As a large majority of companies focus in earnest on returning to the office via a hybrid format, some business analysts are suggesting it would be worthwhile for companies to create a chief hybrid officer role to help manage the transition and coordinate new workflows.

"Hybrid work is going to involve a lot of experimentation," Alexia Cambon, research director at consulting firm Gartner, told HR Dive. "As a result of all that experimentation, it makes sense to have a dedicated source."

According to HR sources interviewed by HR Dive, an ideal chief hybrid officer should be a generalist with the ability to communicate across the entire company, tech-savvy enough to oversee upgrades to new communications technology and IT security, and a good evangelist for the potential for hybrid work. Some firms have already experimented with a chief remote officer.

Despite more than a year of remote work forced by the coronavirus pandemic, many white-collar workplaces still require additional planning and work to adjust to a fully hybrid model, including setting up new technology and adjusting policies and performance review to account for a new schedule. Workplace consultant Liz Burow previously told Bisnow it's important for leaders to figure out new workplace arrangements, policies around promotions and if it’s necessary to set up coworking and remote work hubs for certain team members. A survey by the consulting firm Mercer found that 70% of employers with flexible work arrangements plan to adopt a more formal hybrid system going forward.