Managing Remote Workplace Employees

Managing remote employees can be tricky but overcoming challenges in the hybrid workplace is achievable. Hybrid work plans, which combine in-office and remote work, are becoming increasingly popular as employees seek a balance between the benefits of both models. Hybrid work plans offer the opportunity for employees to interact with one another in the office while also providing flexibility to work from home.

However, it’s important to be aware that there are signs that a hybrid work plan may not be the most effective for a company. As per the survey conducted by Owl Labs, globally, 16% of the total employees are working remotely, whereas 62% have opted for working hybrid.

It’s important for HR professionals, managers, and employees to be attuned to these signs and take steps to address any of the issues that may arise. If problems arise that are not dealt with, the hybrid work plan may not meet all employees’ needs and may not achieve the desired outcomes.

Signs That Your Hybrid Work Plan Isn’t Working:

Communication breakdowns: One common issue in hybrid work environments is the breakdown in communication. This can occur when some employees are in the office, and others are working remotely, leading to a disconnect between team members. In some instances, this results in missed deadlines, miscommunications, and unclear expectations around responsibilities and tasks.
Lack of support for remote workers: Another issue that can arise in hybrid work environments is a lack of support for remote workers. This can include inadequate training and resources for working remotely and a lack of opportunities for remote employees to connect with their colleagues and managers.
Difficulty in collaborating across different locations: Hybrid work environments can also make it more challenging for employees to collaborate and work together effectively. This can be due to differences in time zones, technological issues, or lack of in-person interactions.
Decreased productivity: If a hybrid work plan isn’t working effectively, it can lead to decreased productivity among employees. This can be due to any of the issues mentioned above or other factors, such as a lack of structure or support within the new workplace structure.
Negative impacts on work-life balance: Finally, a hybrid work plan that isn’t working can also have a negative impact on employees’ work-life balance. This can occur when employees feel pressure to be available at all times, or when they struggle to separate their work and personal lives while working from home.
Key employees leaving the company: Employers can face challenging situations when key employees receive competitive job offers that provide the option of full-time remote work, which could arguably give that employee more benefits.
Two workplaces become necessary: The hybrid work schedule can significantly impact employees’ creativity and productivity due to their need for two distinct workspaces. This calls for the proper setup of both environments to ensure that employees are able to stay productive while working both from home or the office.
Teams becoming disconnected: With the rise in requests for flexible working arrangements, employers are left wondering how to keep their teams connected. It’s important to consider the productivity of remote days and the impact that longer periods away from colleagues can have on workplace morale and collaboration.

Strategies for Managing Your Hybrid Work Plan:

Set clear communication guidelines: One of the key ways to address issues with communication in a hybrid work environment is to establish clear guidelines for it. This can include setting expectations for response times, establishing a schedule for team meetings and check-ins, and using tools to stay organized and on track, such as a form of project management software.
Implement tools and technology to facilitate remote work: Another important step is to ensure that remote workers have the tools and technology they need to work effectively when they are away from the office. This includes providing high-functioning laptops, necessary software access, and reliable internet connectivity.
Provide training and support for remote workers: It’s also important to provide training and support for remote workers, so they have the skills and resources they need to be successful in their roles. This can include training on how to use remote work tools and technology and opportunities for remote workers to connect with their colleagues and managers online.
Establish a culture of trust and accountability: A key component of a successful hybrid work environment is a culture of trust and accountability. This means setting clear expectations for performance, providing regular feedback, and holding all employees accountable for meeting their responsibilities.
Encourage open communication and collaboration: It’s important to encourage open communication and collaboration among all team members, regardless of location. This can be achieved through regular check-ins and team meetings, as well as through the use of tools like video conferencing and collaboration software.
Ensure employees feel trusted and respected: To ensure all employees feel respected, organizations must consider creating allowances for everyone to access hybrid working arrangements or even separate ones that are tailored specifically for each department based on their needs. By taking such measures, employers will be able to foster a fair and productive environment where every employee feels valued regardless of how they choose to approach their duties.
Have a set schedule: To ensure a smooth transition between office and home working, it’s recommended that the employer have a set schedule to help curb any potential disruptions. Instead of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in the office, why not consider having Monday and Tuesday there? This way, employees can settle into their new routine without disruption throughout the week.
Boost employee engagement: To keep morale and productivity high in the new hybrid work schedule, employers can assign a fun club team that creates cultural activities virtually and in real life. Working in the “new normal” doesn’t have to be dull or uninspiring. Employers should embrace hybrid work with an added dose of fun! Appointing a “fun club” from within your team can help instill online and offline culture – creating an engaging environment for everyone involved.
Ensure policies are up to date: Above all, make sure your Employee Handbook is current. Updating policies and procedures for a hybrid office is crucial. The handbook should clearly state, in writing, newly formed work from home and hybrid working conditions, schedules and processes to 0bey.