Maximize the hybrid working model and your time in the office to boost your career prospects:
Working from home and hybrid working is the norm in so many organisations today, so in this article, I will give you some strategies to use so you can maximize your time in the office and utilise your ‘anchor days’ (the days when your employer expects you to be physically present in the office) to the best of your ability.
These tips are particularly aimed at those starting out in their careers, recent graduate entrants and those being considered for promotion:
Boost self-esteem
Daily interactions with colleagues boost self-esteem. The absence of face-to-face communication can sometimes weaken the emotional connection between colleagues. When you come into the office on your ‘anchor days’, try to catch up with colleagues and ask what others have been doing.
Face-to-face creativity
Working face to face with others improves creativity and idea generation, as well as cementing teamwork. Creativity often benefits from in-person interactions. When you are next in the office, try to get involved in brainstorming sessions, casual conversations, and impromptu meetings and make the most of your workspace: Walk the office floor, make sure that you meet regularly with your manager in person and meet with your co-workers and peer group.
Employees who are visible and spend more time in the office are more likely to form meaningful connections, more likely to be noticed by senior managers and should increase their chances of promotion and job security.
Try to socialise
During your ‘anchor days,’ try to socialise with your colleagues during lunch, or after work and try to get involved in an employee volunteering programme, because social activities foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Avoid miscommunication
Working in the office face to face helps to iron out any misunderstandings or miscommunication which might have occurred during discussions over virtual platforms. Use your ‘anchor days’ to clarify what you might have agreed virtually, or to build on matters which you might have discussed during virtual meetings.
In this era of widespread remote and hybrid work, maximizing your time in the office, especially on designated 'anchor days,' can be a pivotal strategy for career growth, especially for those starting their careers or seeking promotions. Face-to-face interactions with colleagues not only boost self-esteem but also strengthen the emotional bonds that may have faded with virtual work. Engage in catch-up sessions and inquire about your colleagues' activities when you're in the office. Additionally, being physically present at the workplace enhances creativity, idea generation, and teamwork. Participate in brainstorming sessions, informal discussions, and spontaneous meetings to harness the power of in-person collaboration. Regularly meet with your manager and peers and make your presence known to senior management – visibility often translates to better career prospects and job security. Embracing social opportunities during lunch or after work and participating in employee volunteering programs can further solidify your sense of belonging and camaraderie within the organization. Lastly, use your 'anchor days' to clear up any misunderstandings or miscommunications that may have arisen during virtual meetings, ultimately streamlining your path to success.