The global pandemic has had a long-lasting effect on how we conduct business. Many employees have become accustomed to their home offices and the flexibility working from home offers. However, it is time for charities and social sector organisations to consider implementing hybrid working models to get the best of both worlds and remain flexible for their employees. At Canopi we understand the distinctive benefits of the conventional office setting, so in this article, we’ll go over five compelling reasons for going back to the office that encourages teamwork, productive meetings, osmotic learning, socialising, and community building.
Collaboration Is the key to innovation
While the virtual tools available to us have made remote collaboration possible, there’s still something special about in-person interactions that fuel creativity and innovation across organisations. By working together in an office space or coworking environment, employees can spontaneously brainstorm ideas and share information, leading to more effective problem-solving and decision-making in ways home working doesn’t allow. New hybrid working models that blend remote and in-office work can provide the best of both by offering employees flexibility while still promoting face-to-face collaboration.
Effective Meetings make the most of your time
While video conferencing has become a staple of remote work, in-person meetings tend to be more productive and efficient. The nuances of body language and eye contact can help drive home key points, while a shared physical space allows for better focus and engagement. A well-designed office space can facilitate various meeting formats and offer dedicated spaces for different purposes. This way, your team can make the most of their time and achieve more during their hybrid working schedules.
Absorbing knowledge effortlessly
Osmotic learning is the natural absorption of knowledge that occurs when employees are physically present in a shared office space. This type of learning is often unintentional and happens when those within the office are surrounded by others, overhear conversations, witness problem-solving sessions, or simply observe the behavior of their colleagues. In a hybrid working model, employees can benefit from osmotic learning by spending time in the office, while still enjoying the autonomy and flexibility of remote working offers.
Socialising to build stronger connections
One of the most overlooked aspects of returning to the office is the opportunity for socialising. It is no secret that remote work can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection with the outside world, which can negatively impact team morale and their overall well-being. By bringing people back into the office, the team can forge stronger connections with their colleagues by way of shared experiences, casual conversations, and team-building activities. Embracing a hybrid work culture, allows employees to maintain that healthy work-life balance many strive for, while still fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging within the team.
Community builds the power of collective identity
The office space is more than just a physical location; it’s also a symbol of the organisation’s culture and values. By returning to the office, employees can immerse themselves in the company’s ethos, developing a deeper sense of loyalty and commitment, which can easily be lost if all team members work fully remotely. A strong community fosters collaboration, innovation, and productivity, which can only thrive when team members feel connected to their organisation. Implementing a hybrid working model that strikes the right balance between remote and in-office work will strengthen the sense of community and help organisations to continue to thrive.
Conclusion:
As the social sector continues to adapt to the changing landscape of work, it’s important to recognise the unique advantages that office spaces still provide to charities. Through embracing hybrid working models, organisations can harness the benefits of both remote and in-office work, fostering collaboration, effective meetings, osmotic learning, socialising, and community building. A thoughtful approach to hybrid working can create an environment that empowers employees to be their most productive, engaged, and innovative selves, ultimately driving the success of the charity.
As we look forward to a new era of work, charities and social sector organisations will need to strike the right balance to create optimal conditions for growth and success. By leveraging the best of both worlds – the flexibility of remote work and the in-person connections of the office space – social sector organisations can unlock the true potential of hybrid working and create a brighter future for their employees and their organisation as a whole.
To learn more about how Canopi and its members are embracing a hybrid working model, and how it can work for your organisation, get in touch with a member of the team.