Managing a hybrid workplace — one with some employees on-site while others are remote — can be challenging. Managers must ensure all employees are engaged, collaborative, and united with regard to team and departmental goals. They also need to create a fair and flexible workflow that is efficient, effective, and reasonable for both remote and in-office staff members. Here are some tips to help manage and strengthen a hybrid team.
Get Back to Basics
Remember, your main role as a manager is to support your staff. Whether it’s coping with broader issues, such as economic uncertainty, political polarization, and social injustice, or balancing personal struggles like health issues, childcare, or family emergencies, employees are under a lot of stress. It’s important that you get a temperature check on each staff member. Schedule regular one-on-one meetings — face-to-face in the office and via video calls (cameras on) with remote staff. Take time during these check-ins to ask about their individual circumstances and worries. Let them know you care and share ways you can help.
Communicate Clearly
If ever there is a scenario when communication is vital, it’s managing a hybrid team. Determine when and how you will communicate, which team members are needed for various types of decisions, and how the workday will be structured. To keep the experience equitable, hold full-team meetings online — meaning even team members in the office would log on to the video call. Set clear expectations, both for individuals and across the team, and set weekly priorities so that everyone understands what needs to be accomplished. Don’t forget that communication is a two-way process. Be sure your team knows you’re available to discuss issues, provide guidance, and bounce ideas.
Stress Inclusion
Sustaining a fair and welcoming hybrid workplace is challenging. Some team members may believe that working on-site is more productive, but that’s not the case. Your job is to build trust and promote inclusion. Put the kibosh on any in-office talk that may exclude remote workers. Team decisions must include everyone, and it’s up to you to be sure your whole staff has the opportunity to voice their opinion. It could be as simple as a quick phone call or as involved as a survey, but be sure appropriate staff members are included. The goal is to create a positive culture where a mix of colleagues can develop strong relationships.
Be Fair
It’s easy to fall into a pattern of focusing on what — or who — is in front of you. Continue pushing yourself to give equal time to remote and in-office staff. Note how you divide your day and who you’re spending time with. If things are off kilter, adjust. This becomes particularly important when it comes time for performance reviews. You want to include plenty of objective data to include in your evaluation, which means you must give both in-office and remote workers equal opportunities to contribute and shine.
Recognize Signs of Burnout
Again, your job as manager is to support the team. Pay attention to employee stress levels and respond accordingly. We all have days when we’re cranky and exhausted, but when you notice bigger or longer-lasting behavioral changes, it’s time to take action. For example, if someone who is typically outgoing and collaborative becomes withdrawn, or if someone who is easygoing seems to be short-tempered, they could be burned out. Take steps to help. Assist in prioritizing tasks if they’re overwhelmed. Have conversations to determine if they need extra help day by day or task by task. When they know you’ve got their back, they will feel reenergized and redirect their focus.
ON TOPIC
If you’re part of a hybrid team, you know it can be challenging. To be an effective team member, you must consider several factors, including communication, accountability, and reasonable limits. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Communicate openly and frequently. Provide clear status updates on your work, projects, and schedules. Actively participate in discussions, offering feedback, ideas, and solutions.
- Be respectful. When team members are in various locations — and possibly time zones — it’s important to be conscious of timing when sending messages, making calls, or scheduling meetings.
- Use technology effectively. Take advantage of tools like video conferencing, instant messaging, and collaboration software to stay connected and share information efficiently.
- Get to know your colleagues. During your time in the office, make an effort to connect with colleagues. You will foster team cohesion by building strong relationships.
- Set clear boundaries. The downside to working remotely is the risk of extending your workday at both ends. Communicate your availability and respect others' time by adhering to established working hours and meeting schedules.
- Be flexible. Regardless of your working environment, be willing to adjust to what’s needed. You and your team have the same goals — working cohesively to successfully get the job done.
