If we’re talking about new work trends for 2022, we have to mention hybrid teams.

Hybrid work is a new way of doing business that has been propelled to new heights because of COVID, but that shows no signs of slowing down, even in a post-pandemic world.

What Is a Hybrid Team?

The term “hybrid team” refers to teams that are composed of a mix of people working remotely and in person. Within a hybrid team, individuals themselves may work from home part time and work in an office with coworkers the rest of the time.

Hybrid business models are great for both the employers and the employees, because it allows both parties more flexibility and creates new opportunities. That’s why hybrid teams are most definitely a trend that is here to stay. 

So, it’s important for managers to know how to get the most out of their teams in a hybrid work model. Keep reading for some great tips on working efficiently with hybrid teams this year and beyond!

Tips for Managing Hybrid Teams in 2022

Use the Right Team Communication App

The most important tip for working successfully together when people are not all co-located in a single space is to ensure that your communication is on point.

That’s why using a powerful team communication platform, such as Spike conversational email app, is so crucial.

Traditional email certainly has its place in every workplace, but it can be very inefficient and slow. That’s why we mention Spike — the world’s first app that turns cluttered email threads into streamlined chat-style conversations.

Using an app that streamlines your email, allows for instant messaging, and has other built-in features like video meetings and collaborative notes is one of the top ways to boost productivity among hybrid team members.

Make Sure Everyone Knows What Everyone Else’s Work Schedules Are

Hybrid work allows for much more flexibility, and hybrid team members are often based in different time zones or working on slightly different schedules because of other responsibilities.

Because of this, you definitely need to make sure that everyone’s work schedule is clearly communicated to the rest of the team.

You can do this by creating a shared calendar that everyone puts the hours they’re available on, and can easily update whenever those hours change.

That way, each person on your team knows exactly when they can schedule a meeting with or send a message to any other given person on the team.

Hold Everyone Accountable

When people aren’t working side-by-side in an office, it can be harder to know who is doing what and ensure accountability.

So, as a manager responsible for hybrid teams, you should put a plan into place that lets everyone check on everyone else’s work and know exactly where it is in the workflow.

One of the best ways to do this is using project management or to-do list software. These types of web-based apps allow you to create different project boards with all the relevant tasks for that project. Each task clearly shows who is working on it, when it’s due, and any progress updates.

Not only does this hold everyone accountable for their work, but it also helps you as a manager to identify bottlenecks and streamline work processes, to get your hybrid team working like a well-oiled machine.

Do Team Building Activities

Another challenge of working with hybrid teams is that many remote workers may not know everyone (or even anyone) else on the team personally. Sure, they might get to know people through instant messaging or video meetings, but it’s not the same as when you work in person together.

That’s why it’s important to consider ways to improve team building with remote teams, whether that means a Zoom happy hour once a month or a yearly in-person trip or special event together as a team.

Of course, the physical locations of everyone on your hybrid team will greatly influence how easy it is to team build in person, but the more personally team members get to know each other, the more trust and collaboration there will be within the team.

Check In With Everyone on Your Team

When you don’t see someone in person, it can be easy to kind of leave them to the side and not check in with them as much as you do with the people you work with in a physical space.

So, make a conscious effort to schedule regular one-on-one meetings with remote workers and ask them how they are doing. Make sure they have all the tools they need to do their jobs efficiently from home and let them know you’re always there if they need anything.

Also, don’t forget to check up on employees’ mental health. When working from home, especially during these uncertain pandemic times, it can be easy to feel isolated and alone. 

Be sure to ask your employees how they are doing outside of just their professional tasks, and look for ways to help if they need it. For example, you could offer subscriptions to online or local workout classes to help people improve their mental and physical well-being.