As working patterns evolve, more and more companies and freelancers are adopting the hybrid working model, combining teleworking with presence in companies or coworking spaces. This model offers flexibility and adapts to individual needs, but it also requires effective organisation to ensure productivity and work-life balance. Here’s how to structure your new hybrid working day and maximise your workflow.
1. Preparing for the day: defining your priorities
In a hybrid working model, planning becomes crucial to a productive day. The first step is to define your priorities and objectives for each day. Identify the tasks that require you to be in the office, such as face-to-face meetings, team brainstorming sessions or client meetings. Then classify the tasks that you can do from home, such as writing, planning or individual calls.
The key is to structure your schedule according to your professional needs and priorities, while incorporating periods of concentration and collaboration. This approach will help you avoid overload and stay focused on the important tasks.
2. Balance teleworking and face-to-face days
Hybrid working involves juggling days spent teleworking and others in the office or in a coworking space. To make the most of this, it’s essential to plan days dedicated to each type of activity. For example, you could set aside some days for face-to-face collaborative work and others for working alone at home.
This way of organising your work helps you to maintain a balance between collaboration with your team and periods of individual concentration, which are essential for productivity. Plan your face-to-face days in advance to maximise the effectiveness of your meetings and avoid unnecessary travel.
3. Create an optimal work environment, at home and face-to-face
The hybrid model also requires the ability to adapt to different working environments. For teleworking, set up a dedicated, quiet and ergonomic space. Investing in a good office chair, a suitable screen and ergonomic accessories can make all the difference in terms of comfort and productivity.
For face-to-face days, be prepared to be mobile. Make sure you have all the equipment you need to work effectively from different locations, whether that’s your company office or a coworking space. The key is to be able to switch easily between these environments without it affecting your concentration or efficiency.
4. Use the right collaboration tools
Digital collaboration tools are essential in a hybrid model. Use platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams or Trello to stay in touch with your team, share updates and track project progress in real time. These tools ensure continuity of work between teleworking and face-to-face days.
Another important element is the management of shared documents. Tools such as Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 make it easy to access and co-edit documents, enabling all team members to work on files simultaneously. This centralisation of resources is essential to avoid wasting time sending multiple emails or searching for information.
5. Optimise the flow of communication
In a hybrid model, communication needs to be thought through differently. It’s essential to find the right balance between online meetings, face-to-face updates and instant messages so as not to overload your days. Favour regular but short meetings to follow up projects, while limiting long meetings to occasions when they are necessary.
Don’t hesitate to define availability and response times to better manage your employees’ expectations and avoid constant interruptions. Good management of communication channels is essential to maintain a smooth workflow and avoid the stress associated with information overload.
6. Adopt a routine to maintain work-life balance
One of the difficulties of hybrid working is maintaining a separation between work and personal life, especially on teleworking days. To achieve this, it’s advisable to structure your day with set times, including regular breaks to clear your head.
Adopt a routine at the start and end of the day to mentally signal when you start and finish your work. Whether it’s dressing as if you’re going into the office or organising a short ritual of disconnection at the end of the day, these habits can help you maintain a good balance and avoid overwork.
7. Regularly evaluate and adjust your organisation
Finally, one of the advantages of the hybrid working model is its flexibility. Take the opportunity to regularly evaluate your organisation and adjust your working methods if necessary. Analyse what’s working and what could be improved. For example, if you feel less productive on teleworking days, identify the causes and consider solutions, such as modifying your workspace or reviewing your timetable.
Feedback from your colleagues or partners can also be invaluable. The key is to remain adaptable and continually improve your organisation to make the most of this way of working.
The new hybrid working day requires solid organisation and continuous adaptation to maintain an efficient and balanced workflow. From planning priorities to using collaborative tools and optimising communication, every aspect of this organisation plays a key role in the success of this model. By incorporating these best practices, entrepreneurs, freelancers and SMEs can maximise their productivity and take advantage of the flexibility of hybrid working to achieve their business goals.
