Not every hybrid employee wants the same workplace

Hybrid employees have different workplace needs! The different roles they perform require different types of spaces. Researchers from Steel case found that hybrid employees can be divided into three different main categories. Based on the requirements of their role, each category uses the office workplace differently. Creating the right workspaces for the right jobs means understanding that hybrid workers have a variety of needs.

We distinguish between 3 types of hybrid employees, each with their own workplace needs:

Anchored employees
Their role requires that they need a personal, dedicated workspace that is linked to a specific work process. Because they mainly work at their desks, these employees appreciate having their own place to store things, for example. But they also need acoustic and visual privacy.

Unattached employees
The unattached employee does not need a special workspace. But his role requires him to be in the office a certain amount of time per week. This person can work in unassigned team spaces or be in shared social environments that invite interruption but promote engagement. They need flexible environments to support their different work modes and to enable them to move from social environments to more privately-focused areas.

Destination staff
This person's role gives them flexibility over when, where, and how they work. They usually come to the office to participate in collaborative work, such as meetings, solving complex problems, or mentoring. They are attracted to collaborative spaces that can be arranged in different ways, sometimes more open and sometimes with more privacy. They also need spaces where they can work individually, allowing them to continue their work day in the office and stay productive.

New workplace inspiration
To meet the needs of the various hybrid employees, organizations must reconsider the design and function of the office. Workplace spaces are a home base for employees, teams, or departments. With a variety of interconnected spaces that support different types of work, a mix of use and the natural flow from one space to another. They also have individually assigned or shared spaces for the team, collaborative spaces for personal and virtual interactions, privacy spaces for focused work, and areas to gather, socialize, and learn with teammates.

Happy spaces, happy faces
So it's important that we think carefully about how to address our (hybrid) employees. How do we best serve them and how do we “lure” them to the office? Create happy spaces and the positive effects lead to happy faces among your employees! A “happy space” is a workplace where employees feel safe, recognized, and able to do their best and where they can achieve professional goals. Acoustic comfort plays an important role here. Learn more about the six positive effects of happy spaces!

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