Navigating the Future: Embracing Hybrid Work Environments, Breaking Bad COVID Habits, and Cultivating New Etiquette

The pandemic reshaped the way we work, to say the least. It broke down traditional office walls, (remember when the answer to being able to work from home was that it wouldn’t work logistically? Well, we showed them…right Covid!) It ushered in an era of hybrid work environments whether we knew we wanted them or not. And as we emerge from the fog of the last few years, it's important to reflect on the habits (good, bad, and ugly) that we developed as a society and establish new workplace etiquette to thrive in this evolving landscape. Full disclosure, my company Connect To The Core has been operating remotely since its inception, so you could say pants have always been optional and strongly encouraged. So, when the pandemic hit, it was easy for us to transition, and others had a much harder time.

The shift to hybrid work environments represents a seismic change in the way companies operate. Gone are the days of the rigid 9-to-5 office routine, as employees now have the flexibility to work from home or choose a combination of in-office and remote work. This newfound freedom demands a shift in mindset, emphasizing results over hours worked.

There are certainly some advantages of Hybrid Work such as:

Improved Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work allows employees to strike a better balance between professional and personal life, contributing to increased job satisfaction and overall well-being.

Increased Productivity: Studies have shown that remote work can lead to heightened productivity, as employees can tailor their work environment to suit their individual preferences.

Global Talent Pool: Companies can now tap into a broader talent pool, as geographical constraints are no longer a limiting factor. This fosters diversity and innovation within teams.

That being said, it might be time to break free from some of our bad covid habits. The pandemic forced us to adopt new habits for survival, and it's essential to identify and shed those that may hinder our professional growth in the long run.

Some Covid bad habits:

Overreliance on Video Conferencing: While video calls were a lifeline during the pandemic, it's time to reassess their necessity. Opt for asynchronous communication when possible, which will give employees more control over their time.

24/7 Availability: The blurring of work and personal life boundaries was a common pitfall during the lockdowns. Now, it’s critical to establish clear boundaries and encourage employees to take breaks and time off to prevent burnout.

Isolation and Lack of Team Building: Remote work can lead to feelings of isolation. Always promote regular team-building activities, whether virtual or in person, to strengthen bonds and foster a sense of camaraderie. This isn’t always easy, and it is very important so that people don’t end up working in silos.

As we navigate this new era of work, it's crucial to establish a set of guidelines that promote collaboration, inclusivity, and professionalism (remember your pants is number one).

Clear Communication Channels: Define preferred communication channels for different types of messages. You can use chat for quick queries, emails for formal communication, and video calls for complex discussions. Or, dare I say it, PICK UP THE PHONE!

Respect for Flexibility: Recognize and respect each other's working hours and preferences. Avoid scheduling non-urgent meetings outside of agreed-upon core hours.

Tech Etiquette: Brush up on your virtual meeting etiquette. For God’s sake, MUTE YOUR MICROPHONE when not speaking, be mindful of your camera and background, and take advantage of the collaboration tools available to effectively to streamline communication.

Focus on Results: Evaluate performance based on outcomes rather than the number of hours worked. Encourage a results-driven culture that values efficiency and effectiveness. Reward results, celebrate wins and always look for areas of improvement.

Hybrid work environments can offer a unique opportunity to reshape the way we work for the better. By breaking free from bad COVID habits and cultivating new etiquette, we can create a more inclusive, flexible, and productive work culture. Embracing this change requires adaptability, open communication, and a commitment to building a workplace that caters to the diverse needs of its employees. As you embark on this journey, whether as an employer, team member or leader in your organization, remember to set an example of how things can work to the benefit of the entire company if done with the intention of boosting company culture and results!