You have always done well to manage your team’s workload, resolve challenges and maintain morale. However, with hybrid and remote work here to stay, new strategies are necessary to support your team's productivity.
These are uncharted waters for everyone, and maintaining productivity while still showing your team members the trust they deserve requires an entirely new mindset. Here are four tips to help you navigate business operations in the remote and hybrid work world.
01
Set expectations — and the tone — right out of the gate.
It’s important to communicate the company’s intentions and infrastructure: expectations on work hours, progress reports, login credentials to online work systems, access to phone and video conferencing tools, for example. Equally important, it’s the perfect opportunity for leadership to set the tone around vocalizing productivity regardless of workplace environment.
The company is committed to maintaining its momentum. It’s invested in its employees. And it trusts employees to drive progress at the same rate as when the team was entirely in-office.
02
Connect and communicate frequently.
Ongoing communication is the most critical component to maintaining project timelines and costs, to say nothing of reducing feelings of isolation. When it comes to connecting with employees, more is better. In addition to holding the typical company or team meetings you would if the office were all in-person, albeit through new channels, consider beefing up communications and make a habit of reaching out to individuals or departments. Encourage weekly one-on-one meetings between supervisors and their staffs. While topics should be pragmatic and focused on the work at hand, every conversation should include the question, “How can I help?”
03
Identify personal differences and respect them.
04
Encourage innovation.
Yes, we’ve all heard the proverb, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Perhaps the shift in working location norms can bring out the best in your team members, lending the autonomy necessary to unlock innovative thinking. Now is the time to rally all your employees to think like entrepreneurs. It’s also an opportunity to build culture. Create a challenge and a reward for the best idea — and there are no bad ideas!
When you look for innovation around every corner, you’re more likely to find it. And when you allow staff to have a voice in the business, you drive a sense of personal investment and loyalty. Who knows what hidden value will be found in the minds of your virtually connected team?
Is your business navigating uncharted waters? If it’s related to brand communications, we’ve been there and are happy to share our perspective.
