Hybrid working is here to stay, whether you agree with it or not. If your business hasn’t adopted it yet, you’re probably missing out on a smarter, more efficient way of working.
But introducing hybrid working to your team is way more than just setting up a few remote tools. You need to create a structure that makes sense for your people and your goals. So, how do you get started?
Start with a clear, flexible policy
Hybrid working isn’t a “one size fits all” deal. To make it work, you need a policy that’s tailored to your business needs while giving people the flexibility they need.
Sit down and think about what your business really needs from its hybrid setup: is it increased productivity, improved employee wellbeing, or maybe reduced office costs? Once you have that clarity, build your policy around it.
For example, you might offer employees the flexibility to choose when they work from home, but still set certain office days for meetings or collaboration. Your policy should be clear enough to avoid confusion but flexible enough to allow employees to feel trusted.
Most people prefer it if they can manage their own schedules where possible.
Get your communication game right
Communication can easily break down when everyone isn’t face-to-face. Without this sort of interaction, it’s easy for people to feel disconnected.
So, you’ll need tools and habits that keep everyone on the same page. That means using platforms like Slack or Teams for quick check-ins and maintaining those daily touchpoints that keep the team aligned.
The key here is regular, honest communication. Don’t rely on endless email chains – use video calls for team meetings, as they help create a stronger sense of connection.
And make sure no one’s left out of the loop based on where they are. Whether they’re at home or the office, keep conversation flowing freely, for everyone.
Tech is your best friend – don’t skimp on it
If you want hybrid working to succeed, you need to give your people the right equipment. Reliable hardware, cloud-based collaboration tools and secure access systems are all essential. Think about it: if your team can’t access files quickly or connect properly when working from home, you’re just asking for frustration.
A business VPN is a key tool for making sure your remote workers can access company resources without security risks. But don’t stop there – make sure your team has everything they need to do their jobs effectively, whether that’s cloud storage or project management platforms.
Solid tech setups make for smooth workflows – and that’s what drives productivity in a hybrid team.
Keep company culture alive
Company culture isn’t solely about the time people spend in the office together. Hybrid working can make consistency harder than ever, but it’s certainly not impossible.
Make a point of staying connected with your team. Schedule virtual social events and send out recognition shout-outs – even if that means doing it online.
And don’t forget the occasional in-person meet-up or team retreat to reconnect in person. Just because some people are remote doesn’t mean they should feel remote.
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