13 tips and productivity tools for successful hybrid work.

Hybrid work tips: 3 ways to do it successfully.

Hybrid work is all about flexibility. Since you need to stay productive whether you’re working in a cubicle or at home, it’s important to set clear boundaries and establish both remote and office workspaces that are conducive to productivity.

On the days that you work from home, the lines between your personal life and work life can become blurred if you don’t take steps to prevent distractions. Working from your bed or in your kitchen can make you feel like you should always be focused on your job, even when you are sleeping or relaxing.

Conversely, relocating your remote work setup to a company office for in-person workdays can be tricky without careful planning. It’s essential to factor in which technology and items you’ll need and prepare your work setup for quick transfers as needed. You also face different distractions, like co-workers who want to chat even though you have looming deadlines.

1. Pick certain days to go into the office.

Keeping a consistent schedule and deciding which days you’ll work in the office versus at home can reduce miscommunication with your team and allow you to plan ahead. Make sure to communicate your in-person workdays and remote availability in order to help everyone stay on the same page and reduce friction.

2. Establish a clear work environment in your home.

In the office, it’s easy to set apart your workspace — whether it’s a cubicle, desk, or office room. At home, it’s essential to also maintain a designated workspace — don’t give up your home office just because you’ll be at the company office part of the time.

This area should be free from distractions and clutter. If possible, establish an ergonomic home office in a separate room with a desk, chair, and good lighting. Your workspace should have a comfortable chair and desk combination, facilitating healthy posture with supplies nearby that are easily accessible.

This approach will help you mentally distinguish your work area from other spaces in your home and encourage you to have the same level of focus and motivation as you would during in-person workdays.

1. Communicate your working hours with your family.

When working from home, let your family members or roommates know when you’ll be working so that they can avoid interrupting you during important tasks. Establishing a routine can also help you maintain work-life balance and prioritize time for your relationships.

2. Let colleagues know when you will be available.

Communicating which days you will be in the office or available virtually is essential to collaboration with your colleagues. When working from home, use calendar meeting invites to block out dedicated times for work and meetings and help others know your availability. When you’re in the office, make sure to notify your colleagues when you will attend meetings and have important discussions in person.

You can also communicate your work status using productivity tools and communication apps like Slack or Microsoft Teams. Consider setting automatic email replies for times when you are out of the office to streamline the response process and help colleagues know whom to contact in your absence.

3. Take meetings in the afternoon.

Scheduling meetings in the afternoon can give you time in the morning to focus on your most critical tasks. Plus, it can be easier to collaborate with remote colleagues who may be in different time zones and find times to connect that work for everyone.

Try to schedule your meetings for days when you will be in the office to make the most of your face time with co-workers and facilitate collaboration.

1. Use to-do lists.

To-do lists are an excellent way to manage your time, track projects, prioritize tasks, and stay organized. Use a digital to-do list app, project management tools, time-tracking platform, or physical planner to keep track of your tasks and deadlines.

2. Take breaks.

Taking breaks during your workday is crucial to avoiding burnout and maintaining productivity. Pause briefly every hour or so to stretch your legs and give your eyes a rest from the computer screen. Use your lunch break to step away from your workspace and return refreshed and ready to finish your projects.

3. Limit distractions.

Both in the office and at home, distractions can be a significant hindrance to your productivity. Limit potential interruptions by turning off notifications on your phone and disabling pop-ups on your computer. If your environment becomes noisy, try using noise-canceling headphones to block out any sounds that may be distracting.

4. Prioritize your schedule.

Organize your to-do list for each day and arrange your tasks based on their importance and urgency. Practicing this while in the office and at home will help you mentally visualize your day, stay on track, and accomplish your goals. Plan to accomplish tasks that are better suited to in-person meetings on days when you’re in the office, saving tasks that require quiet and dedicated focus — like writing — for remote workdays.

5. Use digital solutions.

Tools like notifications and calendar reminders can be a big help in keeping your tasks organized. Consider setting reminders for time-consuming tasks or to-do list items in order to stay on top of everything.

Project management systems can help you strategically prioritize, assign, and complete projects efficiently. You can also use a time-tracking platform to record the hours you work from home and a digital document solution to streamline collaboration between team members, keep tabs on changes, and organize your files.

1. Compress documents.

Compressing large files can save storage space and make it easier to share files with your team. If you’re sending multiple documents or large files over email, you don’t want to risk delivery failures or slow loading speeds. Adobe offers a free online tool that allows you to compress files quickly and easily, helping you share files without stress — no matter where you’re working.

2. Use PDFs.

You’ll want to build PDFs into your hybrid work approach to digital documents. As one of the most commonly used file formats for collaboration, PDFs preserve formatting across devices and are easy to share and keep secure. Using PDFs can also increase productivity by simplifying document processes like editing, annotating, e-signing, and combining files.

Don’t worry if you’re used to working with other file formats or need to change the file type. Converting to PDF is easy with free tools like Adobe Acrobat online services, allowing you to update and share files whether you’re in the office or working from home.

3. Store files in the cloud.

Cloud storage is a secure and convenient way to archive and access your files from anywhere. With a cloud storage solution, you can save physical storage space and organize, search, and send files easily. It also provides version control for documents and tracking, giving visibility into the collaboration process and ensuring colleagues stay accountable — even when you’re not working together in person.

Cloud storage solutions often include document security features like access permissions, helping you protect sensitive information by making sure only the right people have access.

4. Adobe Acrobat.

Adobe Acrobat is a powerful tool that can help you leverage all of the above digital document strategies and more for hybrid work. Acrobat includes features like the ability to combine multiple PDFs into a single document, extract pages from a larger file, and remote file collaboration tools so everyone can access essential documents no matter where they’re working from.

With Acrobat, you can also control a document’s viewing, editing, and commenting privileges easily, and users can redact sensitive information as needed. You can use many of these tools for free right in your browser with Adobe Acrobat online services.

How do you ensure productivity with a hybrid work approach?

Working from home part of the time doesn’t have to mean getting less done. You can create an effective work environment on the days you’re at home by establishing a clear workspace, taking breaks regularly, limiting distractions, using time management tools, and staying connected with your team. Make the best use of your time with hybrid work by saving meetings for in-person workdays and scheduling tasks that require dedicated focus, like writing, for remote workdays.

What is the most effective way to work from home on remote workdays?

The most effective way to work from home is to establish a routine, prioritize your tasks, take breaks, use digital productivity and collaboration tools, and communicate clearly and frequently with your team.

How can I manage hybrid work successfully?

Balance is the key to building a healthy hybrid work routine. It’s vital to keep a consistent schedule, take regular breaks, and prioritize your mental and physical health. On the days you work from home, make sure to exercise, eat healthy meals, and take breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout. On the days you’re in the office, utilize and prioritize your time with colleagues and set boundaries during times when you need to focus on projects.