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Loïc Thomas Profile Picture    Loïc Thomas
 in  Best practices
3 minutes

How to address remote management challenges in a hybrid work model

As the COVID-19 pandemic eases, 71 percent of French employees would like to adopt a hybrid work model according to a study from The Adecco Group. Every company had to adapt during the health crisis and certain changes to our organisational models have been integrated into our current working methods. 

As a result, our work structure has evolved to include flex offices and hybrid models that combine teleworking and in-person work. While many employees appreciate this change, what’s becoming clear is that it creates a significant challenge for managers. 

What is a hybrid work model and what are the challenges?

How it works

Hybrid work is an organisational model where the employee splits their work time between the office and their home. This makes work more flexible since the employee can have some control over their schedule and also choose where they want to work remotely.

The challenge is to find a balance between team member efficiency and a structure that fits both employees and managers. 

This hybrid concept has become more widespread as working methods go digital. Many employees see the benefits as they find a better balance between their personal and professional lives.

Challenges

While this work model seems to come with many advantages, it does have consequences for managers. Some of their work is being upended so they can deal with new issues.

If this is the case for you, pay special attention to the following items in a hybrid model

  • Communication sometimes becomes more difficult (issues related to distance, misunderstandings)
  • Information access is sometimes limited
  • Managers and employees may feel lost: it’s more difficult to integrate into the team and find your place when working remotely
  • Employees may feel disconnected from company initiatives and from their team: this makes it difficult to create a vibrant company culture and leaves little space for informal connections 

Despite these challenges, this method can be beneficial for employees and companies when implemented effectively. 

 

How to set up hybrid work effectively

Remote management requires reviewing how roles and tasks are assigned to each person on a team. New technologies can be very helpful with this: by using collaborative tools or business social media platforms, you can support remote collaboration, build team spirit and create a virtual workspace. To help build connections within the team, it’s a good idea to schedule each person’s teleworking days in advance. That way, team members will be in the office at the same time and can plan for informal time together. 

When working remotely, it’s important to continue team-building activities and discussions through regularly scheduled meetings (held daily or weekly). This allows you to keep an eye on your employees’ morale and motivation. 

As a manager, focus on effective communication that is more horizontal, participatory and inclusive. Trust your employees and delegate certain tasks to build a climate of confidence that promotes employee engagement and motivation. 

 

What are the advantages?

When remote management is successful, employees can feel more motivated, leading to higher productivity when using a flexible working method. This method offers employees a better balance between personal and professional life by reducing travel time, allowing them to take care of personal tasks between noon and 2p.m. or spending more time with their children, for example.

The ability to work almost anywhere and adjust the pace of their work day also appears to be an advantage and a motivating factor. Finally, this method addresses employee requests for more flexible work methods. 

Managing a remote team has become more common in the past few years. While some adaptation will be necessary along the way, it’s important to set things up properly from the beginning. If you do this, 95 percent of the challenges we mentioned won’t become issues and the transition to a hybrid work model will be easier and more effective. Remember that informal connections and discussions among employees are very important. Activities like team building, for example, are key to maintain team spirit. 

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