The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to businesses. The corporate world witnessed several companies switch to hybrid work, a flexible work arrangement that allows employees to work from wherever they live. Nevertheless, managing a team where some people are co-located while others work remotely presents multiple challenges.

This article offers some solutions to managers challenged by the hybrid work culture.

The Real Challenge of the Hybrid Era

Hybrid work is the new norm for many organizations. It’s challenging to manage teams that work in two different environments, but it comes with unique challenges. There are many advantages to hybrid work, such as extending an organization’s reach to its potential talent pool. However, there are also new challenges that require careful consideration.

Adopting a hybrid model will require the help of technology to enable employees to collaborate seamlessly among the employees and manage the work. It will require more trust, time and silence among chaos for those who work in a noisy atmosphere.

It can disrupt productivity, and at the same time, improve productivity. This uncertainty itself is the biggest threat for managers.

Know your Challenges

As management teams develop and execute their return-to-work plans, directors can provide valuable oversight.

1. Get the data you need to evaluate the company’s talent management practices.

2. Gather the information from the board committee and the chief human resources officer.

3. Review how competitors are approaching the return-to-work issues.

4. Learn about the impact of changes in talent strategies on the company’s culture.

Conquering the Challenges

1. Biases - In-house Employees Vs Remote Workers: Remote workers may end up with lower performance evaluations and smaller raises than their office-mates. This is because they are not seen in the office. Those who work outside the office are considered more committed than those in the office during regular hours.

Managers need to have the tools and make structures to ensure that employees who work remotely and those who come to the office regularly are treated equally, thus managing performance.

2. Predefined working culture: This is a unique time for hybrid organizations with both office-based and remote employees. There are risks to a hybrid model, where the culture is diluted, and employees become disillusioned. They need to review and adapt their culture to reflect the changes brought about by working remotely. A clear target state should also be established, and a roadmap should be created to achieve it. The target culture should be clearly defined and embedded by the managers.

3. Connectivity issues: There will be knowledge loss and disparities if employees are not easily connected to those in the office. Establishing a quality connection between remote workers and the office is essential for any successful collaboration.

Getting the right technology is an essential part of maintaining productivity. There are many ways to implement this in your organization. Ideally, all meeting rooms should be connected to the company’s video conferencing software. Make it mandatory that all meetings include a video conference link. This eliminates the need for an in-person meeting and increases inclusivity. Managers should design meetings and events that are productive and seamless for both in-person and remote attendees.

4. Lack of communication: The importance of transparency in communication practices can help guarantee that office-based and remote workers are treated equally. Research has revealed that several employees don’t feel valued owing to the lack of open communication.

To ensure that employees can effectively communicate, organizations should put in place procedures that help them share their messages. Establishing clear communication channels and structures can prevent silos between office-based and remote workers.

5. Difficulty bonding: Good working relationships are needed to build engagement and productivity. Having a good friend at work is linked to higher productivity. Away days are a great way to foster these connections. They can create moments of discovery and bonding for employees who typically work from home.

6. Overwork and burnout: The hybrid model is a great way to allow employees to work wherever they want, but it also requires continuous promotion. Employee well-being is an essential factor at the same time. Managers who closely listen to employees and show concern for their well-being witness more commitment and productivity. Creating an environment where team members can discuss their problems without being judged is critical to addressing mental health issues and increasing productivity.

7. Space management: With more employees working from home, many companies reconsider how they treat their office space. Managers must retain as much office space as possible and have an effective collaboration strategy.

Hybrid offices should support different working styles and provide the necessary space to enable employees to collaborate seamlessly. Managers can guarantee that there are well-designed spaces that can accommodate various configurations. They should understand that the hybrid culture should have goals to use office space. Doing so can help avoid office space issues and increase productivity.

8. Imbalance of agility & innovation: One of the challenges in the evolution of hybrid work and distributed workforces is balancing the need for agility and innovation. Understanding how and where your existing workforce is deployed is critical to ensuring that it is aligned with your company’s strategy and goals. Managers can create a balance once they evaluate the loopholes and organize them.

Summing Up

The concept of a hybrid workforce is a deliberate approach to addressing employees’ concerns. The hybrid workforce model aims to provide a positive working environment. But, the challenge is real for managers. By tackling the challenges, managers can turn in more benefits to the company’s economic status. We hope this article helps you develop ideas and find the best possible solutions.

‍