What to Do If You’re Unexpectedly Managing a Hybrid Team
As many companies navigate returning to an office in some shape or form, your team members are likely contending with vastly different situations. Some may be planning a return to the workplace, while others intend to remain remote indefinitely. As the leader, how do you manage these various circumstances while treating everyone fairly? First and foremost, offer support. No matter their situation, your employees are under an unusual amount of stress these days. So check in with them and ask what they need. Next, set clear expectations about practices and protocols. How and when are you going to communicate? Who needs to be in which meetings? Do any workflows need to be updated to account for what’s changed? And be sure to strive for equity and fairness. A hybrid work environment can make some employees feel excluded, so create a level playing field in meetings and be careful that you don’t show preference to people who are back in the office. Finally, watch for signs of burnout, no matter where your employees are working. Touch base if you notice that one of your team members is particularly stressed, irritable, or exhausted. They may need help prioritizing their work, or just a little more day-to-day connection with their teammates.
“How to Manage a Hybrid Team,” by Rebecca Knight