Remote Control How to Make Your Hybrid Workforce Work

Hands up who’s a little unsure what to expect when returning to the workplace? Yep, us too. Despite the easing of WFH mandates and density limits, it’s clear that the hybrid workforce – in which some of your team works onsite while others work remotely – is here to stay. And rightly so; the benefits of successfully maintaining a hybrid workforce can include increased productivity, efficiency and creativity, higher team morale and retention rates, and lower overheads. And the best part? It’s really not that hard! With an open mind and a flexible attitude, there’s really no reason why your newly hybrid workforce can’t be stronger, happier and more productive than ever before. There are a few key things to keep in mind that will help you get your hybrid workforce established and functional in no time.

The first and most important is communication. Make sure you’re checking in regularly with your team to find out what is – and isn’t – working for them. Open dialogue and transparency around policies and processes is the only way to ensure you’re creating a work culture that actually works, so encourage input and feedback while you’re determining what your new normal looks like.

And since we’re talking about communication, make sure you have the infrastructure and resources to facilitate strong communication between co-workers, wherever they’re located. One of the positive impacts of the pandemic for many of us has been the realisation that – be it URL or IRL – regular and meaningful connection is fundamental if we want to survive and thrive as healthy, happy humans. With all of the many digital meeting platforms, workplace chat and videoconferencing, file sharing and collaboration apps and services, there’s no excuse for disconnection.

Documenting workflow, deadlines and collaborations has become more important than ever in the hybrid workplace, since remote workers aren’t always privy to the multiple incidental, subliminal micro-meetings we have each day with the people around us. There are no overheard conversations, no casual chat in the break room and far fewer informal exchanges of information when working remotely, so it’s essential that things like timeline mapping, progress updates and deadlines are clearly and consistently documented and shared. Again, this is made easier thanks to the multitude of apps and workflow managers designed specifically for this purpose, but these, like many things, only help if managed effectively.

Acknowledge the desire to reconnect. Some of the most joyous and successful events we’ve seen in the past few months have been created simply so teams could reconnect and resynchronise, recognising that we’ve all been through some profoundly challenging and discombobulating experiences as a result of the pandemic and celebrating the fact that we’re finally able to come together again. Now is a great time to consider a teambuilding exercise or event to encourage your entire team to reconnect. If it’s not practical for your remote team workers to attend, a virtual or hybrid event can be every bit as engaging if done properly.

Overall, the most important thing to remember is to be flexible, adaptable and collaborative with your team as we all learn to navigate the new ‘normal’ workplace. Listen, be transparent and remember that connection – whatever the conduit - is the most valuable resource a business can have.

Ready to reconnect? Reach out to our friendly planning team today to find more about our hybrid conference event spaces .