Connecting hybrid teams depends on more than fancy tech
How can companies make sure they can overcome the barriers to a successful hybrid work experience? Establishing the right culture and office experience are vital stepping stones
According to Gallup, four in 10 employees want to be in the office two to three days per week, while three in 10 prefer to work in the office one to two days a week. Employees want a hybrid work schedule, whether for increased flexibility, better wellbeing, or something else entirely.
However, achieving a thriving hybrid work model requires a willingness to do what it takes to overcome the communication and collaboration barriers that exist with hybrid work. Start by adopting the mindset that your employees, office design and technology are connected.
Here’s how to ensure you create a thriving hybrid environment where the three above elements work together.
Cultivate the right company culture
Simply put, hybrid work isn’t going anywhere. Businesses and employees realise this work model’s many benefits, like more flexibility, better work-life balance, professional growth, and increased productivity.
To attract and retain top talent, you must cultivate a successful hybrid environment where these benefits can be realised. This starts with developing the right company culture.
Of course, the technology you use to support your hybrid team is critical. However, fancy tech isn’t a replacement for culture. If your company culture is toxic and unsupportive of hybrid workers, all the technology in the world can’t bring you to the level of success you’re hoping for.
‘Fancy tech is not a replacement for culture…’
On the other hand, if your company culture is rooted in positivity, creativity and teamwork, integrating new technology will be more manageable. And you can use tech to better evaluate current issues with your hybrid model, and develop practical and technical solutions to resolve them.
Work diligently on your company culture. Refine your values, mission and vision. Foster open communication and welcome two-way communication with each person on your team. Ensure you prioritise team camaraderie too.
Implement open office design
Open office designs can also help create a cohesive culture. Redesigning your in-office space for hybrid work is critical. Confining everyone in the office to a cubicle won’t support a hybrid team. You need everyone to easily come together and collaborate in the office. You also need your layout to bridge the gap between your remote workers and in-office employees.
An open office design can do this. You should work on building an office that supports flexibility and connection with workers outside the office. For example, your conference rooms should be accessible and equipped with technology that enables your team to connect easily with employees working outside the office. You could also have a large workspace with collaboration furniture to achieve team cohesion.
