Can Hybrid Working Attract and Retain Key Talent?

From Alan Townsend, Managing Director at JVP Group.

With nearly 66% of all employers now operating a version of hybrid working and jobseekers seeing it as a key differentiator when they’re looking for their next career step, we have looked at some of the best practice methodology to ensure that hybrid working employees are productive and fully engaged.

The route to a hybrid working model for many companies was driven by the necessity of work from home during the pandemic, rather than a structured response to employees seeking more flexibility to improve their work life balance.

Therefore, the rapid transition to a hybrid workforce means that many employees are not set up to be efficient when working out of the office and companies don’t have the necessary policies, procedures, or best practice in place to ensure it works for both parties. For example, how many companies have managed to put in place a workstation assessment for hybrid employees?

So, moving forward how can employers ensure that hybrid or work from home employees are productive and engaged?

• Ensure that employees are initially set up correctly using the right equipment and have a workable internet connection. Is there an essential company equipment checklist? e.g., headsets.
• Set an expectation that all employees have responsibility to ensure they are working in an environment that is safe, healthy and has minimal distractions. 
• Put in place daily or weekly check in meetings where appropriate with the entire team so that hybrid employees feel connected.
• Manage hybrid and office-based employees consistently by ensuring you have regular conversations and structured check in meetings.
• Think about how you recognise performance in a hybrid world and don’t forget about the impact that recognition can have wherever you work.
• Flexibility can foster innovation, so encourage employees to contribute their ideas on how the company can be more efficient and make hybrid working more productive, based on their experiences.
• Enable the core workplace values for hybrid employees of respect, well-being, equality, and the opportunity for personal growth.

Providing a positive, fulfilling flexible working environment for employees is now a core business value that will attract and retain exceptional talent.