Many organisations are adopting hybrid working now, but what does it actually mean?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, hybrid working is “a way of working that combines time spent in an office with time spent working from home, typically using technology such as the internet and email to stay in touch with colleagues.” In other words, it’s a mix of traditional office work and remote work which is more the norm these days.

During the pandemic, many organisations adopted hybrid work models out of necessity. However, there are many benefits to hybrid working that make it worth considering as a long-term solution for your business if it isn’t already. For example, hybrid working can lead to increased productivity, improved work/life balance for employees, and reduced overhead costs for businesses. To do it successfully and support staff members, understand expectations on both sides so there’s no ambiguity, keep a focus on well-being and create an office environment that supports productive work when employees are in the office.

Here are some ways that hybrid working can be supported with your office furniture choices:

Consider ergonomics

When employees are splitting their time between the office and home, it’s important to consider ergonomics. After all, they’ll need to be comfortable whether they’re sitting at a desk or working at a kitchen table. Look for furniture that is adjustable so that employees can find the perfect position for their bodies regardless of where they’re working. For example, adjustable-height desks are a great option because they can be used as both sit-down desks and standing desks.

Get creative with storage solutions

If you’ve ever worked from home, you know that one of the challenges is finding a place for all your stuff. When you’re only in the office part-time, you can’t just leave everything out on your desk—you need to be able to pack it up and take it with you when you head home for the day. That’s why it’s important to get creative with storage solutions when furnishing a hybrid workplace. For example, you could get mobile storage cabinets that fit under your desk so that you can easily access your files whether you’re in the office or at home. Or if you don’t need physical files, consider getting each employee a laptop safe or locker where they can store their laptop and belongings when they’re not in use.

Flexible seating

Another important consideration when furnishing a hybrid workplace is seating. Keep in mind that not everyone will want to sit at a desk all day—some people may prefer to work from couches or chairs instead. So make sure there is plenty of varied seating in your office so that everyone can find a spot that suits their needs. And if possible, try to get furniture that is portable so that employees can move it around as needed throughout the day. For example, beanbag chairs or ottomans are a great option because they can be easily moved and reconfigured as needed. Or if people don’t want to sit at all, consider height-adjustable desks which are small enough to fit in home offices.

Acoustics for focused work

Soundbox silence booths are a versatile solution to offer quiet spaces within busy open-plan offices. They provide sound insulation for privacy and meetings, and also offer alternative workspaces for focused tasks, without the need for additional meeting rooms.

Another option is acoustic screens, which are spatial and acoustic partitions that fall elegantly from the ceiling to the floor. Lightweight yet sturdy, acoustic screens are semi-permanent by nature; easy to install, uninstall, and move around your space as require plus add colour that can perfectly harmonise with your brand.

The benefits of hybrid working are numerous—for both employees and employers alike—which is why more and more organisations are considering implementing this type of work model moving forward. If you're thinking of doing so in your own organisation, there are some things you'll need to take into account—namely how you're going to furnish your office space to support this type of work model.

By considering ergonomics, getting creative with storage solutions, and ensuring there's enough seating (just to name a few), you can set your team up for success in their new hybrid workplace! Ask the team at Modern Office how to get started in your organisation today.