Hybrid work is here to stay, whether you like it or not…
A recent study showed that at least 60% of employees want to continue to work remotely.
And now many companies are starting to realise the benefits of hybrid work models. Many will adopt them permanently.
For managers, this presents a unique challenge. Now they have to manage a team of people who work remotely some of the time. Or all, possibly, of the time.
In this blog post, we explore some of the challenges of managing a hybrid workforce. And offer you some tips on how to overcome them.
One of the challenges of managing a hybrid workforce is communicating with team members who are in different locations. It can be difficult to coordinate conference calls and video chats to meet every communication need. This is especially true when team members are in different time zones or have conflicting schedules.
One way to overcome this challenge is to use a project management tool. Examples are Asana or Trello, which allow team members to collaborate on projects in real-time, regardless of location.
Another way to overcome this challenge is to hold regular team check-ins via video chat or conference call. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and that no one feels left out or isolated.
Another challenge of managing a hybrid workforce is maintaining company culture. It can be difficult to build camaraderie when team members are not physically present with each other daily.
One way to overcome this challenge is to create an online space where team members can socialize and interact on topics other than work. This can be done through an online forum or social media group.
Another approach is to encourage team members to participate in company-sponsored events, such as happy hours, charity fundraisers, or sporting events. These events will help team members feel more connected to each other and foster a sense of company pride.
If you are managing a hybrid workforce, it is important to be aware of these challenges and to have a plan for overcoming them. By communicating effectively and maintaining company culture, you can successfully manage a team that is spread out across different locations.
Managing a hybrid workforce comes with its own set of challenges, but there are ways to overcome them.
By using project management tools, holding regular check-ins, and creating an online space for socializing, managers can effectively manage a hybrid workforce. Encouraging team members to participate in events – and supporting them to initiate events – will also help maintain company culture and build camaraderie among team members.
Thank you for reading! Here’s a list of resources to get you started:
And remember to get in touch if you’d like some help implementing hybrid working in your organisation!
Susan Rochester has been managing director of Balance at Work since 2006. Susan has a natural tendency to balance analytical thinking with an optimistic outlook to set direction and solve problems. She is an effective facilitator and constantly creates new and more effective ways of doing things, motivated by helping others to achieve their goals.