As companies start devising a back-to-office plan for employees, many students and new grads wonder what a hybrid work model will look like and how they will transition into a unique working environment. Bell is already ahead of the game in terms of its back-to-office plan. We interviewed two Bell employees about what the plan looks like, how Bell is helping their employees adapt during this time and tips to help you transition into a hybrid work model.
Bell’s Hybrid Workplace Plan
Mobility Direct Channels at Bell
We spoke to Mike Bedarev, a business analyst at Bell, to talk about what Bell’s hybrid workplace looks like. Mike explains, “The company has provided teams with three options to allow for maximum flexibility and functionality. The three options consist of a fully remote, in-office, or a more hybrid model, that will be a mix of the former.”
Bell has given its employees ample time to prepare for this new post-COVID working style and has given a lot of flexibility to their employees. Bell has expressly made the model as manageable as possible for all employees across all their departments.
“Bell has made it clear that this new model itself will be relatively malleable in nature and dependent on team preference. Which, in turn, will smooth out our transition process to a different era of work.” – Mike Bedarev
Not only that, but Bell’s culture and its employees are there to support each other through this big transition.
“I’ve found that by having an employee base with a healthy, accommodative culture, these struggles become less of a worry. I’ve yet to meet someone who isn’t flexible with respect to timing and think this will ultimately be a contributor to our great work environment.” – Mike Bedarev
Bell understands that making this transition, both during and post-COVID, can be a big task and cause a significant mental strain on employees, especially new grads and students. That’s why Bell is working hard to support all its employees during this stressful time.
“Every manager I’ve had the pleasure of working with is conscious of these struggles and offers the utmost support during challenging times. Furthermore, a common misconception is that Bell Let’s Talk Day is a single-day initiative that occurs yearly. The truth is that it is also a year-round effort to improve Bell’s mental health as an organization. [Bell offers] year-round workshops, events, and pushes for mental-health awareness within the company.” – Mike Bedarev
The Hybrid Work Model and Tips On How to Navigate and Make The Most Out of The Transition
When transitioning to a hybrid workplace, employees will experience many benefits but may face challenges as well. Bell listens closely to employees’ reactions to and comments about both the benefits and challenges and is adapting its hybrid model to fit the needs of all employees.
The Hybrid Workplace: The Perfect Mix of at Home Comfort and In-Person Interaction
For Mike, he appreciates the hybrid model, which he deems “the perfect mix.” He prefers a mix of in-person and at-home because this workplace model gives employees a perfect mix of human interaction and their homes’ comfort.
“I’ve both grown accustomed to working from home while craving and missing the sociability of the company that makes it such a wonderful place to work. With the hybrid model, it will be a wonderful mélange of both where my work environment can consistently be optimized based on my preference.” – Mike Bedarev
We also talked to Krystal Cheng, who is a Project Manager at Bell.
Design and Delivery at Bell
Krystal is excited about the new hybrid model’s increased flexibility, and she is also happy to save time from not commuting as much.
Tips on Setting Up Your Day-to-Day Routine When Working in a Hybrid Model
Krystal recommends being patient as you get used to the hybrid model. She advises, “Understand that creating habits and routines will take time… Don’t get discouraged if you fail a few times!” She urges individuals to find a routine that works for them, no matter what anyone else does. “Feel pressured to follow certain routines and do what works for you.” Mike explains when going into a hybrid work model, be prepared for the transition. Most of us have been working from home for about a year and a half. Going back into the workplace may be a jarring experience, especially when changing your working-from-home routine into a hybrid workplace routine. For example, your wake-up time when working from home can be 8:30 am versus 7 am if you work in-office. To avoid falling into an unhealthy work routine, try to follow a consistent schedule. “Once your routine is set, stick to it irrespective of working from home or working in the office,” Mike adds.
Bell also helps its employees with the hybrid transition with many supports. Mike explains that Bell is very respectful and flexible with timing and emphasizes that the hybrid model is malleable and dependent on the employees’ preferences.
Tips on Navigating At-Home Work Challenges
Krystal points out, “Without remote work, not everyone has access to a comfortable environment to work from home, such as a lack of equipment and/or space.” She also points out that it can be challenging to create healthy boundaries between work life and personal life. After all, finishing at 5 pm doesn’t always happen when working from home.
Mike and Kristal both talk about how it can sometimes be very distracting when working from home. Krystal mentions there are distractions from family members that share the same space as her. Mike comments on the distractions that other screens in his house can bring.
