What is Alternating Telework? A Guide to Hybrid Working

Hybrid Work

Alternating telework, or hybrid working, is a flexible model where employees split time between home and office. It offers benefits like improved work-life balance and increased productivity. Successful implementation requires proper equipment, communication, and workspace management, often facilitated by tools like PULT for desk and room booking. While requiring some adaptation, this model is seen as the future of work, offering companies competitive advantages in talent attraction and office space optimization.

In recent years, especially since the Corona pandemic, the working world has changed drastically. More and more companies are turning to flexible work models such as home office and telework. The concept of alternating telework, also known as hybrid working, is particularly popular. But what lies behind this term and what advantages does this form of work bring? In this blog post, we explore these questions and take a closer look at how PULT helps companies take hybrid work to the next level.

What exactly is alternating telework?
Alternating telework generally refers to a work model where employees work alternately from home (i.e., in the home office) and on-site in the office. There are no fixed guidelines on how often one must work in the office or in the home office - most of it is based on trust. Instead, both employers and employees can individually agree on which days can be spent in the office and which in the home office.

The focus is therefore on the flexibility of work. Employees can better reconcile their work with their private lives, while companies benefit from higher motivation and therefore increased productivity. Of course, the list of advantages also includes the fact that many employees can save themselves the time-consuming commute to work, and office costs can be saved on the employer's side if utilized efficiently.

How can alternating telework be successfully implemented?

In principle, there are only a few prerequisites that such a hybrid working model brings with it. The basis is first of all that the company can actually work hybrid - this is more difficult for craft businesses or similar. In addition, there must be a foundation of trust.

1. Technical equipment: Employees need a technical infrastructure both in the office and in the home office. This includes fast internet, laptops, headsets and access to all necessary programs and data.

2. Communication and trust: As teams are geographically separated, good communication is key. Regular meetings, clear agreements and the use of collaboration tools such as Slack or Microsoft Teams are essential. The latter also form the basis for seamless integration of PULT.

3. Premises and equipment: Both in the office and at home, suitable spaces for undisturbed work are needed. Ergonomic furniture, good lighting and a quiet working atmosphere are important for the health and productivity of employees.

Desk Booking and Room Booking: Efficient Space Management from A to Z

Flexibility is, as mentioned, one of the foundations of alternating telework - this also includes ensuring that enough desks or workstations or hot desks are available in the office. Since not all employees are in the office at the same time, desks and meeting rooms need to be coordinated. Solutions such as desk booking and room booking software have proven successful for this.

With PULT Desk Booking, employees can reserve or book their workspace for specific days via our web app. This way, everyone has a fixed place when they come to the office and companies avoid expensive vacancies. Room Booking works on the same principle for meeting rooms and ensures that there are always enough rooms available for personal meetings and workshops and that the appropriate resources can be used. Through intelligent utilization of office space, companies save hard cash. Studies show that alternating telework and desk sharing can save up to 32% of office space. At the same time, a modern, flexible working environment increases staff satisfaction and productivity.

Conclusion for Your Office Management

Alternating telework is more than a temporary trend since Corona. Hybrid working models are the future of the modern working world and they combine the advantages of home office and on-site work, allowing employees a better work-life balance. Companies that are now focusing on hybrid working are securing decisive competitive advantages. They can retain top talent, increase their productivity and at the same time save costs for office space. Desk Booking and Room Booking software form the basis for efficient space management. The transition to alternating telework certainly requires some rethinking and adaptation of processes and structures. But the effort is worth it. In times of skilled labor shortages and the "War for Talents", an attractive, flexible working environment is a decisive factor. Companies that set the course for the future now will have the edge in the long run. With PULT, modern companies have a tool at hand that runs the entire workplace management on autopilot. Try it out now.