Stop Enforcing These Dumb Office Rules That Make People Quit

A hybrid workplace is one that employs a combination of traditional office workers and remote employees. This setup has become more popular in recent years as technology has made it easier for people to work from home. While there are many benefits to this arrangement, there are also some challenges that must be faced in order to make it work long-term. In this blog post, we will discuss three of the most common challenges: employee work time, fewer team interactions, and time-sensitive deadlines. Hybrid vs Traditional Workplaces Traditional workplaces existed for many decades before the introduction of hybrids, which of course, became ubiquitous during the pandemic shutdown. At that time, businesses hurriedly transitioned from tradition to hybrid. Of course, this triggered a learning curb. And, some businesses experienced mostly smooth sailing. But, others struggled to make it work. Regardless of how it started, what’s unfolding or about to happen unleashes some unintended consequences. One thing is clear about the future of work: At least in the near term — and possibly for much longer — hybrid work arrangements are going to be the norm for many organizations, in industries ranging from tech to pharmaceuticals to academia. There are good reasons why many companies and employees are excited about this mix of in-person and remote work — and equally good reasons why many feel trepidation about the shift. —Harvard Business Review Businesses always face challenges. From small to large, there’s no end to obstacles and issues. Going hybrid will solve some of those problems. Still, the transition and new normal will also breed new challenges. Fortunately, there are ways to cope and deal with those obstacles. 3 Long-Term Hybrid Workplace Challenges The great thing about a hybrid workplace is that it offers flexibility, freedom, and lessens commute woes and expenses. But, it does create unique challenges that weren’t likely present before its establishment. So, if your business is transitioning into a hybrid workplace or it’s already been implemented, here are three of the most common challenges facing hybrid companies: Employee work time. One of the biggest challenges faced by companies with a hybrid workplace is ensuring that employees are working the same number of hours. This can be difficult to do when some employees are in the office and others are remote. It can also be difficult to track employee time when they are working from home. In order to overcome this problem, managers need to have clear expectations about when their employees should be available for meetings or assignments and how long they are expected to work each day. This might include having regular check-ins with remote staff during normal business hours so everyone knows what is expected of them. Fewer employee team interactions. Another challenge faced by companies that have a hybrid workplace is that there are fewer opportunities for employees to interact with one another. For example, when people work from home they may not have as much time to talk about their day over lunch or exchange ideas in person during meetings. This can lead to feelings of isolation among employees which is never good for productivity levels. In order to overcome this challenge, companies need to find ways for employees to interact with one another even when they are not in the office. This might include using video conferencing tools or having regular team-building activities. Time-sensitive deadlines. A final challenge faced by companies with a hybrid workplace is that remote employees can sometimes have trouble meeting time-sensitive deadlines. For example, if someone is sick or has an unexpected emergency that requires them to be away from work for a few days then this could mean missing out on important projects which could lead to loss of revenue and customers. In order to avoid this problem, managers need to make sure they are clear about expectations when it comes down to deadlines so that employees know what needs to be done by when. This might include having regular check-ins with remote staff during normal business hours so everyone knows what is expected of them and how long they are expected to work each day. What other common challenges do hybrid workplaces face? Please take a few moments to share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your input. Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Having a good employee who is restricted in their capabilities can be a very challenging situation. This is especially true if he or she is a valued team member, but can’t put in the hours due to certain limitations. Whether it’s a preexisting condition, and injury suffered on or off the job, you obviously have moral, ethical, and legal responsibilities to him or her. However, this doesn’t mean that they are completely protected from being terminated or having their role and/or responsibilities changed. Although this article isn’t specifically about legal ramifications, it will give you some effective tools on how to deal with this particular set of circumstances. Read on to learn more about how to deal with an employee who has limited capacity. Every Situation is Different Limited capacity can mean the number of things, including an inability to perform certain physical tasks, and other situations. But, most often it is due to a physical limitation which prevents him or her from fulfilling one or more of their responsibilities. These can range widely, from an inability to lift certain amounts, to not being able to sit for a protracted period of time. An ever persistent problem facing employers is what to do with the employee who is chronically sick or has a serious health problem. Besides the obvious issues it presents to the employer- additional strain on other employees to pick up the slack; inability to properly staff and manage work loads; basic coverage concerns- there are also potential state and federal legal ramifications if the absences are not handled and documented correctly. —HNI Risk Services Whatever the case may be, It is up to you to be as accommodating as possible, without fully compromising your company’s position. In other words, it’s best to strike a balance and find a happy medium where you can accommodate their needs while also allowing them to fulfill most or all of their work responsibilities. 