Hating hybrid work? Here’s how to make it less painful.

Working from the office can feel entirely unnecessary if workers relocate to do exactly what they do at home. Experts say workers will get more out of their hybrid setups if they sync their in-office days with their collaborators and separate the tasks they do based on the location from which they’re working.

“Coordinate times when you can be present in your work environment with others,” said Pamela Hinds, co-director of Stanford’s Center on Work, Technology, and Organization. “Schedule 10- to 15-minute check-ins without an agenda.”

Meanwhile, when feasible, workers should save tasks they can do from home for the days they work from home, Hinds added. That way, workers use more of their office time to collaborate, communicate and connect with their colleagues and managers, whereas much of the heads-down work is saved for remote days.

Neeley agrees, suggesting workers think about doing as much “shoulder-to-shoulder” work in office, then use remote work days to help balance out the social activities of the office.

“First, we had Zoom fatigue; now we have hybrid fatigue,” she said. “Spend your time when you’re at home to balance out that fatigue.”