Ask the EXpert: How do I keep my hybrid team connected?
Dear EXperts,
With hybrid work becoming our new normal, we’re struggling to keep our team feeling connected and engaged. Do you have any tips to help us build meaningful connections and a sense of community among our scattered workforce?
– Worried HR leader
Our EXpert advice
We totally get it - keeping the team spirit alive in a hybrid world can be tricky. But don’t worry, we’ve got you.
The main thing to remember is the importance of encouraging open communication. To do this, we need to encourage team members to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. When people feel heard, they feel more connected and valued.
Want the lowdown?
Regular check-ins:
Set up regular one-on-one and team check-ins - these can be casual virtual coffee chats or more formal meetings. The key is to build consistent rituals and show genuine interest in how everyone’s doing over time.
Celebrate the wins:
Don’t forget to celebrate milestones, whether they’re big or small, work related or otherwise. Recognise individual and team accomplishments publicly to boost morale and make everyone feel appreciated. Lead by example regularly to encourage your teammates to follow suit.
Build trust through transparency:
This means being open about company goals, decisions, changes, and challenges. When employees feel informed and in the loop, they’re more likely to trust leadership and each other, which strengthens the overall connection within the team.
Support networks and mentorship:
Leverage the incredible talent you already have in your teams by creating support networks and mentorship programs. This could look like pairing employees with more experienced mentors or peer-to-peer buddies, or even reverse mentoring where senior leaders are mentored by more junior employees. The process recognises that there are skills gaps and opportunities to learn on both sides of a mentoring relationship.
Ask for regular feedback:
Keep asking for feedback on what’s working and what’s not, and be ready to tweak things based on their input. This shows a commitment to creating a hybrid environment that is welcoming for everyone. Feedback should look at everything from project process, to team morale, to client satisfaction, to meeting effectiveness, to any challenges with resources.
