Future of work | What should we be doing now to prepare for hybrid working?

The CIPD previously described the progress made to flexible working over the last 10-15 years as ‘glacial’. Yet almost overnight, flexible working turned tidal, with remote and ‘hybrid’ or ‘agile’ working becoming the new normal. Roles previously considered unsuitable for flexible or homeworking have now been successfully undertaken for a sustained period; with both employers and employees recognising the benefits. Newfound attitudes and expectations are leading organisations to consider hybrid working longer-term and its implications. On our recent webinar, 100% of respondents saw hybrid working as the future of work. Undoubtedly, this change will require significant practical and cultural changes. So, what can organisations be doing now to plan for the future of hybrid working and ensure it is sustainable? How can we be planning ahead for hybrid working? 1. What practical measures should organisations be taking? Whilst the Government has announced that homeworking will continue until late June at the earliest, organisations should be taking steps now to prepare for this transition. The CIPD outlines several steps which cover both short-term and longer-term practices. In the short-term, they highlight the need to have established safety measures in place, like defined office occupancy levels, and to have determined which roles