Hybrid work models have become big since 2020 when the Covid pandemic forced this framework onto companies due to the need for isolation of those affected. This unplanned experiment has shown managers and employees what is possible. Employees have also found that their work-home balance improved, while bosses got to see that remote workers could still deliver and be productive.
One aspect of hybrid offices that are currently receiving attention is how to train and develop employees when it is not always possible to bring them into the office for in-person training. For example, some employees are working at home while others are in the office, making it difficult to schedule groups. Some fully remote workers may reside too far away from training centers as well.
Studies show that there is a need for annual skill upgrades of ten percent in jobs, in general, to keep employees capacitated to perform their work. For example, continuous advances in technology mean having to frequently learn new software. We examine how you can continue to grow and develop your employees in a hybrid model.
Adapting Blended Learning
Blended learning is defined as using traditional face-to-face learning along with online learning. In a hybrid workplace, this can be adapted to provide synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities. The synchronous aspect involves set times for online learning, such as class lectures where the learners can interact via questions typed into the system as the trainer provides the lesson material. It can also entail in-person collaborative workshops. Asynchronous learning can be done at the employees’ pace when they have time in their schedules and can include watching videos and test quizzes, for example.
The flexibility of hybrid workplace models means that office space can be drastically reduced, with a big cost saving for the company. Events such as training can be scheduled with a room booking system to maximize the available space. This means that you can have two or more in-person training sessions to accommodate employees on different schedules.
Collaborative Workspaces
Employees also learn from interaction with their colleagues and managers. Using the smart office concept, reduced office space need not be a barrier to getting employees into learning spaces with their teams. For example, employees can book desks that are in the same area as the colleagues they need to collaborate with. If a space is unused, the system will reallocate it so that its use can be maximized.
Mentoring
Mentoring is often understood as an employee who is a top performer being groomed for a higher position or promotion. This is often accomplished by having the employee shadow their mentor. With a hybrid model, there may be fewer opportunities for the mentor and mentee to get together physically.
However, with modern technology, it is possible to provide mentoring by using the available resources, such as room booking and smart offices to schedule face time. Then, projects can be given to the mentees to perform by themselves. Email and video conferencing allow the parties to come together for feedback or interim questions.
Hybrid offices are changing the way businesses work. Technologies support hybrid offices. It just means being proactive and using what is available.