Create a hybrid workspace

As life slowly returns to some version of normal, companies are likely to adopt a hybrid model of work, combining aspects of office and remote work, though the process is unlikely to be smooth.

“As hybrid work becomes the norm, there is a growing communications divide between the in-office and remote people. During meetings, for example, we’ve noticed a tendency for office people to direct their comments to each other instead of to their screens,” says Linda Trim, a director at office design company Giant Leap. She advises:

Simplify meetings by getting everyone at the office to share one screen, then remote workers can join individually;

Create turn-taking rules, so the people in the office do not end up having their own private meeting;

Ensure that the chat function does not end up as a second meeting or a source of conflict — rather encourage people to say what they think on camera;

Managers will need to make an effort to get new recruits to come in to the office to help them integrate with the team; and

When people do come in to the office, make a point of encouraging social interaction to cement important team relationships. – Margaret Harris