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How to Manage Your Hybrid Team Effectively

by Julie Miles / October 20, 2021

Hybrid team models have become popular following the spread of Covid 19. While most companies are still hesitant to adopt remote working, a Gartner report shows that 47% of employers plan to allow remote working. In addition, 73% of employees need a flexible remote working environment.

Hybrid working strikes a balance between remote and in-office working. This structure increases flexibility in firms because employees can choose to work from the office or remotely and visit the office on specific days.

Hybrid teams should collaborate well to boost their dynamics and get rid of the things which could derail their productivity. As an HR manager, you would like to see the best results from your hybrid team, and that’s why proper management is vital.

Here are helpful tips for managing your hybrid team and improving productivity.

1. STREAMLINE YOUR PROCESS

Having multiple, inefficient systems in place will greatly inhibit the success of managing a hybrid team, and obtaining accurate, timely information on how each team member is performing. Having a single sign-on, cloud-based HR and Payroll system can assure you not only have the tools you need, but the efficiency required to effectively manage workflows and processes, while enhancing your employee’s experience.

2. BRING THE TEAM TOGETHER

Hybrid teams need unifying tools to maintain communication in the firm and connect to every team member. These tools are particularly important to the remote teams who are located in different locations. One of the most powerful additions to the isolved HCM platform is the Share & Perform module. It is a full-service engagement and performance management feature that includes an employee portal/intranet, collaboration, rewards and recognition, performance management with goal setting and reviews. View all of these features and more below:

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3. REVISIT OFFICE FUNCTIONALITY

Is your office equipped for hybrid teams? Revisit the current floor plan, and see how you might set up space for group work, virtual meetings for in-office and remote team members. Remember to set up individual office space where remote team members can schedule time to work in-person. Keep the space neutral so it may be used by several, alternating employees. Shelving and file cabinets with assigned spaces for each remote employee will make their transition to in-person work efficient.

4. Involve Remote Employees

It’s much easier to interact with the in-office team because they are easily visible. However, you should not neglect the remote team. Like the office team, the remote team needs to participate in cross-functional work in the office to be more resourceful. Often, your remote team may feel isolated, and this might reduce their morale and productivity.

So, let your remote team feel included. Once in a while, make arrangements for them to visit the office. They can come to the office as frequently as they need, but if they live far, a monthly or yearly visit would work. 

These visits can help your remote team interact with the in-office team and strengthen the employees bond.

5. Set Your Goals and Clarify Your Expectations

It’s not possible to measure the performance of a hybrid team using the hours spent in the office. For this reason, it’s essential to be clear on what you expect from your team beforehand. When you communicate your expectations, it becomes easier for the team to adhere. 

As mentioned in this study, nearly half of employees in the United States start their day without a precise clarity of their duties. Lack of clarity results in low or no morale, poor focus and probably, low productivity.

So, each day, utilize the project management tools to assign clear instructions and use video calls for clarity. Be sure to follow up at the end of the day to see the accomplishments and take the necessary measures.

6. Communication IS KEY

The results of your team will be based on how well you communicate with your team. Hybrid team members need to have open communication to feel secure, learn from each other and build trust.

Here are helpful tips on improving communication in a hybrid team:

  • Maintain an open communication policy where the employees can ask questions freely.
  • Use multiple communications channels to favor every member of the team. For instance, remote employees who experience internet issues should reach you via phone call other than slack, etc.
  • Offer prompt feedback to each team member.
  • Be clear when assigning tasks to reduce inconveniences.
  • Be open and honest.  

7. Improve Time Management in the Team

Time management for the in-house team may be easy because the workers report to work daily. But what about the remote team? Remember that you have the same goals as the remote team despite the time and distance constraints. 

While some employees have excellent time management skills, others need a reminder, and this is your work as the leader. Here are sure tips to promote time management in a hybrid team:

  • Provide a routine for everyone working either in the office or at home 
  • Provide short and regular breaks every day for the team to relax 
  • Declutter the office and get rid of the things which could distract your office team
  • Train your remote workers on time management, its benefits and how they can effectively manage their time at home

8. Be Fair To Each Team

Both the remote and in-office teams require fair treatments to avoid neglect. And to provide a fair environment, you first need to understand the pros and cons of each working team. For instance, remote workers may not face any hardships in maintaining a work-home balance because they are flexible. 

To be fair to the in-office team, you should provide breaks in the office, but also allow time for them to pick their kids up from school, or go to personal appointments.

Your rewards and benefits should be fair as well. For instance, if you provide lunch to your in-office team, you can also send a small perk to the remote team to order food deliveries.

You should also commit equal focus and time to each team to better understand their challenges and how you solve them well.

9. Measure Performance

Performance metrics cannot be ignored in a hybrid team. You need to determine realistic and measurable KPIs that you will use to know your team's progress.

The best way to measure the performance of a hybrid team is to use the quality of work rather than the hours spent on work. Regularly assess the ability of the employees to meet deadlines and make the right ensures. 

10. maximize company culture

It has never been more critical to communicate and support company culture. Holding regular company social gatherings and community service opportunities can help create the small talk at the water cooler that just doesn’t happen as readily with people working in different locations. This helps everyone feel connected, included, and offers a chance for all to celebrate what makes your company special – its people and values.

Conclusion

Hybrid teams are flexible and can improve business productivity when managed well. If you plan to create a hybrid working environment or have one, follow the above guide to make each employee  comfortable, save time and improve productivity.

ABOUT PLATINUM GROUP

Platinum Group is a human capital management resource with solutions to help you streamline operations so you’ll have time to manage your business. No matter which division you work with: Payroll/HR or Accounting, our team is built upon a foundation of support, service, camaraderie and collaboration that we share both in-house and with our wonderful clients. For more information about Platinum Group, or to schedule a demo of isolved, please visit our website.






Tags: Payroll & Human Resources Company Culture employee well being iSolved HCM Workplace Wellness HR iSolved Payroll Remote Work

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Julie Miles

Julie Miles

Julie’s passion is to act as a liaison between the Platinum team, their wonderful clients, and the community, striving to tell their stories and make connections.