Hybrid workplaces, where employees have the option of working remotely or coming into the office, look like they are here to stay and whilst they have a number of advantages they can prove challenging for many employers. In particular communicating effectively in a hybrid workplace is something that requires a thoughtful approach to ensure everyone stays connected, informed, and engaged. Internal communications that may have happened quite organically in an office setting, may now need a more formal approach to ensure that everyone receives consistent messages.
Luckily there are many strategies that can be adopted to help ensure everything runs smoothly and in this blog we will explore some of the best practices for communicating in a hybrid workplace.
Use a Mix of Communication Tools
Employ a variety of communication tools to cater to different communication styles and preferences. Use tools like email, instant messaging (e.g. Slack, Microsoft Teams), video conferencing (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet), and project management software (e.g. Trello, Asana, ClickUp) to ensure clear and efficient communication.
Establish Clear Communication Channels
Define specific channels for different types of communication. For example, use instant messaging for quick questions, email for formal communications, and video calls for meetings that require face-to-face interaction. In addition you may have different methods for internal chats as opposed to external communication with clients.
Regular All-Hands Meetings
Conduct regular virtual all-hands meetings to keep everyone informed about company updates, progress, and future plans. This ensures that remote employees are not left out of important discussions and decisions.
Scheduled Video Check-Ins
Set up regular one-on-one or team video check-ins to maintain personal connections, provide updates, address concerns, and offer support. These meetings foster a sense of belonging and help remote employees feel valued.
Document and Share Information
Maintain a centralised repository for important documents, guidelines, and resources. This ensures that both remote and on-site employees can access information easily and reduces the risk of miscommunication.
Introduce an Internal Newsletter
Newsletters are a great way of summarising company news and keeping employees up to date, whether they work remotely or are office based. However they need to be done well and regularly produced to keep up the momentum.
Get Creative
If you are implementing changes or require employees to work towards a particular goal, then producing creative content such as brochures, videos and animations can really help to get your message across. A hard hitting 90 second animation can replace the need for hours of meetings trying to get your team up to speed.
Hybrid-Friendly Meeting Practices
When conducting meetings, make them hybrid-friendly by using video conferencing tools even when some participants are in the office. This way, remote employees can fully participate and engage in discussions.
Set Expectations for Availability
Establish guidelines for when employees are expected to be available online. This helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that communication happens when all relevant parties are accessible. For example, do you require employees to work between defined times and take set lunch breaks, even if they are working from home.
Encourage Active Participation
Create an inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is heard. Encourage both remote and on-site employees to actively participate in discussions and share their insights during meetings.
Foster Informal Interactions
Remote workers often miss the human interactions that take place within a traditional office setting. So it is important to encourage informal communication by setting up virtual coffee breaks, water cooler chats, or casual Slack channels. This recreates the spontaneous interactions that often happen in a physical office setting.
Feedback Mechanisms
Implement regular feedback mechanisms to gauge how well communication strategies are working. Solicit input from employees and make adjustments based on their feedback. An easy way of doing this is via the creation of online surveys so that remote employees can take part alongside their office based colleagues.
Training and Support
Provide training on using communication tools effectively to ensure all employees are comfortable with the technology. Offer ongoing support to address any technical issues that may arise.
Remember, effective communication in a hybrid workplace is an ongoing process that requires adaptation and refinement based on the needs and feedback of your employees. You won’t be able to implement all the measures outlined in this blog from the outset, but even small changes will generate appreciation from your team and nurture feelings of company loyalty which will go a long way towards improving staff retention.