Hybrid Working: Creating the “next normal” in work practices, spaces and culture

A new report reveals that astutely navigating work practices, spaces and culture will help respond to crisis, redefine the purpose and reinvent the future of work

Plantronics, Inc. (“Poly” – formerly Plantronics and Polycom) has issued a new report that highlights a granular shift in focus from “place” to “purpose” of work as businesses respond to the COVID-19 crisis, redesign their operations and reinvent the way they work. Out of city co-working spaces, ergonomic at-home work setups and virtual water cooler moments – the effects of this pandemic will epitomise a new age of hybrid working.

Drawing on experts in the future of work, workspace design and psychology, the Poly report, Hybrid Working: Creating the “next normal” in work practices, spaces and culture, sets out the path to the “next normal,” where employees enjoy flexibility and choice, and businesses thrive through motivated, collaborative and productive teams.

Andy Hurt, Managing Director, ANZ, Poly, explains: “The unfortunate circumstances experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity for businesses to challenge current thinking and shape a new future of work. The next normal is all about hybrid working moving to the mainstream as we respond, redesign and reinvent — flexible working across multiple locations, with immersive, productive workspaces that accommodate the workstyle of every employee.”

Post-lockdown working practices

Triggered by COVID-19, businesses have the opportunity to challenge convention and redefine what “work” really means. Hybrid working will introduce:

• New working patterns – new working policies that bring employees flexibility on when and where they work;
• Outcome-based working – taking the focus off the hours and location, to being productive and delivering results;
• Optimised investment – looking beyond the company office to create collaborative, technology-enabled personal workspaces anywhere.

Tom Cheesewright, applied futurist and contributor to the Poly report, said: “Even before the pandemic, the nature of work was changing because the nature of business is changing. Today, few can claim that the technology is a barrier to changing practices, but the lockdown has highlighted the need for investment into the cultural and behavioural components of flexible work. The future is a flexible working environment that caters to the needs of all employees, giving them the most fulfilling work experience and in return allowing them to maximise the value they return to the organisation.”

Download the report to discover more.