By now we’ve heard a lot about the hybrid workforce. Although the prospect of this new organizational structure offers many advantages, it also comes with difficulties that you should be preparing for now. Here are some tips on navigating the transition to a hybrid workforce in your organization:
Start with your leadership team. Will it be most beneficial if they work from the office, remotely, or both? Before you announce the decision to move to a hybrid solution, work out the plan for your management team and communicate it to avoid confusion.
Reevaluate your team structure. Determine which employees will continue working remotely full-time and which employees will work only partly remotely. While these decisions are also driven by the nature of the individual role, it is also advisable to factor in personal preferences whenever possible.
Confirm your communication platforms. Determine how your communication frameworks need to change to reflect your new team structures and to ensure employees don’t fall out of the loop or burn out from the pressure of being “always on.”
Monitor your allocation of tasks. If your hybrid workforce is going to remain productive long-term, ensure that tasks are spread evenly and fairly across both in-office and remote teams. Be aware of who is doing what. Consistently conduct regular check-ins, recognize hard work, and promote paid time off.
Be wary of favoritism. Proactively include your remote team members in the fun times. Set up a video conference for your team lunches or happy hours to ensure you have the same opportunity to bond with everyone and that remote workers still feel like part of the culture.
The pandemic has abruptly thrust many companies into this hybrid situation, and while some have seen this time as a growth opportunity, others are floundering. Those companies that can adapt to the current circumstances with resiliency and flexibility are most likely to outstrip their competition in our new World of Work.