Comments on: How to Make A Hybrid Work Situation More Efficient

By: Sandra

Sandra — Tue, 10 May 2022 14:51:21 +0000

For days in the office I try to schedule the things that work best in the office — 1:1 meetings with my team, connecting with other stakeholders, etc. I have found that I do my best “thinking” work while at home when I can focus for several hours at a time. So I keep the lighter hands-on work interspersed between in-person meetings at the office. I have heard about organizations who say if one person in a meeting is virtual then everyone should join virtually — I wish more would follow this idea because it really does put everyone on the same footing. If a meeting must be in person, make that clear and give the participants enough time to make necessary arrangements.

Most managers are bad at managing virtual teams — it takes more thoughtfulness and planning and some just are not willing to put in the time. If you are in an organization with managers who are unwilling to adapt to managing virtual teams (even part-time virtual) then you will likely have to put in the face time if you want to move up in the organization. It is sad, but true.

By: Julie

Julie — Mon, 09 May 2022 21:25:19 +0000

I agree with the comment about the days being predictable. It’s also important for me that the office/home days be consecutive – e.g. in office M/Tu/W and home Thu/F. That way I only have to lug the physical things I need (e.g. laptop, paper files, my hardcopy to do list) on the days that I switch workplace and not carry those things every day.

By: Anon

Anon — Mon, 09 May 2022 19:52:26 +0000

In reply to Anonymous. If I have a light day, I enjoy the downtime and schedule myself to do professional development webinars on the patio or do light housework during the day. The days I work where I am back-to-back meetings/deadlines far outweigh the light days - and it helps with my work/life balance.

By: anon

anon — Mon, 09 May 2022 19:42:03 +0000

In reply to Anonymous. Ooooh, I agree with this. I had a light day last week and it was a STRUGGLE to not do anything else at home.

By: anon

anon — Mon, 09 May 2022 19:32:39 +0000

I think the tough thing is mindfulness of all of the logistics not even relating to the job itself. For example, if you go in more days than required, you run the risk of this becoming expected of you and you looking bad if you go back to the schedule expected of you and/or upsetting colleagues who feel like you make them look lazy for not going in more than expected. If you are more productive at the office, some bosses will use your productivity as a sign to make everyone come back to the office and then you can become the cause of the unhappiness of many. I wish we could just let everyone work where they work best and offer in-person and zoom options for all. Instead, now it’s so often a dance of comparison and bosses scapegoating one who fits into what they want everyone to do. Ugh.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 09 May 2022 19:09:06 +0000

It may seem counterintuitive, but if I have a light day, I am better off going in. I have a hard time buckling down at home when I am not heavily scheduled or trying to meet an immediate deadline. I do very very well at home when I have a packed day without in-person meetings.