Many organizations are beginning to transition back to the office, offering employees the flexibility to balance both in-person and remote work options. But with such flexibility can come confusion. How do you know what in-office days to request? There are some strategies that can help guide your hybrid schedule decisions.
What tasks do I prefer to do in the office?
Important business functions happen most effectively in person
- You want to be “at the table” literally when it comes to high-level strategic decisions and negotiations
- Project meetings that require high emotional content (i.e. problem-solving, decision-making) are best done in person
When do I feel the least motivated?
Use in-office time to pump up those times when you’re feeling less motivated
- Going into the office makes it easier for some people to get work done
- Know when you’ll need some positive peer pressure and plan your hybrid schedule accordingly for big increases in productivity
When does my team need me?
Identify what kind of interactions (in person or virtual) will be most effective
- If you pick up on the fact that some of your colleagues better comprehend what you are saying and can retain and respond to the information more appropriately when you’re in person, try to plan some in-office days to align with when those individuals will also be present
How can I maximize my productivity?
Interspersing your days in the office with days at home gives you more time at home to recharge
- Book meetings both when you’re at the office and at home so you have more opportunities to connect
- When working remotely, book some meetings at the start of your workday to get you geared up and again in the afternoon when your energy starts to wane