Mike advises that combating these distractions can become easy with practice.
“Allot prescribed amounts of time throughout the day to work, lunch, breaks, and, well, banter; that way, everything is scheduled in a disciplined manner with very little productivity slippage.” – Mike Bedarev
Of course, you may need help from your employer with these challenges. That’s why Bell is aware of these obstacles and works with its employees by creating a comfortable work environment that uniquely works doe them.
Tips on Maintaining Strong Work Relationships in a Hybrid Work Model
It can be hard to maintain teamwork, communication and strong working relationships in a hybrid work environment. You and your company must adapt to these changes to maintain that strong working relationship you have with your colleagues. One tip is to suggest or make a meeting time for you and your colleagues to get together for a staff social.
“I try to make the largest impact from a relationship, teamwork, and communication perspective through team socials. Now, more than ever before, maintaining social interaction between peers has been crucial in managing team cohesiveness. For example, for 40 minutes today, my team and I played trivia.”
“I strongly encourage anyone reading this to try and facilitate social activity amongst their teams – it makes for both a healthier and more fun work environment.” – Mike Bedarev
Krystal suggests another approach to this question and discusses the importance of understanding other people’s comfort levels and perspectives regarding the hybrid model. Some people may prefer working from home, from the office, or enjoy a balance of both. Remember that having your own preference is okay, but it’s essential to understand other people’s perspectives as well.
“Have empathy for your colleagues and leverage digital communication when applicable. If possible, set up 1:1 coffee chats when in the office to catch up after not seeing each other for a while.” – Krystal Cheng
You don’t have to be alone in keeping strong working relationships. Bell is helping its team keep those critical relationships and helping them with teamwork and communication tools.
“Bell will be introducing a new communication platform for employees to leverage, especially as some team members may continue to work from home while others will be in the office. In the hybrid model, we will still be dependent on digital forms of communication, so having a dedicated platform can help improve our working relationships.” – Krystal Cheng
Mike also explains that Bell is hosting town halls to support its staff.
“A true, pronounced effort is made by the leaders of this organization to provide others with a glance into the business, workshops & networking between teams, and joy-instilling activities.” – Mike Bedarev
He also says that Bell supports his efforts in leading a team through activities and socials to keep the company culture solid and engaging.
“Sometimes I’m blown away at how intricate certain socials or events become, and I am truly proud of the collective efforts of my peers to build and sustain relationships, streamline communication, and accentuate teamwork.” – Mike Bedarev
Tips on Maintaining Your Mental Health in a Hybrid Work Model
If you are transitioning into a hybrid work model, you must be prepared for the stresses it may bring. Luckily, Mike and Krystal explain how you won’t deal with too many additional stress factors. Mike goes so far as to say that it might relieve some of the stress of working from home.
“The hybrid model allows for change; if I’m working from home and feeling lonely or isolated, I can go to the office; if I’m overwhelmed and socially exhausted, I’ll have the ability to work from home, only inches from my bed.” – Mike Bedarev
Of course, he also mentions that not all stresses will disappear. Still, if you have had a mental strain through this pandemic from not seeing people, a hybrid model can help relieve that strain.
Mike and Krystal still advise handling any stresses you may encounter when transitioning to a hybrid work model. Mike emphasizes keeping clear and consistent communication and maintaining relationships with your colleagues. Krystal emphasizes organization and keeping organized on what days you’re in the office and at home. She recommends using a planner to track assignments and your days in the office to relieve some stress.
You don’t have to navigate these stressful situations alone. Your team at your company can help accommodate you towards a smooth transition. For example, Bell is planning on releasing support resources for their colleagues, according to Krystal. Mike says that every manager he has worked with at Bell gives him the maximum support during the pandemic. He continues that his current manager is very understanding and that if Mike needs to work from home one day, she will organize a way to meet his request.
Bell’s Support and Final Tips
Overall, Bell is ready to help its employees with the transition into a hybrid work model. With a plethora of support tools for organization, planning and mental health programs readily available for employees, Bell is the perfect place to work during this new normal in the workplace. You can find out more about Bell, their work environment and their employee initiatives here. You can also apply to work at Bell by clicking here.
Finally, if you are stressing about transitioning into a hybrid model, there is no need to worry. The big takeaways from Mike and Krystal are to stay organized, keep good, open and honest communication with your colleagues and limit distractions. Good luck with your transition into a hybrid work model!