The business world has changed drastically over recent years. A hybrid work model is now the new norm—especially in corporate settings. This hybrid workplace model blends remote and in-office working arrangements, offering employees greater flexibility and improved work-life balance. The virtual trend is even emerging in industries such as legal and healthcare, which have been traditionally and exclusively in-person. Such widespread change creates opportunities for companies to transform operations, optimize office space, unlock transformation, and maximize technology usage.

This transformation is necessary to continue successful operations, maintain revenue streams, and create a positive company culture accounting for varying working styles. By embracing hybrid models, organizations can enhance employee engagement and cater to both office employees and remote workers. Being cognizant of technology and outsourcing trends will help organizations decide the best route to effectuate meaningful change. Here are three emerging trends to monitor that support hybrid working models and help overcome challenges hybrid arrangements may present.

Leaders are reimagining the role of the physical office

For many corporations, employees are working remotely full-time or on regular schedules in a hybrid model. With fewer people coming into physical office spaces, operations leaders are having to reimagine and strategize what the workspace should look like to accommodate these new working trends. Factors to evaluate include employee schedules, remote policies, and the purposes for working onsite. The hybrid workplace model often involves hybrid arrangements where employees split their days between office days and remote days.
Moving away from the traditional office model can look like increasing shared spaces, downsizing, or eliminating the physical office altogether.

Some companies are transforming office spaces to better support collaboration when hybrid workers are onsite. This leaves operational gaps that leaders must address in their hybrid programs and outsourcing budgets. All of these factors will fuel the vision for an innovative office model that promotes effective collaboration, enhances employee engagement, and accounts for current company culture. By embracing flexibility, organizations can create successful hybrid workplaces that meet the needs of both office employees and remote workers.

Industries historically resistant to change are accelerating transformation efforts

Before the pandemic, hybrid models were available, but they were generally limited to industries known for early tech innovation or organizations trying to get ahead of the curve. Now, virtual offerings are everywhere—even in unanticipated settings like a law firm. Companies have recognized the benefits hybrid arrangements offer, such as improved work-life balance for employees and increased flexibility. The pandemic forced people to realize the advantages of virtual offices and remote hybrid tools, resulting in a focus on how to be more effective and efficient through intentional investments.

This shift has led to an increase in hybrid workers across various sectors, with employees splitting their days between remote work and office days. The hybrid model allows for improved employee engagement and can help companies attract and retain top talent. This is a significant historical shift that will permanently change the way people and teams work across the globe and render it easier to embrace change in the future. By adopting successful hybrid workplace models, organizations can overcome the challenges hybrid arrangements may present and enjoy the benefits hybrid models provide.

Organizations are being more intentional with outsourcing

Successful transformation during a time of change requires an approach that improves processes and increases productivity within the hybrid model. How this is achieved will look different for every organization and should evolve alongside progressive goals and company culture. By considering the benefits hybrid models offer, companies can enhance their workplace models to better suit their hybrid workforce.

Oftentimes, outside partners are an efficient and cost-effective way to carefully craft the right strategy and then achieve said goals. A service provider can leverage expertise to pinpoint where change is needed and implement optimal solutions. In a hybrid environment, it often makes sense to outsource certain functions previously not considered. For example, many organizations have prioritized outsourcing digital mailrooms, document processing, AP/AR billing, and administrative functions.

While it is not a new concept to move these functions outside the enterprise, it is becoming more commonplace in the hybrid workplace as the role of the physical office changes. By utilizing outsourcing, companies can offer greater flexibility to hybrid employees and teams, allowing them to focus on core tasks whether they are remote workers or office employees. This approach can help organizations overcome challenges hybrid arrangements may present and contribute to a successful hybrid work model.

Conclusion

The shift to hybrid work requires leaders to be creative and bold so that they can focus on which tools and processes will foster efficient and effective operations. Embracing hybrid models means recognizing the benefits hybrid arrangements offer, such as increased flexibility, improved work-life balance, and enhanced employee engagement. Being aware of market trends and what employees need to foster efficiency when working remotely will help create successful and sustainable hybrid programs.

As the hybrid work model continues to evolve, organizations should continue to keep tabs on alternate approaches, innovation occurring in industries relevant to their operations, and compelling outsourcing opportunities. By addressing the challenges hybrid workplace models may present, companies can ensure their hybrid workforce thrives, whether team members are remote workers or office employees.

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