Managing Hybrid Work
Mar 21, 2024Are you finding it challenging to adapt your team to hybrid work? 🤔 While hybrid work brings a lot of convenience it also has its downsides. For example, lack of connection between team members, poorer development opportunities and feedback, and the inconsistency can create a background level of stress for everyone.
We’re all still learning how to make this work and here are five crucial tips tailored to help your team thrive:
1️⃣ Set Clear Expectations and Structure Your Workweek:
- Establish designated in-office and remote work days to provide structure and consistency for your team.
- Clearly communicate expectations regarding availability, deadlines, and collaboration during both in-office and remote days.
- Encourage team members to plan their tasks and meetings accordingly to maximize productivity and minimize disruptions.
2️⃣ Prioritize In-Person Interactions:
- Schedule regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative projects to foster face-to-face interactions.
- Create opportunities for informal gatherings, such as coffee breaks or team lunches, to strengthen team bonds and boost morale.
- Encourage open communication and active participation during in-person meetings to ensure everyone feels valued and heard.
3️⃣ Allocate Dedicated Time for Focused Work:
- Acknowledge the importance of uninterrupted, focused work time by setting aside blocks for individual tasks and projects.
- Encourage time-blocking techniques and minimize distractions to help people feel productive while they are in the office as they do when working remotely.
4️⃣ Utilize a Mix of Communication Tools:
- When working remotely, use a variety of communication channels, including video meetings, instant messaging, email, and phone calls, to accommodate different work styles and preferences.
- Establish guidelines for when each communication tool is most appropriate, balancing the need for real-time collaboration with the importance of minimizing digital fatigue.
- Not every meeting needs to be on video with cameras on. Give people a visual break and call them on the phone instead.
5️⃣ Lead by Example: Model the Behaviour You Want to See:
- Demonstrate commitment to the hybrid work model by actively participating in both in-office and remote work days.
- Show that it is okay to both engage in interpersonal activities AND quiet focused work.
- Encourage open dialogue and feedback, inviting team members to share their experiences and suggestions for improving the hybrid work experience.
The traditional Monday to Friday work week from the before times took decades and generations to establish. We’re still new to hybrid work so it makes sense we haven’t fully figured out how to do it well. The above strategies are a good starting place and can help your team feel more connected while at the same time productive.
What other strategies do you use to help people navigate hybrid work?
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