February 29, 2024

In the era of hybrid work, corporate receptionists now aim to deliver and master exceptional guest experiences often found in five-star hotels. This goes beyond providing a basic level of service, as they now play a crucial role in creating positive and memorable experiences for employees and visitors.

In this blog post, we delve into five essential attributes and abilities necessary for corporate receptionists to enhance the experience within the hybrid workplace.

1. Agility and adaptability 

The hybrid working model means that many facilities management teams in the corporate workplace have evolved and adapted their roles to help improve the workplace experience for employees and guests. For front of house teams, this is no exception. 

At Anabas Welcome, the role of our corporate receptionists now surpasses traditional expectations and has pivoted to meet the needs of the hybrid worker. Roles like guest experience managers have emerged to adapt to the ever-evolving needs of the hybrid workplace. Their extended scope of responsibilities means they now support employees beyond their arrival, at other touchpoints throughout the working day. Examples include setting up collaborative workspaces and AV equipment for arrival, arranging a special lunch or coffee order for a special visitor, or even just providing an extra level of support to everyone in the workplace. 

2. Technology proficiency

Technology has become an indispensable part of any workplace, and even more so in a hybrid setting. Corporate receptionists need to be proficient in using various pieces of software and technology to improve efficiencies and productivity in the workplace. 

For example, specialist visitor management software now enables corporate receptionists to deliver streamlined and personalised arrival experiences. By collecting important visitor and guest information ahead of time, such as space requirements, dietary needs or even key information from the last visit, receptionists can tailor and personalise the arrival experience for a more productive and enjoyable time spent in the office. 

3. Outstanding communication skills

Corporate receptionists need to have outstanding communication skills. A warm and friendly welcome from a professional receptionist who greets an employee by name, or recalls an anecdote from a previous visit, will immediately elevate the arrival experience and leave a positive lasting first impression.

Compared to working at home, this level of proactive, personal communication can have a significant impact on hybrid employees when deciding whether to attend the office or stay at home.

4. Community and event management

Fostering meaningful connections and communities can have a positive impact on company culture. Corporate receptionists need to be able to build workplace communities, which often involves using skills found in event management roles.  

At Anabas Welcome, our receptionists regularly run events and initiatives for employees in the office. These can include casual gatherings, wellness initiatives and supplier pop-up stalls, which bring people together and build positive thriving communities and connections in the workplace, that keep employees coming back for more. 

5. Organisation and space management

The hybrid model can present unique organisational challenges, especially space booking and ensuring an employee’s time in the office is as productive as possible. 

Corporate receptionists need to be highly organised and able to secure spaces for employees that will enable them to do their work effectively. Strong organisational skills, combined with specialist booking software means that receptionists can assist remote employees in booking desks for specific days they plan to be in the office, as well as the ability to adapt and optimise spaces and ensure they are prepared and ready for use ahead of time.  

Additionally, this type of software can provide data and insight into how desks, meeting rooms and spaces are used, so receptionists can identify patterns and collaborate with the wider facilities team to make adjustments and optimisations to improve the workplace experience.  

By developing and honing these essential skills, corporate receptionists can become instrumental figures in the success of the hybrid workplace. They can create a welcoming and efficient environment, ensuring a positive experience for employees and visitors, and ultimately contribute to the smooth running of the organisation in the evolving workplace landscape.