4 September 2024

Navigating Change and Building Strong Hybrid Teams

Hybrid working has become the standard for many workers – combining the flexibility of remote work with the collaborative environment of the office. A hybrid environment can be a significant obstacle to navigating change successfully.

Benefits of Hybrid Work

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that 44% of UK workers worked remotely in 2023 – 16% fully remote and 28% hybrid. Recent statutory changes will fully establish hybrid working, with employees having the opportunity to request flexible working options from day one and request greater flexibility to their working arrangements twice a year.This seismic change has reshaped how we work and interact, bringing both opportunities and challenges. Hybrid work offers workers and employers some notable benefits; employees who work during their most efficient hours are more productive, their stress levels and mental health have improved with less commuting, and greater flexibility has improved their work-life balance. Maximising the potential for hybrid working requires intentional focus including boundary management, time management and additional commitment to relationship building.

Challenges of Navigating Change in a Hybrid Environment

This flexibility can present teams with challenges around coordination and collaboration. The dynamics and spontaneity that drive productivity and success can be challenging when people are in different locations. This becomes even more critical during times of change when support and connection within the team is vital. Finding ways to establish and nurture this across a distance is essential. Managing change in a hybrid team requires a strong focus on trust, connection and clarity.

Trust is essential for effective collaboration, especially in a hybrid environment. When trust exists between leaders and peers, teams feel safe, make better decisions and ultimately efficiency increases. Trust encourages openness, reduces fear of mistakes, and fosters innovation by enabling candid communication.
Connection is vital and is built through consistent, genuine interactions. In a hybrid team, the right communication channels and structures are crucial to maintaining and enhancing these connections, enabling the team to share knowledge and work towards common goals.
Clarity is crucial in managing the uncertainty that change brings. Clear and consistent communication helps reduce anxiety and build trust, ensuring everyone understands the change, why it’s happening, and how they can contribute to success. In a hybrid setting, maintaining clarity on goals, expectations, and updates is even more important to avoid misunderstandings and keep the team aligned.

Overcoming Obstacles – The Key to Navigating Change in a Hybrid Environment

Teams are more open to change when they are involved in the process and understand their role in it. As a leader, fostering team cohesion is key. Bringing the team together helps everyone to understand the nature of the change and their role in it. Coaching for individuals and teams navigating change can be transformational, drawing a focus on finding a path to the future.

A safe space – Coaching provides a safe, confidential space to explore the emotional and practical aspects of change. It allows team members to focus on their personal reactions to change, identify potential obstacles and develop strategies to adapt effectively.
Common ground – Coaching sessions can help teams reach a common ground by facilitating discussions that align individual perspectives with the team’s overall goals. This collective focus on building a way forward ensures that the team is united in its approach to change.
Commitment – By addressing concerns, celebrating progress, and reinforcing shared values, coaching helps hybrid teams navigate change successfully, ensuring that all members are engaged, supported and committed to the team’s success.