In today’s work environment, the concept of hybrid working has become increasingly popular, allowing employees to seamlessly blend remote and in-office work. While this flexible approach offers numerous benefits, it also presents unique challenges for employers seeking to manage and engage their hybrid teams effectively. In this blog post, we will explore the top 7 ways to navigate the complexities of managing hybrid working employees, ensuring a harmonious and productive work environment.
The rise of hybrid working
The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in accelerating the adoption of hybrid working models. According to Gallup, in 2019, 60% of employees with the capability to work remotely spent their entire workweek on-site. However, in 2023, this figure dramatically decreased to just 20%.
The pandemic prompted a widespread shift in work dynamics, necessitating remote work arrangements to ensure business continuity and employee safety. As a result, many organisations embraced hybrid working, allowing employees to split their time between working remotely and being physically present in the office. According to Buffer, 61% of workers worldwide have a “very positive” view on remote working. This shift not only reflects a response to the challenges posed by the pandemic but also indicates a fundamental change in how work is organised and executed.
Who determines the Hybrid working schedule?
Hybrid working schedules indeed vary based on the specific requirements and policies of each company. Gallup found that a common pattern for hybrid workers is being in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This structure aims to strike a balance between maintaining a physical presence for collaboration and ensuring flexibility for remote work.
It is crucial for employees to have clarity on the designated days they are expected to be in the office, promoting coordination and collaboration with their coworkers. Clear communication and well-defined schedules help create a cohesive and effective hybrid work environment.
Advantages of Hybrid Working
Employees in hybrid work arrangements consistently highlight several key advantages. These include:
- Experiencing an improved work-life balance
- Making more efficient use of their time
- Encountering reduced burnout at work
- Enjoying a greater sense of autonomy in their roles
Employers agree with the reported benefits for employees in hybrid work setups. In addition, they often emphasise that their organisations reap advantages such as lower turnover rates, an enhanced employee value proposition, and access to a broader talent pool. The positive impact on both employee satisfaction and organisational outcomes makes hybrid working models appealing to many companies.
7 Ways to Manage Hybrid Working Employees
Establish Clear Communication Channels
Effective communication is pivotal for the success of hybrid working arrangements. To cultivate a cohesive and positive team dynamic, it is crucial to establish robust communication channels within your organisation. Make use of collaboration tools, video conferencing platforms, and project management systems to facilitate seamless information exchange. Encourage regular team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, and maintain open lines of communication to bridge the physical gap between remote and in-office employees. This ensures everyone stays connected, well-informed, and engaged in the collaborative process.
Technology and Training Support
Equip your hybrid workforce with the necessary tools and training to thrive in their roles. Invest in robust technology infrastructure, ensuring that remote employees have access to the same resources as their in-office counterparts. Additionally, offer training sessions to enhance digital literacy and productivity, ensuring that all team members can navigate the virtual landscape with ease. Using a Dashboard for performance and status reporting will ensure your workforce is aligned and on track for success. With emPerform’s reporting and analytics feature, you can swiftly generate reports, providing insights into key performance indicators, whilst tracking the status of performance efforts, ensuring a real-time overview of individual and team achievements. This comprehensive approach ensures that you have the right mix of skills and competencies where they are most needed, facilitating strategic decision-making and optimising workforce performance.
Foster a Positive Workplace
Building a collaborative culture is essential for the success of hybrid teams. Encourage teamwork, celebrate achievements, and create opportunities for social interactions. Consider organising virtual team-building activities, casual coffee chats, or in-person events to strengthen the bonds between team members, regardless of their physical location. Fostering a positive workplace will drive innovation, enhance productivity, and achieve sustainable organisational success.
Flexibility vs Monitoring
One of the key advantages of hybrid working is the ability to offer flexible work hours, allowing employees to ‘spread their wings’. Recognise that employees may have different preferences for when they are most productive and implement flexible work schedules that accommodate individual needs whilst ensuring core team hours for collaboration. By doing so, you not only empower your team members but also promote a healthy work-life balance. Forbes found that about half of the companies they surveyed opted for employee-monitoring technology. This technology is implemented to track and manage employee activities, productivity, and performance, providing organisations with insights to optimise their remote work strategies. While seen as a tool to enhance efficiency, it also raises concerns about privacy and the need to strike a balance between monitoring and respecting employees’ autonomy.
Set Clear Goals
Clearly defined expectations and goals are fundamental to managing hybrid working employees effectively. Establish transparent performance metrics, communicate deadlines, and outline project objectives to ensure everyone is on the same page. Regularly revisit and reassess these expectations to adapt to changing circumstances and keep the team aligned with organisational goals.
Goal setting is a crucial component of effective performance management. When goals are not Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART), there is a risk of lost productivity and disengagement. It is not just about going through the motions once a year; it is an ongoing process that aligns the entire company’s focus, clarifies performance expectations, and provides a roadmap for employees to achieve success.
emPerfom’s goals and development plans ensure that goals are SMART, creating clarity, accountability, and motivation. It enables employees to understand exactly what is expected of them and how their contributions contribute to the broader organisational strategies. Regular check-ins and adjustments to goals as circumstances change further enhance the effectiveness of goal management. This continuous process helps keep employees engaged, motivated, and aligned with the overall objectives of the company.
Prioritise Employee Well-being
With the blurring lines between work and personal life in a hybrid setting, prioritising employee well-being is crucial. Encourage regular breaks, set realistic expectations, and promote a culture that values mental health. Consider implementing wellness programs, virtual fitness classes, or mindfulness sessions to support your team’s overall well-being. Prioritising employee well-being is crucial for fostering a healthy and sustainable work environment. By promoting a culture that values and supports time away from work, employers contribute to the overall mental and physical health of their workforce. Encouraging well-deserved breaks helps prevent exhaustion, enhances productivity, and contributes to long-term employee satisfaction and retention. It also reflects a commitment to creating a positive and supportive workplace where employees feel valued, and their well-being is a priority.
Create inclusive employee experiences
Hybrid working arrangements may require constant adjustments based on the evolving needs of your team. Stay adaptable and open to feedback from employees. Regularly solicit input on the effectiveness of current practices and be willing to make necessary changes to optimise the hybrid work experience.
Leverage the strength of diverse perspectives to identify and enhance performance using emPerform’s integrated 360° multi-rater reviews and assessments. The emPerform tag provides convenient and accessible functionality, allowing seamless exchange of feedback from anyone, anywhere, at any time. This ensures that crucial insights are shared with employees, while managers gain comprehensive visibility into the behaviours of their teams.
In conclusion, managing hybrid working employees requires a strategic and flexible approach that prioritises communication, well-being, and collaboration. By implementing these top 7 strategies, you can create an environment where your team members thrive, regardless of their physical work location. Embrace the benefits of hybrid working and foster a culture of inclusivity, positivity, and productivity within your organisation.
If you want to streamline your employee review processes and easily manage your company’s goals, it can be easily achieved with emPerform. Book a FREE demo today, or contact us for any advice on performance management.
