Four Tips for Improving Your Hybrid Work Experience

There’s no place like home. At least, that’s what the vast majority of American workers seem to believe.

As more companies open their doors for a return to the office, several surveys find that up to 75 percent of U.S. knowledge workers prefer a hybrid work model that would allow them to split their time between in-office and at-home work.

Adjusting to such a back-and-forth work model may prove to be a stressful change, however. 

Here are four things you can do to ease the transition:

• Establish a schedule. Flexibility is a key benefit of hybrid work, but it is important to have at least a general framework for the work week. Having regular office days is important in maintaining good connections with coworkers and supervisors. Use at-home days for doing independent work and use office time for more collaborative tasks.

• Set expectations. Communicate clearly with managers and colleagues about when you are and are not available, particularly where it concerns weekend and after-hours schedules. Establishing clear work-life boundaries can help you reduce stress and be more productive.

• Communicate effectively. Frequent communication is essential for maintaining a cohesive team, but not every discussion requires a conference call or a virtual meeting. Email and text messages that don’t require an immediate response are less intrusive and can help reduce meeting fatigue.

• Take care of yourself. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and don’t neglect healthy practices such as regular exercise and good nutrition. According to one recent study, nearly two thirds of remote workers say they sit in their work chair all day and only get up to go to the kitchen or bathroom.