How to be Productive in a Hybrid Working Mode?

Kashika Gulati, Counseling Psychologist, IWill

With the not so recent change in, well, the whole world with the COVID virus coming in, work fromhome and hybrid mode have replaced the daily 9-5s. Earlier, when it was seen as a relief from thehustle bustle of travel and work every day (for many), it ended up becoming a trouble for many people.

Change is always hard, even if it is for the better. There are times when we so want to break free of the monotony but as soon as we get an out, we miss that monotony, or that familiarity.

With the change in setting but the same nature of work, a lot of people are struggling with having a structure, difficulty in coordination with colleagues and a lack of connection with both the workplaceand colleagues.

Working in a hybrid mode, where you have some tasks that you complete in an office setting and others that you complete remotely, can be challenging but it can also have some benefits.

Here are some tips for working productively in a hybrid mode:

1. Establish a routine

Having a set schedule for when you will be working in the office and when you will be working remotely can help you stay organized and focused. Having a plan in place makes things easier to handle and more doable. Having a set routine to work from home, having the same time to wake up and sleep, deciding upon the fixed hours of work can help a lot to establish and follow the routine. It’s best to follow the same routine everyday irrespective of the place you are working from.

2. Set boundaries

It's important to set boundaries with coworkers and family members to ensure that you have the space and time you need to focus on your work. Boundaries can look like having a separate space dedicated to work where you have your own rules, having fixed hours of work which is very clearly communicated to colleagues and deciding upon what you want to do before/after your work hours so that you can utilize your time well.

3. Make use of technology

There are many tools and technologies available that can help you stay connected and collaborate with your team, regardless of whether you are in office or working remotely. Be as creative as you want to connect with your colleagues, be it by having fun brainstorming sessions, common lunch (Read: gossip) time or arranging for events which can happen both online and offline.

4. Take breaks 

It's important to take breaks and step away from your work, especially if you are switching between working in the office and working remotely. This can help you stay refreshed and focused.

5. Find a comfortable and quiet workspace

Whether you are working in the office or remotely, it's important to find a comfortable and quiet workspace where you can focus on your tasks without distractions. This can really help to have a good distinction between work and personal life and make the most of both of them.

6. Communicate effectively

Regular communication with your team and coworkers is essential for staying on track and making sure that everyone is on the same page. This is especially important when working in a hybrid mode. This is where the blessings or technological advancements of 21st century can really help!

Polarity always exist, where there’s something that doesn’t serve you, there’s something that does too. It’s all about how you balance things and make the most of them. These strategies can help bring about a structure and help you enjoy both your work and personal life, or better, help you create a distinction between work and personal life