Let’s be honest, managing a hybrid team isn’t easy. With some employees working remotely and others in the office, it can feel like herding cats. But fear not, my fellow managers! I’ve got some insider tips that’ll whip your hybrid team into shape faster than you can say “unmute yourself.”
First, let’s address the elephant in the Zoom room: the struggle is real. According to a recent study by Harvard Business Review, 68% of managers feel that managing a hybrid team is more challenging than managing a fully remote or fully on-site team. But don’t let those statistics get you down – we’re about to change the game.
Here are five battle-tested techniques to help you become the ultimate hybrid team manager:
1. Overcommunicate, Then Communicate Some More
Effective communication is the backbone of any successful team, but it’s even more crucial when you’re managing a hybrid workforce. Make sure you’re communicating early, often, and through multiple channels. Schedule regular team meetings (video calls are best for fostering that face-to-face connection), send out weekly updates, and don’t be afraid to pick up the phone for quick check-ins.
Pro Tip: Use a shared project management tool like Asana or Trello to keep everyone on the same page. That way, no task falls through the cracks, and everyone knows what’s expected of them.
2. Establish Clear Expectations and Boundaries
When you’ve got some team members working from home and others in the office, it’s easy for lines to get blurred. Nip that in the bud by setting clear expectations around work hours, response times, and availability. For example, you might require all team members to be online and responsive between 9 AM and 5 PM, regardless of their location.
As Harvard Business School’s Tsedal Neeley notes in her book “Remote Work Revolution,” “Successful remote work requires striking a difficult balance between flexibility and structure.” By establishing boundaries, you’ll help your team maintain a healthy work-life balance while still staying productive.
3. Foster Inclusivity and Belonging
In a hybrid setup, it’s all too easy for your remote workers to feel like second-class citizens. Combat this by making intentional efforts to include everyone, regardless of their location. During meetings, call on remote employees first to ensure their voices are heard. Encourage team-building activities that bring everyone together, whether virtually or in person.
As Stanford’s Raj Choudhury points out in his research, “A sense of belonging is a key driver of motivation and engagement.” When your team feels valued and connected, they’re more likely to go the extra mile.
4. Provide the Right Tools and Resources
Managing a hybrid team is challenging enough without having to worry about technical difficulties or lack of access to necessary resources. Make sure your team has the tools they need to succeed, whether that’s video conferencing software, virtual whiteboards, or secure file-sharing platforms.
For your remote workers, consider providing stipends for home office equipment or co-working space memberships. A little investment in their setup can go a long way in boosting productivity and job satisfaction.
5. Lead by Example
As the manager, you set the tone for your team. If you’re constantly available and respond to emails at all hours, your team will feel pressure to do the same – even if that’s not your intention. Instead, model the behaviour you want to see. Take breaks, log off at a reasonable hour, and encourage your team to do the same.
As Wharton’s Lori Rothstein advises, “Managers need to be very intentional about the behaviours they model, as their team will take their cues from them.”
By implementing these five techniques, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of hybrid team management. But don’t just take my word for it – give them a try and see the results for yourself!
At the end of the day, managing a hybrid team is all about finding the right balance between structure and flexibility, inclusivity and autonomy. It’s not always easy, but with the right mindset and strategies in place, you can create a high-performing, engaged team that thrives in any environment.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to embrace the hybrid revolution and become the manager your team deserves. Now, go forth and conquer!
