Hybrid work: how is it affecting workers' well-being?
The wide-scale adoption of hybrid working in various companies is strongly linked to its benefits for employee well-being.
What advantages can this way of working offer? According to the AXA Mind Health Report 2023 - IPSOS, hybrid working is positioned as an ideal choice for mental well-being. 60% of people recognize the positive effect that this working formula has on their psychological health. Freedom of choice, in particular, emerges as the main source of well-being. In this scenario, the multinational Unilever experiments with hybrid working 2.0: people will be able to work from home for up to a maximum of 96 hours a month, choosing not only where but also when to work. Employees will no longer have to respond to physical times or locations, but to specific individual and team objectives. Smart working understood in this way, therefore, allows people to adapt working hours to their personal needs. People must ensure their presence on site for at least 4 days a month, but for the summer holiday months (17 July - 15 September) and Christmas (18 December - 12 January) it will be possible to work entirely in hybrid mode, so as to encourage further family reunions.
Flexibility and Smart Working: Benefits for the Wellbeing and Attraction of Talents
The opportunity to shape one's schedule flexibly, breaking down traditional barriers between work and private life, plays a significant role in promoting people's well-being. This benefit not only affects the employees but also positively affects the company. According to the LinkedIn Global Talent Trends 2022 report, posts that mention flexibility and smart working see a 35% increase in interactions, demonstrating the attractiveness of these modes.
Do you want to know tips for attracting the best talent to your company? Read the advice of Marianna Poletti, CEO of Just Knock.
Strategies for Ensuring Well-Being in Hybrid Work
Working alternating work in the office with work in other places requires precise strategies. Here are some practical tips:
Meeting Optimization: Carefully consider whether an online meeting is necessary or whether the objective can be achieved through different methods such as document sharing or asynchronous work. Make sure your input is essential before accepting an invitation to a meeting.
Stand Up Meetings for Alignment: Keep stand up meetings short, no longer than 15 minutes. These meetings aim to share crucial information and remove any project obstacles. Clarity and speed of decision-making will benefit.
Concentration and Focus: Avoid multitasking, as it can cause a drastic decrease in attention and brain efficiency. Organize your day into activity clusters and allow for uninterrupted moments of focus.
Short Meetings with Intermittent Breaks: Following the instructions of the Microsoft WorkLab, set meetings lasting a maximum of 45 minutes and provide breaks between one meeting and another. This will reduce stress, increase productivity and preserve your ability to concentrate.
Hybrid Work: A Balanced Wellbeing Approach
Integrating targeted strategies into hybrid working not only improves employee well-being but also contributes to business vitality. Flexibility and attention to everyone's needs translate into a healthier and more productive working environment. Experimenting with these practices within organizations can mark a step towards achieving a sustainable balance between professional and personal life.
Do you want to create an Effective Corporate Wellbeing Program for your company? Book a free call with our Wellbeing Designers who will help you understand the best solutions for your organization.
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