Companies are in the midst of bringing their employees back into the office, but many are taking a “wait and see” approach when deciding when to take this leap.
However, without appropriate planning, companies are setting themselves up for long-term damage. This is particularly important for organizations that have decided to incorporate hybrid arrangements that merge remote and in-office policies.
So how can leaders lay the foundation that seamlessly blends the return to the office and remote working?
For starters, create a ritual that empowers this new arrangement. According to research from Stanford University professor Bob Sutton, rituals help reinforce a mindset across the entire workforce.
Establishing synchronous and asynchronous communication will also be crucial for a hybrid team. With employees working from various locations and time zones, synchronous rituals should be included for meetings and other team-related activities. Asynchronous rituals should be established for emails, focus work and results recaps.
Having written rituals will also be key, especially when it comes to explaining the “why” behind company decisions. Identifying where written documentation can fit into practices and processes, such as brainstorming sessions, makes it easier for employees to remain on the same page when they are in different locations.
