Preparing for the
Ultimate Hybrid Workplace

Multiple studies and real-world experience have shown that the greatest benefit of hybrid work environments for employees is having flexibility in their work lives. This means employees can work when and how they are most productive. As a result, they feel more empowered and better able to achieve work-life balance. 

Two recent studies speak to this reality:

• One study found that 77% of companies have adopted a hybrid working model — with the “at-will” hybrid model as the most popular option.
• A second study found that 47% of employees would likely look for another job if their employer didn’t offer a flexible hybrid working model. 
• The first study also found that 56% of the companies who’ve adopted an ‘at-will’ hybrid model let their employees choose when and how often they come into the office.

Hybrid workplaces are also healthier because they lower employees' exposure to viruses and other illnesses. Employer benefits include lower real estate costs, happier employees and the ability to hire without geographic restrictions. 

As the pandemic taught us, almost anyone can adapt to a remote work-from-home model when push comes to shove. Thanks largely to modern technologies, even employees who prefer to work on-site, do well in hybrid work environments, because they appreciate the newfound work-life flexibility.

Creating the best possible hybrid workplace is essential in today’s world. It’s an expectation for employees who now are accustomed to working from home and enjoy greater flexibility in their lives. While companies have faced many challenges in adapting to the new hybrid work world, they are also finding that the advantages far outweigh the challenges — especially as they adopt new, hybrid-focused solutions.

When employees stopped dining on-site, the firm decided to draw back in with fun and unique ‘Instagram-worthy’ dining experiences, including:

• Inviting local bands to perform during mealtimes
• Inviting local restaurants to prepare specialty meals
• Designing food, costumes and decorations around dining themes

One of the hallmarks of hybrid is a fluctuating on-site workforce. This company decided to spice things up by adding flexible new dining experiences to its inhouse dining services, including:

• Grab-and-go breakfast items
• Grab-and-go lunches
• Local restaurant meals
• Holiday pop-ups
• Complimentary meals

What do you do when your already slimmed down on-site workforce doesn’t participate in your on-site dining services? With only 52% to 69% of its on-site team dining in, this shoe manufacturer decided to honor employees’ cultural traditions by serving up cultural experiences, including:

• Offering employees holiday meal kits during Thanksgiving
• Providing Christmas cookies, gingerbread house and take-home holiday meal kits
• Adding new menu items during cultural events like Diwali, Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month