The pandemic has led many organizations to adopt a hybrid work model, blending remote and in-person work. This new way of working, however, is now widespread and is here to stay way beyond the pandemic: according to a 2023 survey, 83 percent of the respondents said they’d prefer a hybrid work model going forward.
However, this model has brought up a new set of challenges for leaders, such as how to communicate effectively, how to keep remote workers engaged, and how to build a sense of community amongst remote and in-person team members.
To build successful hybrid teams, leaders need to rethink their approach to team management: a hybrid workplace needs well-defined structures and strong management.
Let’s go through some tips on how to create a successful hybrid team and how to lead it.
Establish Clear Communication Channels
Effective communication is key to the success of any team, and in a hybrid model, clear communication channels are even more important: team members need to know how to reach each other, what the preferred communication methods are, and when it’s appropriate to use them.
It’s important to establish regular check-ins and meetings that work for everyone so that remote workers don’t feel left out.
Decide on your preferred method of communication and schedule for staying in touch, and consider utilizing communication tools such as Slack or Jabber to facilitate ongoing contact.
Foster a Culture of Trust
Trust is critical in any team, but it’s especially important in a hybrid workplace where team members may not see each other face-to-face every day. Leaders should foster a culture of trust by encouraging open communication, being transparent about decisions and changes, and showing appreciation for team members’ efforts.
This can be done through regular team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, and collaboration tools that facilitate communication and feedback.
Embrace Technology
Technology plays a key role in hybrid teams, enabling remote workers to collaborate with in-person team members and stay connected. In this sense, leaders should invest in the right technology to support their teams.
To track availability and work arrangements, they can use tools like Google Calendar, Outlook, and Teamup to encourage calendar-blocking and identify each team member’s availability.
Then, effective project management can be centralized by using tools such as Asana, Trello and Smartsheet, enabling teams to collaborate and share documents, updates, and approvals, regardless of their location.
Provide Flexibility
One of the benefits of a hybrid model is the flexibility it offers. Leaders should embrace this flexibility by allowing team members to choose when and where they work, as long as it doesn’t affect productivity or team collaboration. This will in tun boost morale and work-life balance.
Providing flexibility can help to attract and retain top talent. Many job seekers prioritize work-life balance and flexibility when considering new opportunities, as a survey by FlexJobs shows: for 80% of job seekers, flexibility is a top priority when assessing a new job.
Encourage Community Building and social interaction
As a leader, you want to create opportunities for social connections between colleagues, in order to foster positive collaboration between people who don’t meet in person often. This can be achieved by booking some time at the start or end of your one-on-one and team meetings for informal updates and small talk.
Community building is also crucial in a hybrid model, and leaders should encourage community building activities, such as virtual/hybrid team-building events, social media groups, and mentoring programs.
Here are some programs you may consider to bring together your hybrid team, and others to develop your skills as a leader to effectively manage them.
Let's work together to maximize the potential of your hybrid team!
