Now that offices are slowly reopening and the work-from-home setup is gradually coming back to the regular format, people have realized that some things have to change and improve.
The work-from-home structure was not a complete failure. In fact, people experience more productivity when they can focus on their work. While some employees want to get back to the usual setup, others feel like remote systems work best for them.
For this reason, many companies are thinking of ways on how to make the two conditions possible: the hybrid work environment.
What Is a Hybrid Work Environment?
A hybrid workplace is a business model that combines both remote and office work. This setup includes the onsite presence of a core group while others work from home. In some cases, it may mean people working part of the week from home and the rest of the week in the office. This setup offers flexibility for employees and can improve their productivity.
Many companies who consider the shift to this setup offer two usual implementation strategies:
- Hoteling
In the hoteling strategy, employees must book the table, cubicle, or room in advance. They are free to use whichever office they prefer so long as they make reservations ahead of time. Then, they would have to check into a concierge to access the space. The whole experience is pretty much like booking a hotel room. It helps ensure that the employees secure the place that they want to work in.
- Hot Desking
Hot desking does not involve any reservations. It works like how a coffee shop works. All desks, rooms, and offices are available. It is up to who comes first to reserve the place they opt to work for. Therefore, the earlier you arrive, the freer you are to choose your workspace.
Companies perform these strategies for various reasons. Some believe it can create significant savings for their real estate costs, while others believe it is the best way to adhere to public health guidelines. Whichever route they choose, the two options can reduce the office’s capacity and improve productivity.
The Disadvantages of the New Work Set Up
While this option has its advantages, it also comes with its set of disadvantages—one of which is the lack of privacy or sense of ownership in an area. Because you share your space with anyone who needs and wants your old worktable, you cannot freely leave your things unattended.
But forward-thinking companies already have a plan to address this concern. Smart locker technology can help address the main problems of hybrid office workers. Since employees no longer have a permanent place to put their belongings, they are welcome to rent and temporarily store their belongings in these lockers should they need to leave for a meeting, a coffee break, a lunch break, and so on.
These smart lockers have many uses other than providing security for their items. They can also use this technology to store items or food delivered to them when they cannot receive them themselves.
The HR department can also use the storage lockers to give employees prizes privately. If other co-workers want to hand out their co-employees an important document personally but their schedule seems off, placing them in the smart lockers would be the best next choice.
Conclusion
Times are changing. While people have endured much in the past year, slowly but surely, positive things are happening. Everything begins at home and the place where one works. Soon, more changes will occur, but the ultimate goal is to keep everyone comfortable and safe from any infections and diseases.
If your company is interested in securing smart lockers for your office, we can help. GS Parcel is a registered partner and reseller of Luxer One, a reliable quality, smart locker brand. We have indoor units, outdoor units, and fridge units to meet your needs. Talk to a specialist to know more about our offers. Call us at (866) 233-3597 or email at info@gsparcel.com.