What is a hybrid workplace – and are you ready for it?
The workplace has been a hot topic for quite some time now. Whether it’s digital, physical, or a mix of both, it’s something everyone seems to have an opinion about.
We’ve already written plenty about digital workplaces and remote work, but not much about hybrid work – until now. Because let’s be honest – some people love the office, while others thrive working from home. So why not give your employees the best of both worlds?
Let’s dive into what a hybrid workplace really is and how to make it work while keeping your team productive and connected.
What is a hybrid workplace?
A hybrid workplace is a combination of the traditional office and remote work. In other words, it’s a setup that adapts to where employees want to work – whether that’s from home, a cabin in the countryside, or at the office.
You might think, “Wait, that sounds a lot like a digital workplace.” And you’re partly right – a hybrid setup depends on digital tools to succeed.
It’s about how we’ll work in the future, now that most of us can return to the office if we want to. It’s what people like to call “the new normal.”
A hybrid workplace exists wherever your employees are. Pretty clever, right?
Is a hybrid workplace a must?
In most cases – yes. Offering flexibility is becoming essential to keep employees happy, motivated, and productive.
Studies show:
- 26% want to work fully remote
- 49% prefer a hybrid setup
- 25% want to work from the office full-time
And here’s the kicker: 1 in 3 people say they’d start looking for another job if their employer required full-time office presence.
Even those who want to return to the office expect more flexibility than before. Their wish list often includes:
- Flexible working hours
- Private workspaces
- Paid commuting options
- Casual dress code (think jeans and t-shirt)
So, if your company isn’t offering hybrid work yet, now’s the time. Otherwise, you risk losing talent, struggling to hire, and seeing lower engagement levels.
The benefits of hybrid work
Happier employees
People who can choose where they work tend to enjoy their jobs more. They can shape their schedules around life, not the other way around.
Higher productivity and focus
Many perform better when they can control their work environment. With fewer interruptions, productivity often increases — as long as teams stay connected and aligned.
Lower costs
With fewer people at the office full-time, your business can reduce overhead costs by downsizing physical space — without sacrificing collaboration.
The challenges of hybrid work
Higher risk of burnout
Remote workers can struggle to disconnect. Without clear boundaries, they may feel “always on” and never fully rest.
Information silos
When teams are spread out, communication gaps can appear. Information that used to flow naturally might now get lost. Combat this by:
- Keeping all project communication in shared chat channels
- Using threaded conversations
- Creating dedicated channels for each team and project
Loss of emotional connection
When you don’t meet face-to-face as often, it’s harder to notice how colleagues are doing emotionally. That’s why hybrid leaders must learn to check in proactively and build trust digitally.
Four tips for running a productive hybrid team
1. Build a “remote-first” culture
Assume no one is in the office. Design all policies, meetings, and communication with remote workers in mind.
- Always include a video link in meeting invites
- Encourage everyone to join from their own device
- Avoid clustering office attendees in one room — it breaks flow and excludes remote participants
2. Build trust, not micromanagement
Focus on results, not hours. Give people autonomy and accountability — no one likes a boss who “checks in” just to see if you’re working.
3. Listen to your employees
Measure employee satisfaction regularly, just like you would track customer satisfaction. Happy, supported employees perform better — wherever they work.
4. Encourage informal interaction
The coffee machine moments still matter!
- Create casual chat channels for fun topics
- Host digital lunches or virtual coffee breaks
- Keep an “open” meeting room for spontaneous drop-ins
- Try small virtual team-building activities
How lynes supports your hybrid workplace
Stay connected through chat
With lynes, you can instantly reach teammates through direct messages, group chats, and channels. Use threaded replies and smart integrations to streamline communication.
Meet anytime, anywhere
Add video links to your meetings with a single click. Whether someone’s at home, traveling, or in the office, everyone can join effortlessly.
Integrated calling and PBX
Make and manage calls, view colleague availability, and access your company’s phone system – all within one platform. lynes even includes dashboards, call queues, and response groups.
Check in with employees and customers
Run quick surveys directly in lynes to measure satisfaction and gather insights from both teams and clients.
Control your focus
Use custom presence statuses to mute notifications and block calls when you need deep focus.
Work seamlessly on any device
lynes works just as smoothly on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and in your browser — so your communication flows no matter where you are.
One last thing…
No matter where you work — in the office or remotely — remember: internal communication is the heartbeat of every hybrid workplace.
