How to Manage a Hybrid Workforce

How to Manage a Hybrid Workforce

Emphasize inclusion.
Schedule regular check-ins and include the entire team in meetings.
Have all-team meetings take place over a digital platform.
Avoid impromptu meetings and decisions that leave out remote staff.

Focus on communication.

Have an explicit discussion about how and when you’re going to communicate, who has access to what information, who needs to be in which meetings, and who needs to be in on which decisions.
Take advantage of communication tools like collaboration software that features videoconferencing, instant messaging, and automated notifications so you and your team can contact each other as necessary.
Come to an agreement on norms for communicating — Should people always include the entire team? Must recipients acknowledge every message? — and set guidelines for when to use what channel — email, Slack, phone, etc.

Foster a remote-first culture.

Encourage remote work.
Include video links in meeting invites so team members can choose where to participate.
Focus on results based on key performance indicators and objectives and key results instead of hours worked.
Within reason, allow for flexible schedules.
Allow team members the freedom to work wherever they feel most productive.
Create a digital space where all employees can come together and collaborate, so they have the same access to the same information at all times.

Make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Have detailed projects, tasks, and deadlines to minimize misunderstanding and foster quick turnaround times.
Provide clear directions and expectations so team members know exactly what outcomes are expected.
Assign reasonable deadlines, with reminders to check their progress.
Use a system that allows for regular updates with your team and clients.
Have the team document their accomplishments, to keep them focused and hold them accountable.

Build trust.

Give team members regular opportunities to connect through video meetings and calls.
Help them get to know each other and see the steps everyone is taking to get their work done every day.
Encourage your team members to have more conversations with each other, which will increase their mutual trust.

Managers need to sharpen their interpersonal and management skills to be effective in a hybrid work environment. Meet with Deborah Laurel of The Peer Learning Institute to discuss how to accomplish this: https://bit.ly/314ztux