There’s no doubt about it: Employees value the flexibility of working from home; so much so, in fact, that many of them would prefer to leave their current company if they no longer had the opportunity to work remotely. Numerous polls and studies conducted over the past couple of years have demonstrated that fact. Given the popularity of working from home, it’s understandable why many employers have chosen a hybrid working model for their companies, one that requires workers to return to the office on either a part-time or an “as-needed” basis while still providing them with the flexibility of working from home the rest of the time. And although the hybrid approach provides benefits for both the employees and their companies, it can present challenges for managers. What follows are some of our best tips for managing a hybrid team.

1. Set clear expectations: Communicate with your team members and let them know what is expected of them in terms of work hours, communication, and deadlines. Ensure that all team members understand the parameters of their roles and responsibilities, regardless of where they are working.
2. Establish regular communication: Communication is key when it comes to managing a team that works remotely and in-office. Schedule regular team meetings, either in-person or online, to keep everyone informed and up-to-date. Encourage team members to share updates, ideas, and concerns, and make sure everyone has a chance to participate.
3. Use technology: There are many tools available to help you manage remote teams, including project management software, instant messaging apps, and video conferencing platforms. Take advantage of these tools to help you stay in touch with your team, track progress, and collaborate on projects. When it comes to measuring the productivity of your employees, our cloud-based software (MySammy) is one of the most efficient and cost-effective tools available today!
4. Foster teamwork: Even if team members are working from different locations, it's important to encourage a sense of teamwork and collaboration. Organize team-building activities, such as virtual team lunches or online games, to help team members get to know each other and work together effectively.
5. Provide support: Working remotely can be challenging, especially for part-time employees who may feel disconnected from the team. Make sure to provide support to team members who are working remotely, whether it's through regular check-ins, training, or resources to help them stay productive.
6. Be flexible: Part-time remote work can offer a lot of flexibility, which can be a huge benefit for your team. Be open to adjusting schedules or work arrangements to accommodate your team members' needs, while still ensuring that work is completed on time and to a high standard.
7. Establish clear boundaries: It's important to establish clear boundaries between work and personal life, particularly when team members are working remotely. Encourage your team to set boundaries around when they are available and when they are not, and make sure everyone understands that they are not expected to be available 24/7.

Managing a hybrid team isn’t nearly as daunting as it may seem. Simply follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way. Start that journey today by signing up for your FREE trial of MySammy!