7 Hybrid Workplace Best Practices for Teams
In the wake of the pandemic, more companies are looking for alternatives to running their workforce. Some businesses have their entire team working remotely, while others have settled back into a fully staffed office. Workplace arrangements may vary depending on how a company functions.
There is also a hybrid model that combines both in-office and home office arrangements. This hybrid workplace allows those who function better working from home to have that freedom. Simultaneously, the business still staffs a small group in a central location. If implemented correctly, a business can capitalize on this type of remote or in-office setup.
Here are seven hybrid workplace best practices for a team environment:
Best Practice #1: Prioritize team communication.
Communication can break down when your workforce is not operating in the same location. This is why you need to connect with all on-site and remote employees. Keeping people in the loop is essential, and this can be done through a digital workplace platform. This all-in-one technological solution will streamline communication for your business team.
Other communication tools include:
- Emails
- Texting
- Video conferencing
- Group chats
- Messaging apps
Written communication is also vital and will ensure everyone is heard and understood. Things are easily misheard or miscommunicated over the phone and video, so all communications should be documented and distributed to every staff member. Regular communication between staff keeps up morale and efficiency, so use as many communication tools as possible. Have an open door policy so your employees can provide feedback about the changes and the impact on their work lives.
Best Practice #2: Establish expectations for productivity.
With remote workers, you aren’t there to monitor them, and it can quickly become disorganized with distractions outside the office. Setting up a good workflow with a system will avoid any issues.
Ensure good communication between both teams with clear tasks and due dates to maximize efficiency and productivity. Remote workers want guidelines and structures to keep on task and be valuable team members.
Best Practice #3: Rotate remote workers.
While some people enjoy working from home and others prefer the office, everyone should be able to do both under a hybrid model. This lets employees have the best of both worlds, and managers and owners will get face-to-face time with everyone. You may need key individuals to be in the office but other than that, allow staff to work in both settings.
This is also a way to evaluate your team and see where they are more productive. You can then structure your business practices and make positive changes to allow your employees to flourish. Ultimately, you want your employees to be happy and productive while working, so set up your hybrid model by putting staff where they do their best.
Best Practice #4: Prioritize skills over locations.
When hiring new people in a hybrid structure, physical location becomes less important. Instead, you can focus on the qualifications and skills you are looking for. You are no longer limited to workers’ accessibility to your place of business because they work remotely and be across the world rather than at the office.
Your talent pool increases, opening doors to culturally diverse people and those less able to bring their skillset to your operation.
Best Practice #5: Take care of in-house staff.
These people either work at the office or are needed there for logistics. Make the environment safe and set up your space with proper physical distancing, vaccination requirements if necessary, and PPE equipment readily available. These employees are sometimes on the front lines and should be rewarded for their commitment to the company.
Keep office culture up and balance the atmosphere and engagement with in-house staff and remote workers.
Best Practice #6: Update remote business technology.
Everyone must work from the same systems and equipment for the company to function properly. This means remote workers must be able to connect and communicate with all the same collaboration tools as those in the office.
HR and IT can work with staff to ensure this is set up properly and put in the infrastructure so everyone can adapt their equipment at home or equip them with the technologies to do their work efficiently.
Best Practice #7: Connect all staff for team building.
Because your workforce is separated doesn’t mean you can’t bring them together to maintain the team atmosphere.
Put together company functions monthly to gather staff away from work hours. This could be a happy hour, dinner or even a fun activity. You can also organize remote gatherings with guest speakers or other virtual events to create a sense of connection even when staff is not in the same city.
The hybrid model of working isn’t going away. This high-tech world allows us to do business efficiently while being digital nomads, and you are providing a better work/life balance for your employees. Embrace this new mode of operation and use these hybrid workplace best practices to keep your employees a well-oiled team.