2020 changed our lives forever. Many of us transitioned to remote work, formed an even stronger reliance on technology, and started to reassess the pros and cons of working in an office. Change, however, isn’t always a bad thing.
As the population continues to get vaccinated, returning to the office and in-person learning have become options once again. But work is changing and the art of learning and particularly of content development today is going to look a lot different than they did just a year ago.
This post will walk you through the definition of hybrid-remote work, look at how major companies are embracing the change, and introduce how content development fits into new hybrid-work models.
Hybrid-Remote Work: What It Is and How It Operates
What Is Hybrid-Remote Work? Hybrid-remote work is a type of business model that divides the shifts of workers between off-site and in-office workspaces, as opposed to remote work which operates in strictly off-site locations:
- In a hybrid model, the flexibility of remote work is combined with the professional and personal benefits of face-to-face interaction.
- When asked about the hybrid work model, for their organization 73% of managers said two or three days in the office and the rest of the week working from home would be the best option for their organization.
Through hybrid-remote work employers and employees can reap the benefits of both options. While it’s normal to feel anxious about embarking on a hybrid-work model, you can look to other companies for inspiration. To get motivated, take a look at some of the companies that are embracing the new normal:
- Ford: Ford recently announced that 30,000 of its North American office workers would be allowed to work under a flexible hybrid model. This model allows workers to perform certain projects on-site and stay home for more independent work.
- Google: In December 2020, Google created a hybrid model with at least three in-office “collaboration days”, while giving employees the freedom to spend the other two days of the week at home.
- Microsoft: Microsoft recently stated that working remotely up to 50% of the time would become their new work standard.
There are many different models of hybrid-remote work, and by assessing your organization’s strengths, office culture, and objectives, you’ll be able to find the format that works best for you and your employees.
Learning Engagement For Everyone: The Different Types of Hybrid Work
The Hub-and-Spoke Model: To adjust to a hybrid workplace, many organizations are adopting a hub-and-spoke business modelThese models have a hub (main office) and multiple spokes (satellite offices):
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Through this method, employers can divide employees into small teams. These teams can build bonds, work together, and create a productive atmosphere.
This model is best for a company that already has access to multiple locations and work spaces.
The Split-Week model: This model “splits” the week up for employers to create a better work-life balance. Employees have the freedom to work from home two to three days a week and work onsite two to three days a week:
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Companies using the split-week model generally split up the week into different department cohorts.
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For example, the marketing team can come into the office on Mondays and Wednesdays, while the HR team comes into the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
This hybrid work method allows business leaders to stay updated with their teams and boost workplace morale by bringing employees together.
The Week-By-Week Model: This method allows employees to alternate between working from home and working onsite weekly:
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This option is great for companies who need large teams to come together at the same time.
Regardless of which model you choose, giving your workers flexibility and the support they need is key to improving productivity rates, boosting engagement, and keeping your company happy.
Why Content Development Matters More Than Ever
To ensure that your team is thriving, finding the right course development and learning engagement strategies is key. The most successful models include course development methods, such as:
- Technology Training
- Accessible Performance Support
- Personalized Learning Programs
- Employee and Learning Engagement Trainings
To stay in touch, business leaders will have to be trained in utilizing new technologies, keeping all of their employees engaged, and making sure that their team feels connected both in and outside of the office.
Hybrid-Remote and Content Development: The Perfect Match
We’ve all had our challenges in the past year, but the future’s looking bright. By embracing hybrid-remote work, company’s can give their employees the flexibility and autonomy they want while also providing the human connection they need.
At WeLearn, we are dedicated to making the transition as smooth as possible, and supporting businesses from beginning to end.
What hybrid model do you think works best for your company? What are some of the things you are looking forward to in the new hybrid-remote method? Share your thoughts and experiences with us here at WeLearn, because together, we learn.
