How to Make a Hybrid Workplace...Work

The popularity of the hybrid workplace (where employees work both in the office and from home) was born out of necessity during the pandemic but has continued to grow even as many companies have begun to return to the office. 63% of high-growth companies have a hybrid work model, and while there are many benefits to hybrid workplaces, including increased flexibility and productivity, there are also some challenges that need to be addressed. Here are some ways to make a hybrid workplace...work.

Ensure that all employees feel engaged and connected, regardless of where they are working from.

It's important that all employees feel equally engaged and connected, regardless of where they work. To do this, leaders need to focus on creating a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and included. This may require leaders to become more attuned with the personalities within their teams. With many team members working remotely over Zoom, introverts that may have stopped by your office in the past with an idea could be not as likely to speak up and contribute. It is up to the leaders to stay connected and build relationships with team members. Strong communication is the key to maintaining a cohesive, productive team. Make sure you take the time to connect with your team on a regular basis, and connect with those that may not be as outspoken virtually.

Create opportunities for face-to-face connections.

Maintaining company culture when employees are not all in the same physical space can be a challenge. Zoom happy hours are out. Time and time again, employees are sharing that they are zoomed out and uninterested in even more screen time. There is no substitute for face-to-face meetings when it comes to building strong bonds and effective teams. When you're able to share ideas and whiteboard in real-time, it creates a connection that can't be replicated through a screen. If your teams are in the same geographical area, consider in-office time several days per month. If you're hybrid team is spread out across the country or the world, consider bringing them together for an in-person meeting a few times a year. The investment will pay off in spades when it comes to team morale and productivity.

Develop remote skillsets.

If your hybrid team is going to be effective, it's important that everyone on the team has the skillset to work remotely. This includes everything from time management to the communication skills needed to effectively connect virtually. Leaders should provide training and resources to help employees develop these skills. And, it's not just about the hybrid workplace. As we continue to live and work in a global economy, it's important that everyone has the skill set to work effectively with team members from all over the world.

The hybrid workplace is here to stay, and there are many ways to make sure it is productive and cohesive. By focusing on communication, culture, and collaboration, leaders can ensure that all hybrid team members feel engaged and connected. By providing the right tools and resources, hybrid team members can be successful no matter where they are working from.

RACHEL DEALTO

Rachel DeAlto is a keynote speaker on communication, leadership, team building, and more. She’s on a mission to connect people to their most powerful resource—each other.