The debate over whether businesses should allow employees to work from home, implement a hybrid model, or require a full return to the office has been ongoing for several years. As a business owner, making the right decision isn't just about preference. It requires careful consideration of company needs, culture, and operational efficiency.
During a recent interview on the Systems Simplified podcast, Eli Wachs of Footprint and Adi Klevit of Business Success Consulting Group discussed this debate and shared how they've solved this question in their own companies.
Read on to find out how you can evaluate the right work model for your business and then build a system that supports your chosen structure.
Evaluating the Right Working Model for Your Business
How do you determine what model works best for your company? The key to answering this question is assessing your business model and choosing the best structure for your company. At Business Success Consulting Group, we have worked with business owners in various industries. During that time, we've found that no one-size-fits-all approach exists. Instead, the most successful companies create a structured decision-making process to evaluate what works best for their team.
To determine whether your company should be remote, hybrid, or in-office, consider these factors:
1. The Nature of the Work
Some roles require physical presence. For example, a plumbing company requires technicians to work on-site. They cannot remotely fix a pipe.
However, another type of job, such as software development, may be more productive in a remote setting or when provided with a private space in-office where deep focus can be fostered.
2. Productivity & Performance
Ask yourself if employees meet goals and deliver results in a remote or hybrid setting. If they are, why are you hoping to change things? What need would a full-time in-office workforce fulfill that isn't being met when the team works from home?
If productivity and performance metrics are increasing, you likely don't want to make a huge change like asking everyone to come into the office full time.
3. Collaboration & Communication
Does your team struggle with remote communication, or do specific team members need to be brought up to speed? Do you have a structured communication system with policies in place? Determine if communication problems are caused by a lack of structure - which can be solved by implementing standard operation procedures (SOPs) around communication, or if the team works better and more collaboratively in person.
4. Employee Satisfaction and Retention
If your star employees value flexibility, you may want to stay with a remote or hybrid approach. Keeping your employees happy and productive is worth a little investment in a better software system or improved communication processes.
Many employees value flexibility and look for companies that offer remote or hybrid work options. If you are hoping to hire competitively and retain workers who love these options, then keeping your business remote or hybrid may be a competitive advantage.
5. Company Culture
Building company culture requires effort and diligence, whether your office is in-person or remote. However, if your team feels that the culture is more cohesive when in person, you should take their input into consideration as you continue to grow your company.
Building a System to Support Your Work Model
Once you've chosen the best model for your business, the next step is implementing a system to support it. Here's how:
1. Establish Clear Policies and Expectations
If you decide on a hybrid or remote model, define clear policies and processes that employees can follow to ensure excellent communication and improved productivity.
2. Implement the Right Technology
Technology plays a crucial role in bridging gaps. Tools like Slack, Teams, Zoom, project management software, and cloud-based solutions help teams collaborate effectively, regardless of location.
3. Structure Communication and Accountability
Establishing a structured communication system is essential whether your team is remote, hybrid, or in-person. While it may seem more convenient to call someone or tap them on the shoulder for a quick five-minute meeting, it is often better to keep communication in writing, even when your team is working in person.
4. Foster Engagement and Connection
Your team needs to connect whether they are in person or remote. Create processes to implement regular check-ins, structured performance reviews, and all-staff meetings to maintain engagement and company culture.
5. Continuously Evaluate and Adjust
The right system is dynamic. Regularly review performance metrics, employee feedback, and business outcomes to refine your approach. If a remote model is causing misalignment, adjust. If requiring all staff to work in-office hurts retention or hiring, consider flexibility options.
There is no universal answer to the work-from-home debate. The best choice depends on your company's unique needs, goals, and team dynamics. Regardless of your chosen model, success lies in building a structured system that ensures employees can work efficiently, stay engaged, and contribute to the company's growth.
By taking a strategic approach to this decision, business owners can create a workplace model that enhances productivity while maintaining a strong company culture. Whether remote, hybrid, or in-office, the key to success is systematizing your operations to ensure seamless execution and sustainable growth.
Are you ready to build and implement standard operating procedures for your business? Get in touch with the process experts at Business Success Consulting Group today. We will provide an initial free consultation to help you get started.
