With hybrid work models having become sort of a standard, businesses have discovered alignment is getting more complicated. Depending on the industry and business size, organizations are deploying various methods to reach it.

Simultaneously, workplace digitalization is accelerating. With more and more new tech - AI-powered tools included - penetrating organizational procedures, keeping up with training materials, and rapidly changing methodologies are also accelerating.

In fact, many brands have discovered they need professional help, with usually comes in the form of fractional executives (also known as integrators).

A New Cast Emerges: Enter Fractional Executives

Fractional executives usually come from outside and work as freelancers. Typically, these people have expertise in managing multiple large businesses and a selection of both hard- and soft skills that can transform every business.

The first obvious benefit of hiring a fractional executive is that external personnel are rarely biased. Also, they are capable of swiftly transforming outdated procedures/processes and diversifying roles.

Still, each business needs to decide on a preferable work model and work towards assembling the pieces as fast as possible.

Picking the Right Hybrid Work Model

Hybrid work models come in a variety of forms, so that every organization can select the best option.

The alternatives are:

• Almost entirely off premises - mostly remote work, no office space
• Almost entirely on premises - limited remote work, large office space hosting the majority of managers and workers
• Partially remote work, large office space - the majority of managers and workers spend most of their time at the office
• Partially remote work, multiple hubs - multiple offices, some remote work
• Multiple microhubs - management and employees are dispersed across small microhubs located in different cities and countries
• Partially remote work, flexible office space - no permanent offices, rented space used for occasional collaboration

Joining the Dots

Aligning teams is one of the biggest challenges the modern workspace is facing, so let's take a look at some useful tips.

Expats

Expats are different from other remote workers. Sometimes these people are digital nomads and sometimes freelancers working from any remote location.

Obviously, a different approach is needed for these employees as the usual contract types may not suit them at all.

For starters, to make them aware of foreign tax credits, businesses should offer flexible contract types. Keep in mind that some expats run their own businesses and have their own plans on how to avoid double taxation, so keep this in mind when coming up with an offer.

Next on, make use of new tech for continual learning. With eLearning and its derivatives transgressing physical boundaries, businesses should adapt their training materials and related perks.

As for freelancers, the biggest illusion is that they look for per-project types of work alone. Rather than assuming this and offering them such a contract type, businesses should be prepared to accommodate various scenarios.

Some freelancers are actually looking for long-term work but not a typical contract. The same applies to digital nomads. There are a couple of notable differences between these two categories, but their work model choices may not necessarily differ.

Basically, businesses need to consider integrating three types of remote workers: digital nomads, freelancers, and locals working remotely. If team members come from various countries, cross-cultural training is recommended.

Online meet-ups are also a good idea; there are usually no problems in this regard as people working remotely are versed in this type of socialization and networking. Rather, office workers and those preferring face-to-face human interactions may be more difficult to integrate.

However, insisting solely on online meetings is not the best way to go about things, especially if the latter group is predominant. There's nothing wrong with variety. Online meet-ups and physical events don't exclude one another - virtual events may be a good compromise.

Scilicet, virtual events are a combination of physical networking and virtual ones. E.g., local employees may come together but those from different locations may join in virtually. This is a win-win, as nobody will feel pressured.

Enterprises

Enterprises are on the lookout for talents. The prerequisite to attracting this type of employee is to offer a flexible work model and be ready to adapt to a talent approach.

Businesses don't have to rely on finding recurring talents. There's actually a better approach: they can work on talent development.

Start-ups are a good source of information as talents usually cater to them, so learn from the experts.

Field Service

Frontline teams may be the most difficult link, firstly because they are not too happy with their roles and secondly, because they lack the means to become happy with them.

There are two somewhat opposed issues:

1. Frontline teams complain about not being provided with the latest tech like their colleagues are
2. Frontline teams complain about being provided with too many new tech solutions without appropriate training

It is also important to keep in mind that many employees are scared of losing their jobs over AI, so education is essential.

Frontline teams deal with many repetitive tasks on a day-to-day basis, so simplifying these is always a good start. I.e., businesses should consider seamless timesheet templates for starters or even creating a frontline retention strategies to keep them engaged..

As for the rest, top-notch software solutions are never a bad idea, but don't overload your employees and, by all means, do pay attention to their feedback.

Office Teams

As mentioned above, it is recommended to use a fractional executive for extra help. This is especially beneficial for office teams as they are habitually too set in their ways to be able to adapt fast to new organizational trends.

In addition, workplace digitalization can be confusing as things are developing too fast, so alignment and organizational agility are essential.

Key Takeaways

With the emergence of hybrid work models and workplace digitalization, businesses are struggling to keep up. At times, it may be difficult to determine which changes are beneficial and which ones are plainly stupid but hyped, so development planning and integration are crucial.

Getting all types of workers to diligently work on company goals is especially challenging but not impossible to achieve. We hope the tips provided in this article will help you come up with stellar ideas to help your business evolve.