With the new Flexible Work Act, more and more organisations are adopting a hybrid workforce.
But what do you need to ensure that your organisation can successfully facilitate hybrid working?
Having a hybrid workforce can mean using group documents for editing, hosting hybrid meetings, and making sure everyone is engaged – while still making sure that projects are completed, and employees are happy.
For employers, it can mean that they have a much larger talent pool to select appropriate candidates from, as it eliminates the need to only search within a certain radius.
Benefits Of A Hybrid Workforce
There are numerous benefits of creating a successful hybrid workplace:-
- Enhanced productivity, as employees can better focus on day-to-day tasks due to fewer interruptions and no longer needing face-to-face meetings, which often take longer than they need to.
- There are also huge savings to be made when employing a hybrid workforce such as saving on office space and other costs like rent, furniture, utilities, insurance, and maintenance.
- Better work-life balance! Employees who are able to work more flexibly experience less stress, fewer distractions, and have greater satisfaction with their work and organisation.
- Improved collaboration. Hybrid team members can carry out quick and effective virtual meetings and conferences, allowing them to be fully engaged within the company and with their peers.
Tips For Recruiting a Hybrid Candidate
Identify Candidates That Embrace Hybrid Working
It is important that your HR or talent team find candidates who are comfortable with hybrid working. This may not suit all candidates.
For a hybrid workplace to be successful it’s vital to identify candidates who can tackle and complete tasks while working outside of an office environment, without the need for supervision or constant validation. Ideal candidates are usually very self-motivated and can work independently, reaching targets without the need for external sources.
Candidates who seek constant encouragement or direction from their peers may struggle to work effectively as a hybrid employee. That being said, hybrid employees should not be forgotten about. They should still receive regular input and communication from employers!
Equity
Equity is about equal access to opportunities. Equity addresses the individual needs of each person to ensure they are provided with the necessary tools and support to succeed and develop in the workplace.
Equity ensures that all employees have an equal chance to thrive whether in an onsite, remote, or hybrid workplace setting.
This may involve implementing policies, procedures, and initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, and equity. For example, equitable hiring processes, accessibility, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Widen Your Search
There is more and more competition for employers to attract good candidates as the job market is now wide open for people to apply for roles across the world.
However, this can be a great opportunity for organisations to hire from a much larger talent pool as it means they’re not limited to a particular city. It also means that candidates no longer have to relocate to another city for their dream job!
By widening your search for candidates, you are able to hire a much more diverse group of people and be more selective about which candidates fit the attitudes and culture of the organisation.
Transparent Communication for On-boarding Success
Effective communication is key in preventing issues during the onboarding process of new employees. It is important to implement a transparent platform to foster open conversations among new candidates, hiring managers, recruiters, and the extended team to achieve high engagement and retention.
Consistent Feedback
It is important to prioritise consistent feedback and make this a standard practice to create a positive employee experience.
Offering new candidates continuous and meaningful feedback and coaching can set an organisation apart from competitors – thus attracting fresh talent and significantly aiding retention efforts in a competitive environment.
By considering these strategies your organisation can:
- Effectively recruit and onboard candidates for a positive and successful hybrid workforce
- Promote open communication
- Foster a culture of feedback
- Provide equal opportunities
- Support ongoing learning and development
Hybrid working is becoming a popular topic considering the changes to the Flexible Work Act, and following COVID 19 where most organisations had no choice but to adopt this way of working. The landscape is constantly evolving so it is important for employers to move with the changes and implement good practices to ensure their success in the future.
