Traditional vs. Hybrid Working Models
Traditional working styles usually place more emphasis on structure than hybrid working models. It was thought that this kept people on track and helped them manage time more efficiently. However, recent data has shown that hybrid working can dramatically increase employee productivity and happiness.
Flexible hours have become somewhat of a norm for many organisations. Jobs without flexible hours are less likely to attract high-quality applicants. They are most appealing to people who have dependents like elderly relatives, children, or animals. Hybrid working promotes a good work/life balance, which is vital for every business.
Staff Benefits
With working from home a viable option, it has become more important than ever to make coming into the office or working out on the field a positive experience too.
Organisations can create a more positive working environment for their staff with just a few benefits. While there may be a cost for these, they’re all certainly less expensive than the cost of recruiting brand-new staff.
Examples of Staff Benefits:
- Free fruit
- Quality refreshment facilities
- Mental health services
- Comfortable breakout spaces
- Gym memberships or discounts
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Portable comforts budget (e.g., to aid the comfort of field workers and their vehicles)
- Extra annual leave for each year working at the company
- Good reward & recognition process (e.g., gift cards for employees of the month, staff nomination scheme, customer service rating rewards)
- Work-from-home equipment budget
- Social events or time-out sessions
In my experience, one thing that has worked particularly well was having an extra day's annual leave to have your birthday off work and/or an extra wellness day each year, mid-week, to encourage the use of time for wellbeing activities. With the increase of dog ownership in the UK since COVID-19, it's not a surprise that there are now more dog-friendly offices, allowing more staff to come into the office without extra expense. Pets can create a sense of calm and companionship, which can lead to a positive impact on staff wellbeing.
Tailored Benefits
People want and need different things in their lives. For example, not everyone wants a gym membership, likes dogs, or indeed wants to be desk-based. Field operatives' wellbeing is also important. It is about reviewing what's right for your organisation and realising that providing such benefits, large or small, contributes to a positive impact for your staff.
It is recommended that employees be offered a choice, enabling them to select what better suits them and their lifestyle needs. This results in a positive outlook on their company and makes their staff feel valued.
Leadership and Training
While these kinds of benefits help make your employees feel cared for, they don't take away your priority of improving leadership and training. All the fruit boxes in the world won’t help you retain your staff if they feel unsupported by their manager and stagnated in their careers.
Availability
Managers need to make themselves available to their employees. Holding one-to-ones may seem time-consuming but it is so valuable for staff to have that forum to be listened to and understood. Management should also be able to provide resources to employees needing additional assistance. With a more field-based workforce, it can easily feel like a divide between management and staff without regular staff engagement and being available to take feedback and give support.
Often, a conversation with a manager can make a big difference for a staff member. Promoting healthy routines is vitally important, too. This could be as simple as engaging in practices that boost well-being, such as encouraging employees to take breaks.
Final Thoughts
Investing in employee wellbeing, fostering supportive leadership, and promoting open communication are crucial for retaining talent and ensuring a thriving workforce in this evolving landscape. The success of hybrid and home working hinges on creating a work experience where employees feel valued, supported, and connected, regardless of location. Reducing department silos through regular engagement activities can foster a more positive workplace community.
Since 2001, the Mental Health Foundation has been leading Mental Health Awareness Week - bringing the UK together to focus on getting good mental health. This year, the week takes place from 12 to 18 May 2025.
Blog Disclaimer
This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.
