Hybrid working models have become far more common since 2020 than ever before. And it looks like it’s here to stay, as the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released data showing that between September 2022 and January 2023, 28% of workers in the UK conducted their roles through hybrid working. 

The benefits of hybrid working have been examined more since it’s become part of regular working life, including in technical industries like engineering. A study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) found that hybrid working can improve job satisfaction and makes workers less likely to leave their businesses by 33%. 

With evidence of the success behind implementing hybrid working to more workforces, it’s important to find the best environment to make you feel productive. In this article, we’ll take you through some of the ways you can utilise what’s available to you to make sure you’re as productive outside of the office as you are in. 

Hybrid working doesn’t have to be “from home” 

One misconception around hybrid working is that it must be from your home, whether that’s your study, bedroom, or communal space. This isn’t the case, as the working from home (WFH) part of hybrid refers to working outside of the office. So, this presents you with the opportunity to find the surroundings that work best for you to be productive or to explore environments further afield without sacrificing holiday time. 

Whether it’s scenic areas of the UK that you’ve always wanted to visit or cottages within driving distance with accommodation options and stable internet connections, the world of WFH is your oyster! You can load up your used Audi A3 with your work laptop and enough luggage for your stay and whisk yourself away. In addition, you could use this time to your advantage and book in two weeks at your accommodation but only use one week of holiday time. That way, you get more from your trip! 

You might prefer to look for somewhere that you’d be around hardworking individuals. Coworking spaces are a great solution for this, and there are sure to be some to choose from within driving distance of you. 

Inspiration from others is a welcome experience but you might prefer working in quieter conditions. Libraries might feel like a forgotten sanctuary in the modern day, but with ample space to sit quietly and access to free Wi-Fi, they could be the perfect workspace when WFH. 

Find your most productive space 

You can make your days more productive when WFH by evaluating your workspace. You might think one room that you’ve designated to work in might not lead to being the most productive. An example of this could be you might have a desk in your study that you want to dedicate to your working hours. However, if the rooms lighting isn’t up to scratch or the internet connection is poor, it can infringe upon your work output. 

Exploring different areas of your home can help you to find the perfect location for you to produce your best work. This could be as simple as moving to work at your kitchen table within reach of a cup of tea, or sitting on a sofa in your living room so you can keep your body relaxed and your mind active. 

Alternatively, rearranging your workspace could help take your productivity to the next level. If your desk is facing a wall away from a window, why not move it next to the opening or under it? That way, you can get the benefits of natural light from outside and, in turn, inspire creativity and productivity. 

Enjoy your time in the office 

WFH is a welcome break for teams with the option of hybrid working – but being able to go into the office doesn’t have to be a chore. Building the successful hybrid working plan is helped in part by finding the perfect balance between in and out of office work. 

One way to break up the week and get yourself into a positive mindset is by having the perfect playlist for your commute. This could be a collection of upbeat songs from your favourite artists to get you raring to go, or calm and collected tracks to keep your head cool and focused. 

Much like picking your out of office space to ensure your best work, being around other hardworking members of staff and fostering a team spirit that drives each other on can ensure you appreciate time in the office. 

Sources 

https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/articles/characteristicsofhomeworkersgreatbritain/september2022tojanuary2023  

https://www.nber.org/papers/w30292