Hybrid working is a flexible work model that supports a people-first approach. It allows a blend of remote, on-the-go, and in-office working which helps give workers the autonomy to choose how they want to work and where they want to work so they can work in a way that is most productive.
Some of the benefits of hybrid working include promoting work productivity as well as offering flexibility. But how can hybrid working help promote a more inclusive environment?
Here are some tips to make sure that all employees are supported and included.
Communicating Your Goals
Having a goal of making the workplace all-inclusive is a good idea, but you can do little to achieve that if you’re not communicating it clearly with other people. The power of attaining inclusivity in a hybrid work environment is communicating your intention with your teams.
With effective communication, everyone feels more on board with accomplishing inclusivity, and they can be held accountable as they take part in creating the all-inclusive environment you’re looking for.
Leading by Example
Once you have trained your management team on inclusivity in a hybrid working environment, you also need to be hands-on in practising this by role-modelling inclusive practices and behaviours. Promoting inclusivity is only possible if you're also on board.
Take Everyone On The Journey
It is vital to take every employee along with you on your journey. Remote employees are most often forgotten about with regards to perks and promotions as people sadly conform to the “out of sight out of mind” logic so it’s up to you and your management team to include everyone at every stage.
One way to do this is to identify the people who always come up for promotions and raises, then ensure that you give everyone the same opportunity, no matter how and where they work.
Implementing Inclusion Practices
Implementing some practices that promote inclusivity can help drive hybrid workplace inclusion. These practices include:
- Opportunities for connection
- Equal access to resources
- Impartial treatment
- Participation in decision-making processes
- Work-life support
- Self-expression
- Mechanisms that discourage discrimination
Train Management on How They Can Operate Well In a Hybrid Environment
The job market has opened up since the pandemic, and new employees have been rapidly increasing. As you recruit new team members, it's crucial to train them on the best way to engage workers from different places and different kinds of working models.
Training is a great way to promote workplace inclusivity. We have a course that can support you with management training on inclusivity in a hybrid working environment which you can find out more about here.
Giving Trust
Research carried out by Gallup shows that remote employees are as productive as in-office workers - if not more!
Assuring and reassuring them that they are trusted and will not be micromanaged (and keeping to that promise) will promote productivity and inclusivity. This also applies to in-office workers as well.
Employees value a sense of trust as much as they love their salary so it is essential to demonstrate trust in your workforce, no matter where they are located or when they choose to work.
Benefits of Inclusivity in a Hybrid Work Environment
We have discussed the tips for creating a more inclusive environment in a hybrid workplace, but why should you consider a hybrid environment in the first place? Here are just some of the benefits:
Improving Staff Retention
A hybrid workplace offers employees value, companionship, and acceptance by other team members. It also increases their sense of belonging.
Less Time Spent Commuting
One of the significant issues with a physical workplace environment is that employees spend too much time on the road. This can lead to work-related stress and even anxiety.
A hybrid workplace allows employees to better align their work lives and everyday living when a remote option is available.
More Leisure Time
In a hybrid work environment, employees can work at the pace that suits them best, wherever and whenever they want to. This allows more time for employees to spend doing the things they love knowing that their workload can flex around them.
Attracting a Diverse Pool of Talent
Hybrid working allows for diverse hiring. A hybrid work environment means you can attract talent both locally and globally.
How Can Hybrid Working Create A More Inclusive Environment
Hybrid working creates a flexible work environment creating a win-win situation for employers and workers, but creating a more inclusive environment comes down to one crucial point - fairness. It’s up to you and your management team to build a culture of fairness and hopefully using our top tips outlined here, you’ll achieve success.
Our training solutions are ideal for hybrid organisations as they can be delivered in-house, virtually, or with a blend of both formats. To speak to one of our training specialists and discuss how we can help create a more inclusive hybrid working culture within your organisation, call 01252 618400 or send an email to theteam@gbscorporate.com.
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