Hybrid work digest: Airbnb goes hybrid, Ford struggles to keep employees in offices, leaders don’t have enough tools to run hybrid teams

It’s good to see you in May. As we are slowly moving closer to the summer season, it’s time to look back at the hottest news and trends in hybrid work.

Find out how companies are adapting to the post-pandemic paradigm shift, what challenges in building functioning workplace leaders are facing, and what tips you can follow to streamline operations.

In this episode of the digest:

• New studies show hybrid work is more productive than other arrangements
• Airbnb embraces fully autonomous hybrid work
• Hybrid work is challenging for women
• Lessons Ford learned from embracing hybrid
• Tips from tech leaders on building an inclusive hybrid team

Hybrid work news

1. 6 in 10 employees believe that hybrid work is more productive

Among other insights, Cisco’s survey on hybrid work reveals that the new way of working boosts well-being, performance, and work-life balance.

2. Airbnb allows staff to work from home indefinitely

The company will allow employees to work from anywhere (be it home or office) and flexibly switch locations. No one’s pay will be affected as they move around the world.

3. Hybrid work transition drives cloud spending to $500 billion a year

According to Gartner, the cloud will be the centerpiece of hybrid work adoption. As we get used to flexible working, we’ll be spending a lot more on cloud computing.

4. Slack CEO on the future of hybrid work

Stewart Butterfield, the CEO of Slack, comments on the company’s findings on hybrid work and shares a few tips for business leaders as they move towards hybrid.

Challenges of hybrid work

1. Hybrid working may not work for women

While hybrid work seems to be an excellent equalizer for women, it’s not actually the case. Around the world, women who work remotely bear more household and childcare burdens that increase the risk of burnout and reduce productivity.

2. European employers are falling behind on hybrid work automation

Hybrid work calls for a need to streamline and automate workflows but European leaders are falling behind on that front. Recent findings suggest that only 10% of employers in the region have access to work automation solutions.

3. Working after hours: triple-peak-day challenge

Working with geographically diverse teams contributes to protracted schedules and long hours. In turn, the inability to set a work-life balance contributes to burnout and increases the employee churn rate.

4. Employers are lacking tech tools to make hybrid schedules work

Tech team leaders complain about the shortage of tools for collaboration, onboarding, and monitoring burnout. They fear that poorly functioning tech stacks will hinder hybrid work transition.

Hybrid work lessons and tips

1. Lessons on hybrid work from Ford, a former 9-to-5 pioneer

The automaker company executives were challenged when fewer employees came into offices on April 4th than expected. Low attendance encouraged leaders to rethink office spaces and plan for hybrid work.

2. 5 actionable hybrid work tips for tech companies | CIO

Great Hybrid Confusion is the term encompassing the uncertainty teams face when switching to hybrid work. Find out how tech leaders can facilitate the transition and create clear-cut policies for smooth hybrid operations.

3. Lifehacks for staying healthy when working at home and in the office

Researchers and medical professionals believe that a sudden switch to hybrid work can be disbalancing and straining for mental health. That’s why employees should be mindful of stress management — following these actionable tips is a solid starting point.

4. Building an inclusive hybrid work culture

A panel discussion on hybrid work diversity hosted by Microsoft examines and answers pressing questions on workplace inclusion, long-lasting relationships, and ensuring everyone’s voices are heard in a hybrid environment.

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