After months of settling into a remote work lifestyle, it has become abundantly clear that many companies will adopt some form of flexible working for the foreseeable future.
While some organizations could turn to permanent remote working arrangements, many will turn to a hybrid policy that melds home and in-office working.
But in order for this to be successful, business leaders need to adopt strategies that create a work environment that is connected, engaged and productive.
Whether intentional or not, in-person workers tend to get preferential treatment over their remote counterparts. Remote and on-site workers need to be treated equally for a successful workforce.
Additionally, business leaders need to ensure that they are all engaged during meetings, collaboration sessions and all projects.
One way to do this is, instead of having on-site employees sit in a conference room for a meeting, have everyone log into the meeting virtually.
Another way to improve a hybrid work environment is to lean into asynchronous communication. Real-time communication through chat or email can hinder productivity and interrupt the workflow of many.
Synchronous communication is particularly difficult for those working remotely, who are making their own hours and may be receiving messages way after they have logged off for the day.
To keep workers from always being on, leaders should encourage the “do not disturb” function on communication tools and designate specific channels for emergencies.
