So you want to manage a Hybrid Workforce, do you?
Actually, with the way our Post-Pandemic (keeping our fingers crossed on that one) World is running thus far, chances are you NEED to manage a Hybrid Workforce. Very few organizations are able to bring all of their employees back into work full-time.
In this current climate, we’re experiencing all types of new challenges along with new experiences when it comes to working and managing some in the office and some on a screen. Some days, this new management style can be pretty daunting.
Managing a part physical and part virtual workforce can also be extremely reward though, and can lead to more productive outcomes and less turnover than employing a strictly in-office staff.
Here are our top tips for managing a Hybrid Workforce, and doing it well!
– More Regular Touches – Do your best to increase the regularity of your contact with your team. These “touches” don’t have to be long-winded emails or lengthy phone chats. They’re meant to asses how things are going, check in, and let the team member know that you care about their progress and well-being and are available for their questions. This type of connection is especially important on a social level, since we’ve lost the Water Cooler Camaraderie we once had Pre-Pandemic. More frequent touches ensure that you are avoiding miscommunication and keeping a finger on the pulse of your team.
– Uniform Access to Resources – We’ve all heard those stories about newly implemented Hybrid Workforces being stymied by arguments over who is getting the “better” deal. The in-office workforce is jealous of the remote workforce’s lack of a commute and ability to work in their pajamas, while the remote workforce wants access to better resources while working from home. While there does have to be a natural give and take in both environments, you as a manager can do a lot of good by making sure that you are giving everyone the same access to the resources they need todo their job. This might mean setting up a VPN, creating new SOP’s the include multiple shared drives and new communication lines, or simply organizing more virtual meetings and all-inclusive opportunities for connection. Make sure that no one feels slighted, don’t be excessive, and try to look at it from the employee’s perspective – make sure you’re being fair.
– Be Flexible – We’ve had to be resilient in times of big change. Be flexible with your staff right now. If you hired the right people, they are doing their best for you in spite of the adversity we face at the moment. Make sure that you are empowering them to do their best work, and that you are leading by example.
