Work Schedule That Makes Hybrid Model Successful

Implementing the hybrid work model in a workplace has its challenges. From having a hard time with employees to get on board with the idea, creating the right collaboration and management style, to defining the hybrid work schedule, there is a lot to deal with. But this doesn't mean that the hard work to establish a hybrid workforce is not worth it.

Hybrid remote work has many benefits over conventional modes of working and is part of the reason why so many organizations are shifting to this method of working in the workplace. To make things even smoother and easier in a hybrid workplace, thankfully, there are tons of hybrid remote work schedules online.

All you need is to find the best one that fits your needs and matches the requirement. This article will highlight some common hybrid remote work schedules, how to schedule work shifts and the best one for your company.

What is a Hybrid Work Schedule?

A hybrid remote work schedule allows employees to work in-house and remotely based on their assigned days or working hours. A hybrid work schedule combines a remote work routine and old school way of working in the office. The hybrid remote work schedule offers many benefits as it provides the employees work flexibility and enables them to interact with the team members various times a week.

This also helps to combat the challenge of miscommunication or team gap since the employees meet in the workplace. It also brings flexibility for the employees who want to work remotely.

Different Types of hybrid Remote Work Schedules

The hybrid work schedule examples will help your organization use an already existing hybrid work schedule. This approach is much better than creating a new hybrid work schedule for your workplace. Moreover, you can always modify an existing work model according to the company's goals and needs.

1. Cohort Schedules

The cohort work schedule sets the employees in different groups, and each group visits on a specific day. This is specifically suitable for workplaces that have different teams for different projects. In addition, this method makes hybrid remote working easier to be managed since managers know the employees who will be working on-site each day.

Pros

•    Each employee gets access to in-house technology and can collaborate with the team on their day.

•    Individual managers can be assigned for individual days

•    Time saved because the schedule is created once

Cons

•    Sometimes the off days can cause slack in work

•    All the employees are not able to collaborate.

2. Staggered Schedule

There is a set time for employees to come if they want to work in the office. This method is specifically designed to increase social distancing and prevent crowding at the elevator or security stand.

Pros

•    The employers are clear about who would be in the office that day, making it easier to manage.

•    Different managers can be assigned for different shift

•    This method provides the increased chances of access to the workplace to all employees

Cons

•    Allocated time slots may not be suitable for all employees; thus, flexibility is low.

•    The collaboration level is also moderate because the teams are not always working together. 

3. Custom Schedule

Custom timetables are more flexible but less reliable than group and staggered schedules. These hybrid work schedules are weekly plans that alter based on the requirement for employees or teams to collaborate on-site. Managers can establish their workers' timetables, or employees can choose their own; both have advantages and disadvantages. Individual managers create the custom schedule by collaborating with their team members.

Pros

•    Managers can call the entire team simultaneously to improve collaboration; thus, teamwork is improved.

•    Each team and team member has equal access to the workplace amenities and can get a spot in the office.

Cons

•    Employees won’t know what days their team will be called, so there is always confusion.

•    Sometimes managers have a hard time finding the free spot on their desired day.

•    Requires a lot of time in creating and managing the schedule every week

4. Employee’s Scheduling

This hybrid work schedule method allows the employees to set their schedules. They don’t need to consult or ask the managers.

Pros

•    High flexibility for the employees

•    Employees who need to work together on a particular project can collaborate.

•    Employees can also decide on fixed days to work

Cons

•    There isn’t always a guarantee whether you would find your favorite spot

•    Sometimes the spots could get full, too, and an employee may not find a free workstation at all

•    The time investment on booking and finding a place is also moderate

What Type Of Hybrid Work Schedule Is Best For You?

Finding the best-suited schedule for your workplace depends on various factors. Each organization is indeed different from the other, and no size fits all. To make things work, you have to be careful and appropriate about the approach. Sometimes the best suited for your workplace could be a smart combination of more than one hybrid work schedule.

Starting with a simple hybrid work schedule is the right way to begin your journey on hybrid remote work, and later on, organizations can modify their chosen method accordingly.

Challenges of Hybrid Work Schedule

Scheduling work shifts in a hybrid working is one of the biggest challenges in the workplace. Since hybrid working isn't targeted only to provide flexibility to the employees, it also has many other aims and visions. Organizations that adapt to the hybrid work model try to save up the office space and utilize the minimum space for maximum tasks. Employees often take turns coming to the office, allowing multiple employees to use the same workstation at different times.

This is one of the most effective ways to save space and cost, but it has to be implemented smartly. For example, using desk booking software like Autonomous Hybrid is a good way to schedule workstations and add shifts to relevant employees. Another way is to create transparency about the number of employees working in the house and remotely each day.