5 Tips for Strengthening Hybrid Teams
A few years ago, the idea that hybrid work could become the norm seemed almost unimaginable.
In the wake of the COVID pandemic, more and more companies are now embracing this new normal, and remote work has become an option that most employees expect rather than hope for.
There is plenty of evidence showing the benefits of hybrid work for your company. A recent survey found that 63% of high-growth companies had already adopted a “work from anywhere” model. In contrast, 69% of companies opposed to hybrid work reported negative or no growth during the same period.
But things don’t always go smoothly. Many managers and business owners are realizing that simply redesigning office space and using a basic hybrid workplace guide is not enough. That’s why it’s important to adopt certain habits to support your hybrid teams and increase engagement.
1. Set clear rules
Unclear policies and poor setup leave employees unsure about when or why they should come into the office when they could just work from home. Without a solid plan, this confusion can impact employee morale and harm your business.
To avoid this, establish clear, easy-to-access guidelines. Define which employees can work remotely, how often in-office attendance is expected, whether private desks are allowed, and how to manage a coworking plan for fully remote teams. Communicate all of this transparently.
2. Make scheduling easy
Socializing with colleagues is a strong motivator to come into the office.
Nikolay Grachev, CEO of Yoffix, says: “90% of our clients confirm that their employees are only motivated to come into the office when they know they’ll meet colleagues there.” Use that insight by making work schedules visible so employees can coordinate their office days more easily.
The Yoffix workplace booking tool is a simple way to check desk availability, invite colleagues for coffee or lunch, and even coordinate schedules via Slack. A management tool like this makes it much easier for employees to stay connected.
3. Introduce team office days
In larger companies, it’s tough to maintain the team spirit that’s essential for collaboration. While everyone is technically welcome to work at the office any time, creating a hybrid schedule that includes dedicated team or department office days is a great way to motivate people.
Encouraging all members of a team to come in on the same day strengthens connections and drives engagement. It can also be useful to schedule days where multiple departments work in the office together so employees can interact beyond their immediate hybrid team.
4. Create new social rituals
In the midst of all these changes, it’s essential to offer opportunities for non-work-related socializing. This is not only a great part of office culture, but it also strengthens relationships, even when people aren’t physically in the same space.
Companies with strong social rituals consistently see better results in revenue and talent retention. In fact, 54% of employees say a strong sense of community made them stay at a company longer than they otherwise would have. Studies also show that 50% of positive changes in workplace communication patterns are due to social interaction outside of work.
Introduce rituals that help employees build personal connections. A great example is a “Rookie Hour” where new hires can casually introduce themselves to the team. Virtual events like online lunches or game nights can also foster a sense of community, even when working remotely.
5. Continuously optimize the hybrid model
To make sure your hybrid work plan remains successful, it's crucial to regularly monitor all relevant factors. Review team attendance data, engagement, motivation, productivity, and employee feedback to make the right adjustments and keep everything running smoothly as your company grows.
Of course, constantly tracking results while managing everything from remote schedules to desk bookings can be a major challenge. With Yoffix, you can manage every aspect of your hybrid workplace in one platform, allowing employees to book desks and coordinate meetings on their own. It also makes it easier for you to adapt your model based on real-time data.
Sign up today for a free trial and experience the benefits a tailored hybrid work plan can bring to your company.
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