Advocating for Your Hybrid Workplace Needs

It’s spring, finally!  What a difference from last spring, when there was still a lot of thought and concern about the pandemic and any precautions that were needed as everyone went about their day.  This year, it’s a lot clearer with respect to what we’re collectively doing as a society and in our workplaces. It’s a nice change.  
 
It also means we’ve been working in hybrid for over a year now, and as companies have transitioned to a hybrid work model, it's important for you to consider your experience and how hybrid is working for you. Every workplace has taken a slightly different approach to hybrid, and many are still evolving to best suit their employees and business needs, so now is the perfect time to assess this for yourself.  Here are some tips to get you started:

• Identify your needs: Start by thinking about what you need to be productive and comfortable in your work environment. Do you need a dedicated workspace at home? Can you work effectively in both environments?  Keep in mind you may experience different kinds of productivity at home versus at work, and that’s normal.  What is your ideal mix (i.e., more time in the office or more time working from home)? Make a list of your needs so that you can clearly communicate them to your manager.
  
  
• Communicate with your manager: Schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss your hybrid work needs. Come prepared with your list of needs and be ready to discuss how these needs can be met within the hybrid work model. Be open to compromise and collaboration.
  
  
• Highlight the benefits: Emphasize the benefits of meeting your workplace needs, such as increased productivity, ability to meet different types of deadlines, job satisfaction, and work-life moderation. Make a strong case for how your needs align with the goals of the company.
  
  
• Be flexible: While it's important to advocate for your needs, it's also important to be flexible and willing to compromise. Work with your employer to find solutions that meet both your needs and the needs of the company.  This may require a few discussions to uncover potential pinch points and to collaborate together on overcoming any barriers to effective work.
  
  
• Follow up: After your meeting with your manager, follow up with an email summarizing the discussion and any outstanding items or agreements that were made. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that your needs are being addressed.
  
  
• Re-assess:  Once you’ve made changes, check to see if they are working the way you expected them too.  If they are, highlight the anticipated benefits to your manager so they can see the positive outcome for you and the organization.  If the benefits aren’t there, consider what further changes may need to be considered and communicate with your manager to see what’s possible.

 
This is an iterative process; you may not get to a place that works as effectively as you’d like it to without some experimentation.  There’s also no “perfect” solution with hybrid (or any other workplace model); all of them have their pros and cons.  If you’re struggling with identifying your needs, or how best to approach your manager with them, here are some further tips and considerations:

• Your work responsibilities: Think about the tasks and projects you are responsible for in your role. Do you need access to certain tools or equipment to complete your work? Do you need a specific type of workspace or environment to be productive (i.e., are you on the phone a lot and need a place to do that in the office where you won’t be a distraction to others)?
  
  
• Your communication preferences: Consider how you prefer to communicate with your manager, team and colleagues. Do you prefer face-to-face meetings or virtual meetings? Do you prefer email or instant messaging? Knowing your communication preferences can help you identify the tools and resources you need to stay connected with your team, and how best to use them when you’re in the office and at home.
  
  
• Your work-life mix: Think about how you moderate your work responsibilities with your personal life. Do you have childcare or other responsibilities that require flexibility in your work schedule? Do you need a specific work environment to help you maintain a healthy work-life moderation?  What are the policies to digitally disconnect in your organization?  Are you taking advantage of them?  Work-life moderation is something only you can make happen for yourself. It takes communication and effort, but is well worth the investment for your wellbeing and to reduce stress and possible burnout.
  
  
• Your technology requirements: Identify the technology tools you need to do your job effectively in a hybrid work environment. What kind of processing power do you need (which can point to your need for a laptop or desktop computer)? Do you require high-speed internet or specific software programs?  These are things to consider in your productivity and effectiveness in your role, as well as your home location.  Working from the cottage in the summer may be welcomed, but if your internet isn’t up to the task, it can frustrate your effectiveness and workplace relationships.
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• Your physical workspace: Consider the type of workspace you need to be productive and comfortable. Do you require a private workspace or can you work in an open area (at home or at work)? Do you need a quiet space or do you prefer some background noise?  How are you set up to meet your ergonomic needs (i.e., working from the kitchen table may have been OK for a temporary solution, but hybrid is here to stay – what does that mean for your home office needs)?

 
By considering these factors, you can identify your hybrid workplace needs and make the changes you need to at home, while communicating effectively with your employer to have both home and office working well for you. Advocating for your hybrid workplace needs is essential for your successful work experience and career (and for creating a work life you can love). By identifying your needs, communicating with your manager, highlighting the benefits, being flexible, and following up, you can help create a work environment that works for both you and your employer.

Struggling with advocating for your needs at work?  I can help.
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