Preparing for a Hybrid future: The 8 Challenges of Remote Working and How Managers can address them.

Successive lockdowns have accelerated an already existing trend for remote working. Some organisations have embraced the change while others are waiting to see how it pans out. How prepared are your Managers for a Hybrid future? The following tips are from a recent HR Coach research paper.

The 8 Challenges of Remote Work:

Lack of face to face supervision or leadership
Lack of access to information
Technology failures/low performance and cyber security risks
Possible drop in productivity levels
Issues with teamwork and collaboration
Social isolation
Distractions at home
Work-life balance issues

How Managers can make it Work:

Managers need to be better communicators than ever before – and listening, understanding, and empathy are now critical. It might be time to bite the Emotional Intelligence bullet and make it happen.

Managers need to demonstrate leadership on embracing technology and using it every day.

Managers need to trust others, develop mutually agreed and aligned plans and support their achievement. Micro-management will not work in this environment.

Managers need to prioritise and reinforce the benefits of remote social interaction.

Put an Employee Assistance Program in place which all can access.

Lead by example including work/life balance, acceptance of potential distractions/challenges in their own homes, and sharing stories of the challenges.

Ensure that the ‘rules of engagement’ are clear, reinforced, and followed all of the time.

 

Please reach out to one of the Howardco team if you would like support in managing your remote hybrid team. Call Warren Howard on 0417 594 760. Or email warren@howardco.com.au