ComeOn Group has announced the initiation of its hybrid working policy as part of its post-COVID approach to its operations, with the aim of offering ‘better collaboration’ and ‘flexibility’ for its employees.

Indicative of a wider trend towards an approach combining both office-based and home-based working in the aftermath of pandemic-induced lockdowns and increased demand for remote operations, ComeOn’’ decision to initiate a hybrid transition was informed by ‘in-depth trending office research and employee surveys’.

The group aims to enable its employees to be flexible regarding their choice of work station with the introduction of ‘top-of-the-line and modern Hybrid Office spaces’ to encourage greater collaboration and promote a ‘better work-life balance’.

Juergen Reutter, Chief Executive Officer at ComeOn Group, said: ”In the beginning of the year we polled our people on how they prefer to work post pandemic. 91% answered to keep it flexible. So with these figures in hand we are investing in a true, top-notch quality hybrid office setup for our employees to participate in face-to-face collaborative working experiences when they are in our locations.”

ComeOn’s hybrid strategy is based on a number of initiatives launched during the pandemic, such as the use of Slack for communications and cancelling morning meetings on Wednesday’s to free up time for production, whilst conducting ‘360 research’ using HR strategies and project managers into the development of a mixed working environment.

The new policy has seen the firm refurbish its headquarters at Spinola Park, St Julians, Malta with a new design and interior development in addition to a new social space, whilst also adopting similar practices at its London and Stockholm offices and introducing a global online desk booking system with an included app.

Lastly, the group will also begin offering its employees the chance to work from another location for eight weeks combined with annual leave’ in order to achieve a ‘healthier work environment’.

“Employees are at the centre of this decision – During the past 24 months, all of the teams rallied together and made working from home a success,” added Daniela Vella, ComeOn Group’s Chief Operating Officer.

“However, one of the common threads was that the offices were an incubator for ideas, brainstorming and generally, just meeting with our awesome colleagues – so this decision was a no-brainer for us.”

Hybrid working strategies have been adopted by a number of operators in the betting and gaming industry over the past year in recognition of enduring COVID-19 conditions and employment requirements. 

Flutter Entertainment recently opened its new technology centre in Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK, incorporating a hybrid working approach, whilst earlier this year William Hill has pledged to allow up to 80% of its office-based employees to work from home at any given time under its new ‘Balance Project’.