employees to receive tailored news feeds and targeted alerts that deliver relevant updates directly to them. Additionally, custom workspaces and team-specific resources streamline collaboration, making it easier for employees to work together efficiently and stay aligned with their goals.
2. Company Culture and Engagement:
Companies can actively build company culture and boost employee engagement in a hybrid environment through features like surveys, polls, and event calendars. These tools empower employees—whether remote or on-site—to voice their opinions and participate in company activities. Tailored content feeds ensure that all employees feel valued and included in the conversation, regardless of their location. Companies can implement recognition programs that celebrate individual and team achievements with shout-outs and badges, fostering connection in both virtual and physical spaces. By leveraging these elements, companies can create an engaging and inclusive environment where all employees truly thrive, bridging the gap between in-office and remote work.
3. Employee Well-being:
Intranets can promote employee well-being in a hybrid environment, where isolation can be a significant challenge. By providing interactive features like forums and virtual team-building activities—such as trivia contests and virtual scavenger hunts—intranets help remote employees connect and combat feelings of loneliness. These engaging activities encourage collaboration, allowing team members to bond over shared experiences, even when they’re miles apart.
Companies can also use intranets to share mental health resources, well-being articles, and tips for maintaining work-life balance. Organizations can create dedicated sections on their intranet for wellness initiatives, including mindfulness exercises, online fitness challenges, and peer support groups, fostering a culture of well-being.
4. Training and Development:
An intranet can be used to provide easy access to training materials, video tutorials, and other resources to employees. Companies can create a seamless onboarding experience for new hires and integrate them into the company culture. An intranet can house all critical documents, tools, and policies in one easily accessible place, boosting efficiency and reducing the time spent searching for information.
PeopleOne, a SharePoint-Based Modern Intranet for Hybrid Teams
Embracing hybrid work is a strategic move that empowers employees, no matter where they work. With PeopleOne, your workforce access the intranet via Microsoft Teams apps, native mobile apps, or log in from the web. For Microsoft-centric organizations seeking to enhance hybrid worker engagement, PeopleOne is the perfect fit, seamlessly integrating with familiar tools to provide immediate access to vital resources. Don’t just adapt to the hybrid model—lead the way by empowering your team with PeopleOne.
