Empowering Your New Hybrid Team To Achieve Success
The workforce and talent development landscape has undergone a significant transformation, largely accelerated by the global events of digitization, the global pandemic, and climate change, among others, in recent years. The rise of hybrid work, where teams combine in-person and remote work, has become the new norm. And with this change comes the challenge of keeping a new team motivated and engaged, even when they are physically scattered.
10 Strategies For A Motivated Hybrid Team
1. Establish Clear Goals And Expectations
The foundation of motivation and engagement lies in clear communication. When onboarding a new team, make sure they understand the organization's goals, their roles within the team, and the expectations set for them. This clarity provides a sense of direction and purpose, making team members more motivated to work towards common objectives.
Apply now: A few days after the new team comes on board and gets situated, set up an all-hands meeting and share the organization's mission, vision, goals, roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
2. Foster Open And Inclusive Communication
In a hybrid work environment, maintaining open lines of communication is paramount. Encourage your team members to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas openly, regardless of their location. Utilize a variety of communication tools, such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and regular team meetings, to create a sense of connection and inclusion.
Apply now: Ensure everyone has video and audio access to software similar to MS Teams, and set up a virtual fifteen-minute team stand-up meeting each morning to allow everyone to share what they are working on that day and where they may need help.
3. Embrace Flexibility
One of the key benefits of hybrid work is flexibility. Allow your team members to have some control over their work schedules and locations. This empowerment can significantly boost motivation, as individuals appreciate the autonomy to balance work and personal life effectively.
Apply now: Together with your team members, choose two days each week when you will all meet and work together at the office.
4. Leverage Technology Wisely
In a hybrid environment, technology is your ally. Use smart devices, eLearning platforms, project management tools, apps, and collaboration software to facilitate seamless communication and access to resources. Train your team to utilize these tools efficiently to enhance engagement and productivity.
Apply now: Leverage collaboration tools that allow all team members to work concurrently on a given document. This will cut down on waiting times between content creators and content reviewers.
5. Recognize Achievements
Recognition and appreciation are powerful motivators. Celebrate the successes of your team, whether big or small. Rewards and recognition can take various forms, from cash on-the-spot awards and time off to verbal praise in a team meeting and a written congratulatory note. Acknowledging accomplishments fosters a sense of belonging and encourages team members to strive for excellence.
Apply now: Lead off every all-hands meeting with kudos to a team or a team member before getting into the business strategy, operations, and tactics portion of the agenda.
6. Provide Growth Opportunities
A motivated team is one that sees a future with your organization. Offer professional development opportunities, learning experiences, and a clear path for career advancement. When team members know they can grow within the organization, they are more likely to stay engaged and committed.
Apply now: Encourage the team to exercise their empowerment and accountability by attending conferences to network and stay current in your industry, and also by reporting back on their learnings from the conference.
7. Encourage Social Interaction
Don't underestimate the value of social interaction in a hybrid environment. Organize virtual social events, team-building activities, and informal in-person gatherings to foster connections among team members. Building relationships outside of work tasks can strengthen a sense of belonging and engagement.
Apply now: Engage the team and agree on a specific day and time each month when the team meets in person to grab a bite and connect outside the office.
8. Support Mental Health And Well-being
The well-being of your team members should always be a priority. Encourage regular breaks, promote work-life balance, and provide resources for mental health support. A healthy and happy team is more likely to stay motivated and engaged.
Apply now: Keep a fresh batch of apples and other fruit in the office, and encourage the team to help themselves. Provide access to counseling services and encourage regular breaks to combat burnout.
9. Lead By Example
As a leader, your actions speak louder than words. Whether in person or online, you always need to demonstrate a strong work ethic, positivity, and a commitment to the organization's values. Your behavior sets the tone for the team, influencing their motivation and engagement levels.
Apply now: In times of crisis, your leadership will be tested, and that is when you must stay calm, communicative, and collected.
10. Monitor Progress And Adapt
It is important to regularly assess the motivation and engagement levels of your team. Use surveys and one-on-one meetings, check out what the team says on social media, and hold feedback sessions to gauge how team members are feeling. Based on their feedback, be ready to adapt and make the necessary changes to improve their experience in the hybrid work environment.
Apply now: Set up bi-weekly check-ins with your team members to ask how it is going, listen, and offer guidance and advice.
Conclusion
In the continuously evolving landscape of hybrid work, motivating and engaging a new team is both a challenge and an opportunity. It is important to remember that it's not only about where your team members are comfortable working; it's also about how they work together and the support and motivation you provide. As we continue to navigate the future of work in Learning and Development, as a leader, you will need to commit to creating environments where motivation and engagement are not bound by physical constraints but thrive in the spirit of collaboration and innovation. By embracing clear communication, flexibility, technology, recognition, growth, learning opportunities, social interaction, mental health support, and exemplary leadership, you can build a motivated and engaged team that thrives in a hybrid environment.