Managing hybrid teams: tips and practices for 100% success

While remote work has largely been considered as the future of work, other companies are pursuing the hybrid model, where some employees work in the office while others work remotely. A hybrid model can also be set up to have each employee work half their time in the office and the other half remotely. This model provides employees the chance to choose where to work, and also  gives companies the opportunity to build inclusive work cultures.

However, it also presents some challenges, especially to managers who have been managing only teams working in the office. In this post, we outline some tips and practices every manager, CEO, HR professional, or supervisor should implement when managing hybrid teams.

Set goals for individuals and for teams

Setting team goals is a crucial part of the success of any hybrid team. It keeps everyone on the same page and helps them work towards a common goal. A goal can be anything from a financial target or customer satisfaction rating up to something as simple as “getting through the day” or “finishing an article”. Whatever they might be for your organization, these goals should be realistic, measurable, and achievable.

Put together some ground rules for work

There can be chaos when some employees are working in the office, and others are working remotely. As a hybrid team, the rules that govern who works where and when should be one of the first principles to outline in your organization. This keeps everyone aligned with what the rules are for each team member, depending on their work model, and how to work together with other team members to achieve success.

Prioritize multiple forms of communication

Communication is key to a successful hybrid team. You need to communicate with your team members in a clear way – which is why it is important that you provide multiple ways of communication. Some people prefer email, others prefer voice calls, some people like video chats, etc. It’s important that you provide as many options as possible for them so they can choose the best way to communicate with you and with colleagues.

Champion trust and inclusion at work

With some working from home and others in the office, things can really get lost in the shuffle at times. Therefore, it’s important to build trust between employees and managers and among all team members. You can do this by making sure that everyone has a voice and is heard during meetings, and that they are given opportunities for growth regardless of whether they are working in the office or from the comfort of their homes.

Build a strong team culture through various team building activities

Creating a strong team culture is an important aspect of any hybrid team. It creates a sense of belonging and togetherness among the employees. It also helps in retaining talent and fostering more growth from your employees. A strong culture can be created in several ways, like showing appreciation for your employees and giving them recognition for their work, as well as encouraging employee growth by providing opportunities for learning and development. It’s also important to organize various team building activities (virtual or in-person) such as karaoke sessions, trivia nights, and occasional get-togethers.