3 Key Ways to Deal with an Employee with a Limited Work Capacity There’s no hard-and-fast set of rules for coping with an employee who can only work in a limited capacity. After all, no two sets of circumstances are exactly the same. But, there are some general parameters you should observe. Here are three good ways to deal with a team member who is limited in their work capacity: Gain a real understanding of the circumstances. Whether it’s a back problem, issues with a disease, or anything else, you need to have a very clear idea of what’s going on with your employee. Understand precisely what his or her limitations are and aren’t. This way, you’ll have enough information to make good decisions when it comes to his or her role and responsibilities. Make strategic concessions where necessary. Even your best employee can suffer from very unfortunate sets of circumstances and still be able to contribute to your company in a number of ways. Though it’s difficult to comprehend or even accept, it could be a detriment to your business (that is, if you insist on keeping everything the same). So, think outside the box and make strategic changes so he or she can continue to be a productive asset for your company. Realistically reassess the situation periodically. Sometimes, this can be a long-lasting situation that can go on for years. Or, it could only last for several months. Regardless, you need to take the time to reassess the situation every now and again. What other suggestions do you have? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your unique perspective; it’s greatly appreciated! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Even before the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank or SVB, there was a tightening in the commercial credit market. Post-collapse, small businesses have found it increasingly more difficult to secure capital from traditional lenders. Still in need of cash infusions and lines of credit, small businesses are turning to alternative lenders. Advantages and Disadvantages of Borrowing from Alternative Small Business Lenders Alternative small business lenders are non-bank lenders that provide financing to small businesses. They offer a variety of loan products, including term loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing. Alternative lenders often have more flexible lending criteria than traditional banks, making them a good option for small businesses that may be turned down for a loan from a traditional lender. Of course, even though all of this sounds good, there are reasons small businesses have historically relied on traditional lenders. This is due to the fact that there are not only upsides but also, downsides to using an alternative lender. So, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of borrowing from alternative lenders. Pros of Borrowing from Alternative Lenders Faster approval and funding. Alternative lenders often have a streamlined application process that can be completed online or over the phone. This can lead to faster approval and funding, which can be critical for businesses that need money quickly. More flexible terms. Alternative lenders may be more willing to work with businesses that have less-than-perfect credit or that are in the early stages of growth. They may also be more willing to offer loans with longer terms or lower interest rates. More options. Alternative lenders offer a wider variety of loan products than traditional banks. This includes term loans, lines of credit, and merchant cash advances. No personal guarantee required. Some alternative lenders do not require a personal guarantee from the business owner. This means that the business owner’s personal assets are not at risk if the loan is not repaid. Although these are some quite compelling reasons to seek out capital from an alternative lender, there are also a few considerations you should take into account so you have a better understanding of how these lenders work. Cons of Borrowing from Alternative Lenders Higher interest rates. Alternative lenders typically charge higher interest rates than traditional banks. This is because they are taking on more risk by lending to businesses that may not be as creditworthy. Shorter terms. Alternative lenders often offer loans with shorter terms than traditional banks. This means that the business owner will have to make larger payments over a shorter period of time. Hidden fees. Some alternative lenders charge hidden fees, such as origination fees or prepayment penalties. These fees can add to the overall cost of the loan. Less customer service. Alternative lenders may have less customer service than traditional banks. This can make it difficult to get help if you have questions or problems with your loan. Now you have a better idea of what to expect from alternative lenders, you are more informed about your options and this will give you additional choices. Taking it a step further, you should also consider the following if you are in need of a line of credit or some operating capital. When to Borrow from an Alternative Lender Alternative lenders can be a good option for small businesses that need money quickly, have less-than-perfect credit, or are in their early stages of growth. However, it is important to carefully consider the pros and cons before choosing an alternative lender. If you are considering borrowing from an alternative lender, be sure to shop around and compare rates and terms from multiple lenders. You should also read the fine print carefully to understand all of the fees and conditions associated with the loan. Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.