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Since 2020, hybrid and remote working has been a popular choice. There is a strong desire to be in the office but also to work remotely on an as-needed basis. Despite negative stereotypes about remote work, employees are generally happy to work remotely. Homework can be just as effectiveThey do in the office just as well at home. This trend toward a continuous hybrid workplace allows employees to have more flexibility with their work schedules, but what about staying connected?
It can be difficult to connect with colleagues and leaders at work because some employees may be remote. We want our employees to reach their full potential, especially for those in leadership positions. This is more difficult in a hybrid environment. It is important to consider the possibility of remote voices being underrepresented. Leaders have the chance to take proactive steps and take initiative to prevent this problem. The workplace and work culture can be transformed by reaching out to individuals, organizing virtual/in person events, and encouraging career development.
Here are some experiences I have had as a leader working in a mixed environment. And here’s how I took action.
Employees from remote and hybrid locations should feel included
It can be easy for remote workers and hybrid employees to be ignored when they are part of new work arrangements. The culture of your workplace environment is not only in the physical space, but also in the mentality behind all actions.
Constant communication is a key way to make remote and hybrid employees feel part of the daily workplace. This includes not only having the right communication tools, but also encouraging leadership and remote employees to check in regularly. My company’s CEO and I regularly meet with remote employees to assess their progress and to suggest ways we can support them better. This is still a relatively new process, but we’ve received great feedback about how it makes employees feel more connected with the company.
Related:How To CreateOfficeUnity and a Community When You’re Remote
It is important to continue making it a priority to create a company culture that can be shared not only in the physical office but also remotely. Remote employees should experience events in a positive way, even the smallest things. Remote employees can feel more connected by sending them gift cards for lunch, or pre-mailing them swag before they are given to the in-office staff. My company is based out of Maryland. However, over the last two years we have added many fully-remote employees to our staff. This offers many benefits such as flexibility and allowing employees to manage their family life. We have been able to attract employees from all over the world by having multiple remote employees.
As a leader team, we realized it was crucial to reevaluate the mission and values of our organization as we grow. We are expanding across the country and have a lot of remote employees. Our purpose-driven culture has made our employees feel more connected than ever before the Covid-19 epidemic. We conducted an employee survey. This inspiration and altruism is what keeps us all connected, regardless of where we work.
Related:3 Ways To Create Cohesive Remote And Hybrid Teams
Encourage remote employees to develop their career
Many are concerned that working remotely could hinder their career development, as it creates a more isolated environment. Remote and hybrid employees might need to be more assertive in order to represent themselves and learn from their peers more often. How do we set this group up to succeed?
Senior leadership requires remote team members to participate in special projects, task forces, and other initiatives. Remote employees will feel more connected to their colleagues in the office and with other remote employees.
Leadership must also model good behavior. This includes asking remote team members for their opinions, asking them questions, not cutting off when they speak, and making sure they can contribute in group hybrid settings. These small actions can seem insignificant, but they set the tone and encourage remote team members to join the conversation.
Start by building a team of remote managers to help you raise remote employees and make sure remote workers are included in leadership positions. While there are pros to remote management, senior leadership can design a remote-friendly position that allows managers to manage both in-office workers and remote employees.
Remote workers can develop professionally at home with company-provided mentoring programs, professional development programs, and a focus on career pathing. We have a dedicated communications committee that includes representatives from remote teams to assist with technology, tools training, and hybrid workforce programs. This ensures remote workers have access to the right resources to help them succeed.
Although there are many challenges, it’s possible to stay connected in a constantly changing work environment. It is one thing to form a team, but it is quite another to make it work together. Communication is crucial for any organization. This applies to both remote employees and those working in the office. Leaders must ensure remote workers are integrated into the daily workings of an office environment.
Related:Remote,Officeor Hybrid? How to make sure your decision is right for long-term success
