Office, remote or hybrid? How to find the right balance
A guide to making remote and hybrid working work for your business.
Hybrid working is here to stay. Small businesses can succeed with this new work structure, but they need the right approach. It’s not always easy.
Many business owners think they’ll have more control by keeping people in the office or on-site. But often this isn’t the case.
Hybrid working can have huge benefits. Here’s a guide to managing remote teams, keeping a positive culture and boosting productivity. All while meeting the key legal requirements.
Hybrid working that works
Creating a great remote culture doesn’t mean everyone has to be online all the time. You need to make people feel like they’re part of something bigger. With some employees in the office and others remote, team sprit can fade if you don’t take the right steps.
A great starting point is to create regular touch points. These will make remote employees feel involved. For example, you could host a weekly team call to share updates, celebrate wins and connect. How about virtual coffee chats to help people bond?
Being flexible is key. Ask your team for feedback on what’s working and what isn’t. When employees feel heard they’re more likely to be engaged and productive. No matter where they work.
Choosing the right tools
Use digital tools to keep your team efficient. They’ll make keeping in touch and working together simple. Imagine tracking tasks in a hybrid set up without the right software – it can quickly become a nightmare. You could start by using Slack or Microsoft Teams to help your teams stay in touch.
Project management tools like Asana or Trello are lifesavers for keeping projects organised. These tools show everyone their tasks, helping to avoid mix ups and missed deadlines. For document sharing, try Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. They let teams access and edit files anytime.
Getting the legal bit right
Hybrid work involves legal duties. Like those related to health and safety, contracts and data protection. In the UK, employment contracts should state where and when employees will work. This means everyone knows where they stand and helps to avoid confusion.
Health and safety rules also apply to remote work. Make sure that home workspaces are safe. This could mean giving guidelines for setting up a workstation at home. Or offering a budget for office equipment. Let’s not forget data protection. Employees must use secure networks and follow GDPR rules when working with company data from various locations.
BrightHR can provide expert support with creating, or reviewing your existing, policies to make sure they are suitable for your setup. Contact BrightHR for more information.
Productivity and performance
Keeping track of productivity can be tough when employees work remotely. Instead of watching the clock, focus on outcomes. Set clear goals that your team can work towards, no matter where they’re based. Regular check-ins help too. Quick catch-ups to discuss progress, challenges and any support needs.
Encouraging accountability is important in hybrid settings. When employees know what’s expected of them and receive regular feedback, they stay motivated and engaged. This builds trust and empowers employees to do their work without constant supervision.
Supporting well-being and work-life balance
Remote work can blur the line between work and home, It can lead to burnout if not done well. As a manager, encourage your team to set regular hours. They should fully disconnect at the end of the day. A little support goes a long way. For example, remind your employees to take breaks. Or offer flexible hours to suit them.
Many businesses find mental health support, like counselling, a big help. This shows employees you care about their well-being. And it helps to build a balanced work culture. When people feel supported, they’re much happier.
BrightHR can provide a range of support services, including a 24/7 advice line and counselling, for you and your staff. Contact BrightHR for more information.
Set your team up for success
Mastering hybrid working takes some planning. But the benefits can be huge. A successful hybrid set up creates a flexible, supportive work environment. Start with strong communication, clear goals, tools and a solid legal base. Then watch your team excel wherever they are.
You can visit our learning page for more useful content on managing your team, and much more.