In this era, having a hybrid team is a great idea. Since the pandemic, the concept of hybrid working, which includes both in-house and remote work, has increased in popularity. Many businesses have switched to a hybrid model because it makes resource allocation easier. Employees have the opportunity to choose their productive hours.
The concept of a 9-to-5 job is fading among millennials. People prefer to work on their schedules. Staying connected is simple in the digital world. It is also possible to manage a hybrid team.
The importance of having the correct resources, technology, and support when working with a mixed team is critical. Having a reliable resource makes hybrid tram management easier and more effective.
What I believe is required, based on my experience working with a hybrid team, is the appropriate level of communication. That’s what I’ve learned through time: if a task is effectively communicated, it will provide the intended results.
Aside from that, the following points helped me in managing a hybrid team. There is no single method for managing a team; it is always a combination of methods that work together to get the desired result.
When you’re finished reading this, you’ll be able to assess how to manage your hybrid team, regardless of its many locations or time constraints. So, let’s take it one at a time.
Design a healthy culture
The most crucial method to bring the entire team on board is to create a positive culture. When we talk about having an in-house and remote hybrid staff. A strong organizational culture is required to keep them together. Work stress is easier to manage when there are options for flexible hours. Employees are expected to complete their responsibilities in a flexible manner. There is, and there should be a deadline. However, arranging work according to convenience makes it easier to do.
Employees, in my opinion, can better combine their professional and personal lives.
Employees can be present remotely if they are unable to attend. Employees are more productive in a setting where it is acceptable to work from both available options. In such a hybrid culture, a strong team can better lead.
2. Over-communicate
Yes! The key is to communicate excessively. The whole environment and one-on-one interaction make it simpler for employees to understand the message when we work in-house. However, if the employee is not physically present, he must be communicated in every way possible to avoid failure. Maintain as much transparency as possible in your communication.
In addition, every employee should be involved in order to get a successful outcome. Both ends of the conversation must communicate via video call or any other app .
I prefer to communicate with employees by first presenting the agenda and then going over each topic one by one. I’ve been able to receive the required response from the entire team by using this strategy so far.
3. Take necessary steps to eliminate “proxy bias”
When working with a hybrid team, this is the most common scenario. Employees working remotely may take advantage of the situation and not be present. To avert such occurrences, the manager must take the following steps:
- Employees must keep track of their working hours on a daily basis.
- The meeting must be held through video conference, with the employee present or not present in the office.
- The team will be expected to update their tasks one by one throughout the day in order to keep connected.
4. Review and adjust team norms
Keep an eye on the employee’s productivity and attendance. The rules and policies must be flexible enough to be revised and adjusted as circumstances change. Engage all employees in a discussion about the company’s standards and culture, as well as what changes should be made to ensure a smooth and healthy working environment.
I prefer to change the norms on a regular basis by involving my team. It eventually led to improved communication and the intended outcomes for the entire team.
5. Provide the right tool
It may appear insignificant, yet it has a huge impact. A hybrid team that works remotely needs the necessary technologies, such as a stable internet connection and webcams for daily meetings. Aside from that, all team members must be given access to the appropriate online working tools so that they can coordinate their work with subordinates.
Hybrid teams are here to stay
Hybrid teams are here to stay, and all it takes for you, as a manager or team leader, is strong management communication to get your team on the same page. Failure will almost certainly be avoided if you keep it practical and collaborative.
