What is ‘hybrid working’?

Hybrid working (or the ‘hybrid model’) is a way to structure our work where some is done at the workplace (on a Queen Mary campus or at Department W), and some is done remotely (from home or another location).

Nobody will have to use the hybrid model. For some colleagues, working remotely simply isn’t practical, for reasons such as a lack of remote working space, access to specialist equipment, the need to meet students/clients, etc. However, for roles that can work in a hybrid way, it can be used to create working patterns which support work-life balance.

This guide gives some advice on how to make the most of hybrid working.

What are you working on?

If you’re dividing your time between remote and onsite work, try to organise your workload to suit the advantages of these different work spaces.

• Independent tasks that need focus, concentration and little (if any) input from others might be better suited to remote work, where distractions will be limited. These might include working with data, writing reports, responding to emails etc.
• Collaborative tasks such as brainstorming, planning, group project work, large meetings etc. might be better done onsite. This will allow you to communicate in-person with colleagues and may help you get things done more efficiently.

Many working days will involve a combination of both kinds of tasks, so you’ll have to use your judgement! Your personal working style is also important. You know best whether, for example, you prefer to do detail-oriented work remotely or while around other people.

Staying in touch

Staying connected with colleagues also needs consideration. Your team will agree how best to do this. You might, for example, choose a day of the week where everyone will be onsite whenever possible. You might also choose to schedule (virtual or in-person) social times such as coffee mornings or lunches.

Remember that whatever approach your team first agrees on, you should also agree to revisit and review - maybe a few months into adopting the hybrid working model.  This will let you discuss what is and isn't working, and make any adjustments.

Who needs to know?

Regardless of where you’re working, make sure your colleagues know where you are and how best to reach you.

You could, for example, put full-day appointments in your Outlook calendar which specify that you’re working remotely and are best contacted via Microsoft Teams chat – or noting where you’re based in Department W or on campus, so people can approach you in person.