How to use a remote workforce to propel business recovery
What do you think of when you hear the word ‘hybrid’? It is a term that has become increasingly popular in relation to vehicles in recent years but shifts in the way people work mean it is frequently used in HR circles too.
Pre-COVID, lots of forward-thinking businesses were offering competitive benefits packages which included remote working options. And as the pandemic made logging on from kitchen tables the norm for countless businesses, like it or not, the surge in remote operations is looking like it is here to stay.
Far beyond just keeping your workforce onside, did you know that making hybrid working standard practice in an organisation can actually propel your business recovery?
Here is our deeper dive into just some of the ways that developing a hybrid workforce can get you back on track.
1. Attraction and retention
A massive 85% of adults currently working from home are keen to use a hybrid approach of both home and office working going forwards. 75% who worked remotely during lockdown stated they would like to continue to do so occasionally, and 54% would like it to become their primary way of working .
Without doubt, companies refusing to consider these kinds of opportunities are missing out on attracting and retaining high-calibre talent - and the possibility of building the strongest team possible to help business to boom.
While candidate attraction remains an ongoing priority for HR, it is not the only benefit of instating a hybrid workforce…
2. Employee engagement
Closely linked to attraction and retention is employee engagement. While there may be genuine concerns with keeping remote workers engaged, there are tactics that any great HR team can deploy to ensure a contented, connected workforce even when they are not face-to-face on a daily basis.
Remote working is reported to result in happier workers, who feel less stressed due to things like reduced commuting, the ability to fit exercise into their routine, and to more easily attend things like medical appointments and school events.
Hybrid working is all about balance though, so make sure you not only stay connected with your employees, but that you have arrangements in place to ensure face-to-face interaction too.
Statistics have shown that, done properly, hybrid working will propel activity and increase productivity, and at a time when most of us are focussing on business recovery, this must be an important consideration.
3. Reduced outgoings
Any business recovery plan will include strategies for cost savings and remote working will most definitely help . From rental and energy bills to maintenance and cleaning costs, any day-to-day outgoings associated with the running of work premises, are likely to reduce should you create a culture where hybrid working is typical.
Reorganise your workplace to suit a hybrid workforce. You may choose to downsize, think about providing hot desks instead of dedicated workspaces or rent out part of your property. In some instances, it could even be possible to use communal or shared public spaces for meetings, eliminating the need for a permanent location completely.
Hybrid working undoubtedly provides lots of scope for cost savings - it is just about finding a solution that works best for your business’ individual needs.
Are offices packed with rows of desks a thing of the past? Hybrid working provides people with a much sought-after work/life balance, but it is certainly not all one-way in favour of employees. Through promoting and instilling a combination of working from home and in an office environment, your business recovery goals are likely to be met quickly and even exceeded through increased engagement and productivity, and reduced costs.
Are you looking for an HR specialist to join your team and help you on your business recovery journey? Tate has relationships with some of the best HR professionals in the country who are dedicated to changing the way people work to help businesses thrive - even following the devastating effects of Brexit and the pandemic. Contact us today to speak to one of our consultants about how we could help you.
