Overseeing a hybrid team means navigating challenges that aren’t present in a traditional workplace. While some of your staff may be on-site. At least a portion is remote, and managing telecommuters requires a different strategy.
Part of mastering the hybrid workplace model involves embracing best practices that help your hybrid team thrive, both as individuals and as a group. If you aren’t sure where to begin. Here are the best practices you should start using today.
Set Clear Performance Expectations
While not unique to the hybrid workplace model. Setting clear performance expectations is crucial if you want your team to excel. When there is doubt about priorities. A portion of your workforce may fail to handle the right tasks at the proper time simply because they didn’t know those duties needed to take precedence.
Similarly, a lack of information about performance minimums creates ambiguity. Your team doesn’t have a defined target. So some employees may miss the mark purely because they weren’t aware of it.
By setting clear performance expectations, you give your hybrid team critical guidance. Plus, when you discuss your expectations, you open up the floor for questions, giving every employee a chance to get additional clarity or insights should the need arise.
Actively Promote Comradery
When part or all of your team is remote, there is always a chance that the telecommuters will feel disconnected from each other and the on-site staff members. While working remotely, there are rarely organic opportunities for bonding and relationship building. As a result, feelings of isolation can arise, and communication can break down.
To combat the disconnect, managers need to actively promote comradery. Creating a sense that everyone is in this together helps forge stronger bonds, improve communication, and keep every connected. At times, you can do this through a combination of recognition and socialization.
Not only should managers acknowledge their team’s efforts, but they should also encourage team members to recognize the work of their colleagues, making gratitude part of the team culture. Additionally, managers should introduce communication mechanisms that can be used for casual conversation, ensuring that employees have the right tools to remain in touch on all levels.
Reevaluate Your Hiring Approach
With a hybrid team, traditional hiring priorities may not be ideal. Working remotely requires some skills that aren’t necessary when everyone is in the office. Additionally, on-site employees need capabilities that allow them to effectively coordinate with telecommuters, ensuring they can do their part to keep workflows moving.
When it comes time to expand your team, make sure you seek out candidates with remote work-related skills and capabilities. This can include anything from knowledge of communication solutions to soft skills like communication, organization, self-reliance, and confidence.
Is It Time to Expand Your Hybrid Team?
Vector Technical Inc. – one of the top staffing firms in Ohio – provides local businesses in various industries with flexible hiring solutions, ensuring they can identify and secure top talent to expand their hybrid teams quickly. Let our staff located the skilled professionals you need for your open jobs the first time. If you’re looking for some of the best candidates Ohio has to offer, request an employee today!
