3 models: This is what the new normal could look like!

A survey of our customers shows that most of them will be switching to a hybrid working model. How do we ensure performance and team spirit?

Over the past year and a half, we have all learned a lot about working from home. We have seen that it can work. But we have also seen that only few companies can create truly high-performing teams in a pure home office environment. Although the 100% home office concept has proven that the basic functionality of teams and companies remains intact, it has also shown that we are all human and that the “emotional gap” cannot be bridged in the digital world. This is also reflected in the fact that 80% of respondents to our surveys state that their company will rely on a hybrid model of office and home office in the future. For many issues that require empathy or social integration, face-to-face contact will always remain fundamental.

Here are three possibilities of what the new normal could look like:

Camera on! – The main support for the 100% home office model

One advantage of this model is that the only remaining constraint on hiring employees is different time zones. It also eliminates commuting times and allows for more flexible working hours. However, the “emotional gap” mentioned above is also noticeable. It is more difficult to bring employees onboard and integrate them socially. Employees may find it harder to separate work and private life and feel obliged to be constantly available.

In order to work successfully digitally, the collaboration options offered by tools such as Miro must be fully exploited. This also creates the dynamic and the feeling of working together on something. The most important thing for building relationships is simple: turn on the camera!

Video calls and digital meetings – here to stay

We all know the good feelings that come with a permanent office. The social integration, the sense of community and the clearer separation between work and private life. But we’ve also all been annoyed by the lack of flexibility, commute times or the sheer size of some offices – where the walk to a colleague can take longer than a quick face-to-face meeting.

During the pandemic, most companies have set up video calling facilities at every workstation. Why not simply continue to use them? Hybrid meetings or quick arrangements via chat can make a lot of things easier. Most companies have also been forced to go paperless. Let´s keep it that way!

The office as a meeting space – the 50:50 hybrid model

80% of respondents to our survey stated that their company will offer a hybrid model in the future, with about 50% of working time in the office and 50% working from home. This means less office space is required and social integration is maintained. But beware: with little consistency and routine, employees’ stress levels can easily rise.

For the hybrid model to be successful, the digital setup can be adopted directly from the pandemic, while the office provides the space for the missing relationship maintenance. Another important insight is that personal contact is irreplaceable for building relationships, but relationships can be well maintained in the digital world over a certain period of time. So make a conscious decision to use your office for certain meetings, training sessions or team building! Perhaps you need to rethink the requirements for such an office!

I look forward to hearing your opinion!

Benjamin Ruppel