Avoiding These 3 Communication Mistakes Is Essential for Hybrid Teams

The advent of hybrid teams has resulted in a dichotomy between those who are privy to information and those who are not. A recent study has highlighted how this has led to workdays that are purely focused on transactional conversations, thereby prohibiting any sort of spontaneity between those who work in the office and those who work remotely.

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Inconsistent decision making results from uneven visibility and access to information

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The uneven distribution of information between in-office and remote personnel can create an uncomfortable power dynamic among hybrid teams. To ensure the equitable exchange of information, it is essential to establish a few clear guidelines. Such guidelines might include a well-defined handbook detailing organisational policies and procedures, frequently asked questions, and access to training resources. This will ensure that all team members have access to the same information and can collaborate productively.

The visibility of an individual is closely related to the influence they can have. This is particularly true for those who are present in the office, as they are able to engage in conversations and provide their thoughts and opinions in real time. Conversely, remote workers may find it much more difficult to be heard and to contribute to discussions, as they are unable to be physically present and rely solely on digital platforms. Consequently, remote employees may end up working longer hours and being more productive, yet still not receiving the recognition they deserve due to their lack of visibility. To address this discrepancy, hybrid teams should consider putting in place strategies to ensure that remote workers can be seen and heard, so that their efforts are acknowledged and their contributions are taken into account.

Managers should promote engagement from employees who logged in virtually before other employees and strive to ensure that all employees have equal access to information and that employee benefits are beneficial regardless of whether an employee is working remotely or in the office.

The “Zoom gloom” brings down team morale

Hybrid teams often experience “zoom gloom,” a form of stress and dissatisfaction caused by the lack of personal interaction in virtual meetings. In order to combat this phenomenon, Zoom has suggested suppressing one’s self-view during meetings as a way to reduce anxiety. This strategy has been supported by research which found that taking regular breaks and meditating in between sessions can prevent stress from accumulating over time.

The creation of meaningful employee connections through informal communication channels is an important challenge for hybrid businesses. According to research, more than two-thirds of employees would like to spend more time with their peers to strengthen interpersonal relationships. While virtual offices can be effective for task completion, they cannot replicate the conversations that occur during ‘hall talk’, which can lead to the generation of new ideas, exchange of information, and collaboration. Additionally, virtual workplaces can lack the spontaneity of in-person interaction and lead to decreased communication quality, which could have a detrimental effect on team morale.

In order to facilitate a more productive and collegial workplace, engaging in relationship-building activities during regular business calls can be beneficial. Such activities can include inventive introductions, as well as providing praise for individual and team accomplishments. This type of engagement can help to foster a healthy hybrid workplace.

Ideas are misunderstood when people don’t participate consistently

Despite the fact that the physical office space is not the primary focus for hybrid teams, the lack of a central hub makes it difficult to host events that call for strong engagement, such as meetings with high-value clients. Video conferencing can be beneficial, but it cannot substitute for the more meaningful interactions that come with face-to-face contact, especially when tackling complex topics. Consequently, 53% of remote employees are anxious about missing critical team meetings and other office events. As a result, managers are constantly seeking solutions that can meet the communication needs of hybrid teams.

Managers should create a selection guide that assigns workspaces based on the functions and tasks that employees are required to perform. This approach can help to identify and synchronise activities that necessitate in-person communication. Similarly, leaders should invest time and resources to equip hybrid teams with the necessary tools and materials to ensure they can effectively participate.

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