Getting the best results from your hybrid communication team

Managing or supervising a hybrid communications team can be challenging. It can be difficult to productively engage team members when they are based in different locations and time zones.

And while there is no one-size-fits-all answer to managing such a team, the following tips should certainly help your team to thrive.

✅ Think virtual first
When team members working in the office behave as if everyone is working remotely, remote workers are more likely to feel like part of the team. For example, bringing laptops to all meetings so everyone has an on-screen presence can create a more inclusive experience.

✅ Schedule regular check-ins
Check-ins allow you to share any concerns or questions with a team member and get an update on their performance. Scheduling these calls becomes even more important when working remotely, as the chance of impromptu meeting is less likely.

✅ Team recognition
Research consistently shows that employee recognition increases individual and team engagement. And higher engagement levels bring a host of benefits, including better organizational performance and greater employee satisfaction.
Take time to recognise team members who perform well. That way, you can show team members you appreciate and value their contributions. Regardless of whether they are in the office or not.

✅ Offer flexible work schedules
Don’t force your team to stick to a standard 9-to-5 workday structure. Ask them to consider where they can best focus on their individual assignments and when they should be in the office to boost collaboration and team culture.
But at the same time, do set boundaries for them so they are clear about your expectations.

✅ Collect and evaluate team feedback
The best feedback is 1:1 and preferably in-person. However, when this is difficult due to hybrid working, you can use alternatives. Consider conducting short ‘pulse’ surveys and questionnaires to find out how your team members feel about your management or supervisory style. These assessments can give you insights that can help you improve.

🌟 The best hybrid team managers prioritize business communication and work diligently to support their staff. These managers inspire and motivate team members to give 100%. They also help team members identify and mitigate performance issues before they can get out of hand.

For more tips and insights check out the report here.

📷Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash