5 Steps To Successfully Preparing For Hybrid Work Arrangements
Congrats on landing your new hybrid job! When preparing for hybrid work arrangements, you’ll need to not only think about the technical aspects but the social aspects too. In this article, I outline 5 steps to successfully prepare for your new hybrid job.
STEP 1: The Technology
I’ve worked a few hybrid jobs now and each position has had differing levels of tech support. In one of my roles, I was expected to furnish all technology including my computer, chair, desk, cables, mic/camera and internet connection. In my current position, my employer has paid for most everything, however, it took a really long time to get everything delivered due to supply chain issues and shipping delays.
It’s important to ask your employer exactly what technology they will be providing (and when) so you can plan accordingly. Be sure to add in office supplies too! If you were in an office, you’d likely get all your accessories and supplies paid for so why not ask for virtual or remote jobs too?
Lastly, know that many employers operate under a reimbursement system so there may be an expectation you pay for everything you need and then get reimbursed at a later date. While this is nice on the one hand, you get exactly what you want because you purchased it, on the other hand you might be carrying a hefty credit card balance for weeks if not months until the reimbursement hits.
PRO TIP: Many employers have a purchasing system where the stock is limited and customization is minimal but it alleviates you from putting out your own money for tech/office supplies. Check with your employer and see what types of options they have for purchasing!
STEP 2: The Space
As with technology, setting yourself up for success from the start begins with your home office set up. In previous roles, I’ve worked from trains, hotels, coffee shops and literally any version of me holding a phone or computer in my lap while on the go.
This “on the go” set up is fine short-term or as needed but longer term, you’ll want to invest the time and energy into designing a functional home office space that not only meets your physical needs but also your emotional and motivational needs too.
Staying motivated, on-task and stimulated in your home office is key to developing a good well-being routine. Don’t have a well-being routine yet? Check out our free Developing An Authentic Holistic Well-Being Routine For Career Professionals Workbook today. This workbook has a whopping 35 pages to get your thinking, feeling, doing and reflecting on ways to align your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual selves so you can continue to thrive at home and at work.
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STEP 3: The People
Working hybrid, remote or virtual roles often requires a lot more intentional networking and people connecting than we are used to compared to the positions fully located in a shared office space. Just because you are working from home doesn’t mean you are in a position to get any less face to face time with your colleagues- it just requires intentionality and scheduling.
Informational interviews are a great way to meet people in your organization, network, learn about other people’s job, connect and find common ground with folks you might not normally meet otherwise. So put yourself out there, and ask people for meetings!
I like to reserve at least 1 hour a week to networking within my organization. Start with the people you interact with most and then spiral out from there. Dedicating one hour a week is a great place to start. If you’re part of a very large organization, you may want to increase that or you may want to use one hour a week for networking internally and one hour a week for networking externally.
I’ve put together The Expert’s Guide To Informational Interviewing eBook, available for free download now. Whether you're new to informational interviewing or ready to supercharge your networking game, this eBook is for you! This eBook includes templates, tips and sample questions to get you started in having helpful networking conversations.
STEP 4: Focusing On Yourself
Many of the challenges or complaints against working from home is that it’s really hard to develop, grow or get noticed for doing a good job. Here is where you are going to want to take the time and energy in developing a Professional Development Plan.
A professional development plan helps you plan, track and achieve your professional goals to help you grow in your career. It’s ideal you create your plan when you start your new role and in collaboration with your supervisor so you are both on the same page.
PRO TIP: No one is going to be a bigger cheerleader for you, than you! So make sure you are bragging about yourself (humbly of course), communicating your success with your supervisor, posting your accomplishments on LinkedIn, etc. Anything to get you noticed!
STEP 5: Keep Repeating Steps 1-4
Hybrid work requires you to continuously iterate your set up to ensure it works for you. Perhaps technology changes overtime or you get additional funding to purchase new office equipment. Staying content and happy with your home office set up helps put you in the best possible position for success at home.
I myself have been guilty of watching hours of home office videos to get inspired and motivated to up my own home office game, which is pretty pathetic actually- I’m currently writing this article on my laptop sitting on my sofa using a pillow as a “desk” LOL.
Lastly, know that home office setups and working remote, virtual or hybrid roles take time to design, build and get used to so give yourself the space to experiment and explore what works for you and what doesn’t. It’s part of the fun of working from home afterall!
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com
