Tips for Managing a Hybrid Team

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.