The era of the hybrid office

Telecommuting grew in popularity during the pandemic out of necessity. And it helped limit the spread of COVID-19. But studies show that a post-pandemic, remote-only model doesn’t work all that well for many office workers — or their companies.
In fact, research suggests that telecommuting benefits employees and employers when workers spend at least 40% of their workweek in the office. Surprised?

Research shows that the 40% threshold leads to the greatest level of employee engagement. And employee engagement leads to many great things — creativity, productivity, innovation and ultimately, a more competitive and successful organization. So how does time in the office help?

One important factor is the out-of-sight-out-of-mind issue. When an employee is in the same office as their manager and the rest of their teammates, it’s easier for the manager and colleagues to see and recognize achievements and for employees to engage with not only management but their colleagues, according to Gallup. However, fewer opportunities for recognition and collaboration occur when the manager and employees are in different locations. That can leave telecommuting workers feeling undervalued and less engaged. Collaboration, of course, is easier in an office setting as well.

Another reason why a 100 percent telecommuting plan is not the best option for workers is that fully remote workers do not get the opportunity to connect with their coworkers, which can lead to feelings of isolation. It’s a fact: Human beings crave connection with others. Offices are social anchors. Employees form bonds with other employees in office break rooms, lunchrooms and at the water cooler and coffee pot. A regular dose of face time with coworkers and managers can help increase the odds that an employee’s telecommuting efforts are successful for everyone involved. Post-pandemic, many workplaces recognize the value of offering both in-office work and time to work at home. And that can mean a different look, feel and design of commercial offices to maximize the time employees spend in the office.

It can also mean different risk management practices and insurance coverage. Hybrid offices often work more in the cloud, which requires different cyber security protocols and many times, different insurance coverage. Companies working under a hybrid office model should re-evaluate their risk management practices for cloud-based work and devices that leave the office and must be kept secure.

At Accurate Protection, we’re here to help you adapt and thrive in changing times. We’re more than an insurance broker. We’re your source of accurate protection for your business.

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Risk management, made easier

Effectively managing your company’s risks is a complex yet critical part of operating a successful business today. At Accurate Protection, we help companies solve the risk management puzzle. We work directly with our clients to help identify risks and develop a smart approach to reducing or eliminating their exposures. In addition, our detailed, multi-part education program, Work Smart, gives business owners additional tools to implement or expand their own risk mitigation programs. With more than 30 documented smart business practices in every area. Work Smart helps business leaders develop activities, policies and procedures that can reduce unnecessary business risks.

It’s estimated that two-thirds of all small businesses aren’t effectively managing risks, which can result in devastating circumstances. According to a report from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 40% of businesses do not reopen following an unexpected event and another 25% fail within one year after one occurs. Not being prepared could mean the end of your business.

On the other hand, a solid preparedness and risk management plan can dramatically increase the likelihood that your business will survive a major setback. Some risks are difficult or even impossible to plan for, of course. The global pandemic, for example, took much of the global business world by surprise — it’s one of those risks that few of us could have anticipated. But business owners can plan for so many other unpredictable events, such as major Internet or power outages, weather disasters, flooding, wildfires and other location or industry-specific threats.

A quality preparedness plan includes details such as a list of alternative suppliers should something happen to your existing supplier or supplier base and how your company would operate in a disaster. Here are some important questions to ask yourself: Are you following best practices to manage your company’s internal and external risks effectively? Do you have alternative work sites so that you can keep operating if your building is flooded or destroyed by fire? Do you have a way to keep employees informed of a major business problem? Do you have a backup of all important files and documents stored off-site? Is your insurance plan adequate? Are you doing everything you can to reduce unnecessary risks?

We can help you determine the greatest risks to your organization and help you find the most cost-effective ways to mitigate those threats. We don’t sell insurance, we get your business the accurate protection it needs.

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