The pandemic has accelerated a new style of work where the office is likely to become a less important part of everyday business life, and a hybrid system will become the norm for many. According to a recent survey by Vistage, 57% of companies are considering a hybrid approach, 26% a fully remote setting with just 17% returning to the office.

Managing a Hybrid Team

Managing a remote team requires an acceptance of the need for change, a defined - and shared - purpose, trust, clear direction, engagement, listening, collaboration, constructive feedback and outstanding communication to make it work successfully.

So what are the elements you need in place to help your remote or hybrid team perform well? Here are our top tips.

Culture

Creating a culture where employees feel part of the company is even more important with a hybrid system. It is vital that when working remotely, employees feel strongly connected to the business they are part of.

Company culture has taken a hit for many during the pandemic, leaders now need to cultivate culture with employees working from multiple locations. Perhaps the most important aspect of company culture to focus on is shared purpose, when excellent leadership’s called for.

Leadership

The most effective leaders are fully engaged with the company and its team; this emotional bond often means employees are willing to go that extra mile for you. In cases where the leaders sense of meaning aligns with a company’s sense of purpose, results are outstanding.

Motivation

Having the following factors in place creates high levels of satisfaction, motivation, engagement and strong commitment.

Ways to keep your team motivated include ensuring they have the following:

• Have a sense of meaning

• Personal achievement

• Recognition

• Stimulating work

• Opportunity for advancement

• Personal growth

Establish a Buddy System

Consider using your line management or a ‘buddy/coach’ system. Pair up one of your more experienced people with another to ensure that the less experienced person can benefit. Regular contact is a key success factor here.

When the ‘senior’ buddy is open to learning from their colleague, who may be more ‘junior’ in your organisation yet will have skills and experience that the more senior buddy can benefit from.

Superior Communication

Remote workers can feel isolated. Communication from you to them must be of the best quality, given the lack of contact with each other physically. Virtual team meetings are essential.

Make sure everyone is included in the discussion. Splitting into online breakout rooms for 1-1 or small group discussions promises everyone has a chance to speak.

One to one ‘touch-point’ meetings should follow. These are the times when you can openly discuss personal concerns with the individual. This enables you to focus on not only what matters to the business, but also what matters to them.

Technology

Using technology in remote locations means you are exposed to a greater risk of cybercrime. It is important to reiterate to your employees your policy in do’s and don’ts with regard to their online behaviour.

Technology is a fundamental part of making remote work function well. Double check that your staff are equipped with all the tools to work. Ask key questions about your staff and their technology, providing training and focusing on the brutal truths of technology.

The UK Government’s department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport March 2021 report highlights that:

• Circa 40% of businesses experienced a cyber attack in the last 12 months, and ¼ of those experience this every week!

• The mean average cost of cybersecurity attacks is £8.5k, and this gets larger as your business gets larger.

• 1 in 5 attacks result in permanent financial and/or data loss.

We suggest you look at the following five actions that can help you reduce the risk of becoming a negative cyber security statistic.

• Take out some form of cyber security insurance

• Undertake a cyber security risk assessment

• Test staff - especially those working from home

• Carry out cyber security vulnerability audits

• Review cyber security risks posed by suppliers

Hybrid working situations are already the ‘norm’ for many companies, but this way of working means new leadership skills from all involved. The only thing we can be certain of is that the world of work is changing quickly and we in business need to be ready to learn and adapt quicker if we are to thrive.

By Giles Watkins and Marcus Chipchase – Directors of Tinderbox https://www.tinderboxbusinessdevelopment.co.uk/