In-office, at-home and hybrid are all regular ways to describe offices these days. While some organizations may have been functioning with flexible spaces for years, others were thrust into what may have seemed like a strange new world in the midst of the pandemic.
Either way, flexible work schedules are here to stay.
Managing a crew with shifting schedules and workspaces creates a unique set of challenges. How do you build connections? How do you ensure productivity? What is the best balance between in-office and at-home work?
Grow yourself as a manager by finding solid, creative solutions for every issue that may arise in a hybrid workforce.
Make Connections
Now that the dust of a scramble to remote work has begun to settle, employees and employers alike are seeing the positive effects of allowing more flexibility in their workspaces. Approximately 73% of employees want greater flexibility in their schedules that allows a mix of interactions face to face and from afar.
With a spread-out team, creating connections can be truly challenging as spontaneous interactions amongst staff are eliminated. Creating a plan for those workers seeking a diverse schedule can ensure inclusion and increase communications and connectivity.
Schedule all brainstorming sessions or weekend wrap-up style meetings so that staff not present can log in at a designated time and take part. Set core hours so your workflow is still happening concurrently between those in office and those working remotely.
Create opportunities for water cooler talk even in a virtual environment. Add a laptop or tablet to lunch spaces or start meetings slightly early so virtual staff can join conversations before getting down to business.
Be intentional in the midst of hybrid meetings to allow lag time in virtual answers as well so that every staff member has the opportunity to feel heard.
Handle the Tensions
Allowing staff to work from home does offer employees a new level of freedom, but it can also create quite a few tensions. Those who prefer to be in the office may feel like they are not getting the same level of benefits as the rest of the crew, and those at home might feel left out when decisions are made outside of meetings.
Tensions may arise between staff at home and management as well if expectations for work productivity and logged-in hours are not clear. Set standard work hours or schedule deadlines if hours are not as essential to the daily workflow.
Communication is key to handling every situation that may arise in the flexible work environment. Put into writing exactly what is anticipated, and stick to those expectations in order to manage your staff evenly no matter where they are.
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