Alastair Wallace shares three ways to make hybrid work actually work: document your expectations upfront, schedule regular check-ins with cameras on, and turn off constant chat notifications. Done right, hybrid boosts productivity and happiness.
Well, that pandemic was a bit of a challenge, wasn't it? It shook us all to the core, necessitating big changes in how we work. Not all of them good. It's great to work in your trackies and slippers from time to time, but it's really easy for people to start feeling isolated, getting confused, and things starting to drift. It's a big subject that I could talk for hours about, but But here's 3 hacks on how to get hybrid right. Number 1: Be clear about your expectations for hybrid working and that arrangements might change over time. Agree it and write it down. Hybrid for most of us is a negotiated privilege, not a contracted right, but customs and practice can prevail in employment law. Do seek advice if you're unsure. Number 2, stay in touch with scheduled team and one-to-one check-ins. That includes those water cooler and fun moments. You can create these on camera. Yes, cameras on every time, please. Number 3, use technology consciously. Constant Teams or Google Chat messages are a horrible time suck and distraction, so manage them or switch it off entirely. I hate it, I really do. Hybrid can make teams more productive, healthier, and happier if it's done right. If you need expert help with this, you need to talk to your HR people inside the organization, or I can recommend someone great for you if you need a resource in the UK. Happy to serve, as always.
