What is a Workplace Strategy? | Types, Pros, Cons

Michael Slingsby | 7 November, 2023 | Est. reading time: 5 minutes

ios_share

Workplace strategies are a big deal for modern businesses, especially in today's rapidly changing work landscape. To put things into perspective, a study by the McKinsey Global Institute revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic essentially fast-forwarded fully remote workplace strategy adoption by several years.

According to the report, around 20-25% of the workforce in advanced economies could potentially work remotely for three to five days a week. With that in mind, let's dive into what workplace strategies are all about.

In this article, we'll explore different workplace strategies, break down the pros and cons of workplace strategy, and help you figure out which one fits your organization. Workplace strategies are the secret ingredient to making everything run smoothly in your office (or virtual space). Are you ready for some insights?

Let’s start with a simple question; what's this workplace strategy anyway? It's basically the game plan your organization comes up with to make the most of its workspace and work practices. The goal? To align the physical space, digital tools, and employee roles with the organization's goals and culture.

Types of Workplace Strategies

There are several types of workplace strategies. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one depends on the specific needs and culture of the organization. Let's jump right in:

Fully Remote Workspace Strategies

Fully remote workspace strategies are like giving your employees the freedom to work from anywhere they please. It's not just about working in your pajamas; it's a serious game-changer.

With this workplace strategy, your team ditches the traditional office setup and embraces digital tools and technology. Imagine this: no more rush-hour commutes, no office attire stress, and loads of flexibility.

In fact, studies have shown that remote work can lead to a 25% increase in employee productivity. But remember, it's not all sunshine and rainbows – you might miss the water cooler chats and struggle with isolation at times.

Key Points	Pros	Cons
Employees work from remote locations	Improved work-life balance	Isolation and lack of social interaction
Rely on digital tools and technology	Cost savings on commute and attire	Communication barriers and misunderstandings
Reduced physical office presence	Greater autonomy and flexibility	Potential distractions at home

Preference-Based Hybrid Strategies

Let’s move forward with preference-based hybrid strategies. This one's all about letting your employees choose where they want to work based on their preferences. It's like a menu filled with work options, where everyone gets to decide the flavor that suits them best.

The goal of this workplace strategy is to give your team more flexibility, individualized work arrangements, and varied work locations within the team. Research also suggests that employees in preference-based hybrid setups report higher job satisfaction and well-being.

However, managing resources and ensuring smooth collaboration can be a bit tricky. Plus, you'll need to watch out for any divisions between those working in the office and those working remotely.

Key Points	Pros	Potential Cons
Employees choose where to work based on preference	Increased flexibility and control	Challenges in maintaining collaboration
Individualized work arrangements	Improved well-being and job satisfaction	Resource allocation complexities
Varied work locations within the team	Enhanced employee morale	Potential division between in-office and remote workers

Time-Based Hybrid Strategies

Time-based hybrid strategies are like a perfectly balanced see-saw. Your employees split their time between office remote work, following a set schedule. This workplace strategy offers a mix of structure and flexibility, making it easier to focus and be productive.

Studies indicate that hybrid arrangements can lead to a 40% reduction in commuting time and office cost. But, there's a catch – scheduling can sometimes resemble a jigsaw puzzle, and commuting on in-office days can still be a headache. Plus, adapting to different work demands might pose a greater challenge.

Key Points	Pros	Potential Cons
Employees split time between office and remote work	Balance between structure and flexibility	Scheduling conflicts and difficulties
Predetermined schedule for in-office and remote days	Improved focus and productivity	Commute costs and time lost during in-office days
Mix of social interaction and remote flexibility	Potential cost savings in office resources	Reduced adaptability to changing work demands

Set-Day Hybrid Strategies

Now, let's talk about set-day hybrid strategies. In this scenario, your team works set days in the office and the rest remotely.

The rise of hybrid work practices has indeed brought about significant changes in the society and how we work. More importantly, it caters not only to the preferences of baby boomers and millennials but also meets the demands of the Gen-Z workforce, who highly value flexibility in their work arrangements.

However, figuring out office space allocation can be a bit like solving a puzzle, and your team will need some time to adapt to their set office days.

Key Points	Pros	Potential Cons
Employees work set days in the office and rest remotely	Access to in-office collaboration	Challenges in office space allocation
Balanced blend of in-office and remote work	Cost savings on commute and work attire	Work-life balance considerations
Consistent office presence with some flexibility	Employee schedule planning	Need for employees to adapt to set office days

Fully Office-Based Strategies

Fully office-based strategies are for those industries where physical presence is key. It's like stepping back into the traditional office world, with structured work environments and in-person collaboration.

Research highlights that face-to-face interactions can be up to 34 times more effective than virtual ones. So, if your industry relies heavily on physical presence and teamwork, this workplace strategy can be your go-to.

However, it comes with the usual commute stress, and your employees might yearn for more work-life balance opportunities. Say goodbye to working in your PJs; you'll need to suit up for the office.

Key Points	Pros	Potential Cons
Employees exclusively work in physical offices	Suitable for industries requiring physical presence	Commute stress and reduced job satisfaction
Traditional structured work environment	Enhanced team cohesion	Limited work-life balance opportunities
Minimal reliance on personal resources for work	Clear team collaboration and creativity	Limited remote work flexibility

How to Create a Strategy That Suits Your Business

Let's discuss how a business's strategy is intricately linked to its nature and its workforce. The choice of a workplace strategy isn't a one-size-fits-all decision; it's an intricate puzzle that depends on various factors.

First and foremost, the nature of your business plays a pivotal role. If you're in a creative field that relies heavily on brainstorming and collaboration, a strategy that encourages regular in-person interactions might be essential.

Conversely, if your industry is more data-driven and allows for independent tasks, a remote work-friendly strategy might be more suitable. Understanding how your business operates and its unique requirements is the first step.

Secondly, the composition and preferences of your workforce come into play. Different generations and individuals have varying expectations when it comes to work arrangements. Baby boomers, millennials, and gen-Z employees might have different comfort zones when it comes to remote work.

A successful strategy must strike a balance, meeting the expectations of your workforce while aligning with your business goals.

To Sum it Up

The ball is in your court. Take this information and apply it to your own workplace strategies. Craft a plan that uniquely suits your organization; one that balances the requirements of your business and the well-being of your workforce.

By doing so, you'll create a workplace environment that fosters success, innovation, and satisfaction. So let's get started, and may your workplace strategy be the missing piece that completes your workplace puzzle.

For those seeking a practical solution, consider exploring the benefits of Office Hub. Office Hub can be the missing piece that completes your workplace puzzle, connecting you to flexible and dynamic spaces that seamlessly align with your chosen strategy. Your organization's future success begins here.