Having all your team members in one place is ideal as a leader, as it makes it easier for them to connect and for you to have conversations with each other. It also allowed for spontaneous moments that add value to a business relationship. Unfortunately, when things went completely virtual, it created a human deficit, resulting in reduced team cohesion.
The rise of the hybrid model, also known as work from anywhere (WFA), has created a lot of uncertainty regarding the future of team cohesion. The job of team leaders has become significantly more demanding, as it requires them to create an environment that is inclusive of everyone. According to a study conducted by Deloitte, a third of employees are experiencing mental health challenges and fatigue. Despite the challenges that this situation poses, it is still essential to maintain a positive perspective on the situation.
The study also revealed that only 56% of employees believe their company’s executives care about them. On the other hand, over 90% of executives believe that their workers are highly valued. Here are some tips to help your hybrid employees feel valued, even at a distance.
Provide Equal Resources and Preparation for Meetings
The evolution of the conference room into the Zoom room has revealed that virtual meetings are more exhausting and challenging than in-person ones. They also tend to be less satisfying. To make the meetings more enjoyable, make them as interactive as possible. Before starting a meeting, ensure everyone has the necessary materials in advance. This will allow remote and office team members to feel at ease during the session.
Maximize In-Person Opportunities
One of the most critical factors that team leaders should consider when building a successful team is the relationship building that occurs during in-person events. This can be done through the use of a variety of methods, such as group meetings or professional development retreats. One of the most effective ways to build a strong team is by having everyone get a team photo. After the event, send copies of the image to each member to remember their fun.
Don’t Leave Remote Team Members Out of the Office
Even though you may not be able to bring everyone into the office simultaneously, you can still represent them all at once. A team wall featuring photos of the entire group can help remind everyone of their remote teammates. Even though they may not see them often, the images will still be in the background of the wall, and remote team members might see them in video calls.
Find Ways to Connect Within Everyone’s Work Hours
According to a survey conducted by the Gallup organization, project leaders and team managers are more likely to experience stress than their office counterparts when it comes to communicating with their remote team members. This is due to the increased demands placed on their time with team members across different time zones.
One of the most effective ways to reduce having to accommodate other time zones is to send weekly video updates. This can be done in around 1-2 minutes. Having a consistent update schedule can help build a more engaging team experience.
Due to the increasing number of people working from different locations, team leaders are more likely to experience stress when building a successful team. To reduce the stress, try making sure that you create positive connections with your remote team members.