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Infographic: How to supercharge collaboration in a hybrid work model (PDF download)
Every business has the opportunity to build a productive hybrid team, and it starts with creating a culture of collaboration. In a hybrid work model, employees are fully engaged and highly motivated to contribute. They are also empowered to contribute in new ways and achieve greater feats. If you are considering implementing a hybrid work model, check out the following tips.
Hybrid work models are here to stay
Hybrid work models are the future of the corporate world, and they allow small business owners to build a flexible work environment that benefits them and their employees. Following the initial work-from-home programs brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, 73% of employees now want flexible remote work options to stay, and 66% of business leaders say they are considering redesigning their office space to accommodate more hybrid working options.
What does that mean? Hybrid work models are here to stay, so it's time to start thinking about how your business can help optimize your employees’ productivity within these new systems.
Further, creating an environment that encourages collaboration can help keep employees energized, motivated, and productive.
6 steps to supercharge collaboration in a hybrid work model
The rise of hybrid work models has created a new set of challenges for business owners and managers. If you embrace the hybrid work model as a business owner, then you need to collaborate with other people effectively and encourage your team to do the same.
So, how do you encourage collaboration within your hybrid work team? Here are six steps to help you get started:
1. Start with a culture of collaboration and initiative
Business owners and managers who want to create a culture of collaboration within their hybrid work team need to focus on cooperation, problem-solving, and setting goals.
This effort should pay off, as hybrid work models come with many benefits, allowing employees to contribute in new ways, achieve more, and work more effectively with less stress.
2. Give your employees ownership and empowerment
When adopting a hybrid work model, you need to empower your employees with the tools, resources, and technology they need to work effectively in this new system.
To do this, you will need to give the right tools to the right people. Consider training your employees to perform new and diverse tasks. Give them the skills and autonomy to do the work they were hired and trained to do, and empower them with more complex tasks as well.
3. Set clear, measurable goals
Once employee ownership and empowerment are in sync with your culture of collaboration, you will need to set clear, measurable goals so your hybrid team can succeed. This will ensure that all of your employees are working towards the organization’s common goals. You will also be able to measure your hybrid team's success and make the adjustments necessary to adapt and improve.
4. Use technology to enhance the experience
Technology has made remote collaboration easier than ever, and it is essential to use it to your advantage.
With new technologies such as Slack and Google Apps, you can set up a collaborative environment where your hybrid teams can communicate and improve their work.
This will help eliminate silos of information, reduce email and Zoom overload, and allow employees to collaborate on more complex tasks.
5. Encourage team-based work
One of the most effective ways to ensure that your hybrid teams communicate with each other is by having a team-based work culture. Hybrid teams that collaborate can tackle the impossible.
Encourage team-based work by having your teams get together to share knowledge, discuss the bigger picture, and solve the challenges they face.
6. Recognize and reward employees
When you recognize and reward your employees for a job well done, they will be more energized and motivated to contribute to their team, allowing your hybrid team to accomplish even more.
Acknowledge your employees for working hard, and don't overlook the little things they do within their roles.
Make your hybrid work model work for you
Hybrid work models are all about collaboration, teamwork, efficiency, and innovation. Maintaining a successful hybrid work model requires building a culture of collaboration and empowerment. When implemented well, they allow companies to reduce the buck-passing mentality that plagues many small businesses.
If your organization is looking for a flexible work option that doesn’t sacrifice productivity, consider implementing a hybrid work model.
You can find more tips on growing your small business at the BBB.
BBB of Southern Piedmont and Western N.C. contributed to this article.