08/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/08/2024 01:47
Hybrid work has been shown to benefit workers-from better work-life balance to higher job satisfaction and more. Still, many employees expected to make the trek into the office-even on a partial basis-may put up a fight.
A new report from The Conference Board identifies ways that businesses can not only reduce employee resistance to a hybrid model but maximize its value to the business. Findings are drawn from interviews with 15 large companies and from the results of the most recent Reimagined Workplace survey of over 200 HR leaders.
"Attitudes toward going into the office underwent a fundamental shift because of the flexibility that the pandemic necessitated," said Matt Rosenbaum, Principal Researcher, Human Capital, The Conference Board. "Leaders should aim for 'presence with purpose,' ensuring workers are in the best environment to support their needs, with individual-focused tasks often better suited for remote work and collaborative efforts thriving in person."
The report also underscores the importance of investing in metrics to optimize hybrid work models. Indeed, it argues companies should determine the outcomes they want to achieve, measure how their work model affects those outcomes, and adjust accordingly.
"Will models be evidence based and targeted to achieve specific outcomes, or will they be based on instinct and belief? With the latter, businesses run the risk of wasting time, money, and opportunity, as well as alienating staff, rather than systematically pursuing their desired goals," said Robin Erickson, PhD, Vice President, Human Capital, The Conference Board.
Key findings include:
The why: Hybrid work improves a range of organizational outcomes compared to working on-site full-time.
The how: Focus on six key practices to help with the change management of revising a work model.
"We are in a new world of work; there's no going back to normal," said Erka Amursi, Principal Researcher, Human Capital, The Conference Board. "Communicating change to employees with clarity, trust, and transparency will help smooth the transition into a new work model."
Sizing up success: Evaluate metrics to make the most of hybrid work.
About The Conference Board
The Conference Board is the member-driven think tank that delivers Trusted Insights for What's Ahead™. Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. www.ConferenceBoard.org
For further information contact:
Katie Puello