In the post-pandemic era, the hybrid work model has become the new norm in many industries. Approximately 50 percent of companies in the UAE offer some form of hybrid work model, and 80-90 percent of workers report that hybrid working would be desirable for them.
As work paradigms continue to evolve, it’s vital to consider whether these emerging practices truly enrich corporate culture and employee wellness.
There are many who prefer the hybrid model of work as it offers greater flexibility, enabling employees to tailor their work environment according to their personal preferences and lifestyle needs, potentially improving work-life balance. It can also lead to increased productivity, as employees can often concentrate better without office-based distractions. The hybrid model can save commuting time and costs, and it may allow companies to tap into a broader talent pool not limited by geography.
On the flipside, the hybrid model can sometimes blur the boundaries between personal and professional life, leading to potential overwork. Communication and collaboration can become more challenging, with the risk of misunderstandings and feelings of isolation or disconnection from colleagues.
There may be concerns about fairness and inequality, as those working remotely might miss out on informal networking opportunities, face-to-face mentoring, or spontaneous collaboration that occurs in an office setting. Also, it may be harder for managers to oversee the work and maintain the team’s cohesion and company culture.
For employees, adapting to the volatility and uncertainty in the workplace is an ongoing and complex task. How well they adjust hinges on their interpretation of the situation, their established coping strategies, and the support extended by their employers.
Two key factors in an employee’s coping abilities are 1) self-efficacy, their confidence in managing challenges, and 2) self-awareness, the conscious understanding of their personal attributes. Both of these elements can be significantly influence your wellness.
In a hectic and demanding work setting, carving out time to foster “self-awareness,” consistently reflect and review, and maintain a connection with oneself can be challenging, but it’s crucial for your well-being and ongoing adaptation to new work methods.
Here are some proactive steps you can take towards this:
Make a commitment to your self-awareness
Self-awareness is an ongoing and life-long process that requires dedication and patience. Start by setting aside quiet moments each day to connect with yourself. Listen to your thoughts, feelings, and body signals, tuning in to both the pleasant and unpleasant sensations.
Keep a journal to record your thoughts and emotions, as writing can provide insights into your internal world. Regularly seeking feedback from trusted individuals in your life can also help broaden your self-understanding. Over time, these actions can significantly boost your self-awareness, empowering you to make informed decisions for your overall well-being.
Prioritise self-care
Insist on making self-care a non-negotiable and indispensable part of your routine. Engage in activities that promote your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. These can include exercise, meditation, time outdoors, hobbies, or connecting with loved ones. Taking care of yourself will help you recharge your batteries and stay connected.
Practice stress management techniques
Change is stressful, and many changes all at once can be even more stressful. To be emotionally agile and adaptive, develop a repertoire of stress management techniques that work for you. Not every technique works for everyone, so you will need to create your own tool box of activities that work for you to keep stress at bay.
These may include deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, journal writing, or creative activities. Remember to not wait till you are stressed to engage in these instead, incorporate these techniques into your routine on a regular basis to reduce stress and develop a sense of calm and balance.
Reflect and re-evaluate
You will change and thus, what you need will also change. Regularly reflect on your well-being and assess whether the hybrid work model is still working for you. Consider whether you need to make adjustments to better support your overall well-being. This may include discussing your needs with your supervisor or exploring flexible work arrangements that fit your individual circumstances.
Seek support when needed
Share your concerns, challenges and experiences with trusted colleagues, friends or family members. Have open and honest conversations about your well-being. Also, take advantage of resources provided by your employer, such as employee assistance programmes and counselling services, when available.
By taking these steps, you can actively contribute to your own well-being. With self-awareness, self-care and open communication, you can feel more equipped to handle the ongoing adjustment process, building resilience and impacting your overall wellbeing.