A 6-Point Plan to Hypermotivate Your Hybrid Teams in 2022 - Millie Tan
Employees across industries have now been accustomed to working remotely and have experienced the many benefits to their lives it has to offer, including the elimination of commuting, remaining comfortable at home while completing tasks, and, obviously, the reduction of health risks. As 2022 signals the near-end of the pandemic, team members and leaders understand the advantages of an in-person work environment but are reluctant or unable to relinquish those of remote work. As a result, many work environments are crafting a “new-normal” hybrid work experience.
Uncharted territory for many employees and employers alike, it’s crucial to support your team and foster an engaging environment in a hybrid model, especially since an abrupt return to the office can cause employee burnout. I recently read, “A 6-point plan to hypermotivate your hybrid teams in 2022” by Fast Company’s Christine Fruechte, which isolates six key ways you can build a genuine connection with your hybrid team:
1. Foster Connectedness
“Employees who feel connected and a sense of belonging are more productive and committed to their companies. Leaders should use everything at their disposal, including new technologies, to foster their company culture.
2. Be Authentic
“Leaders who continue to be transparent with their feelings, both positive and negative, will build stronger connections and loyalty. When people see you being authentic, asking for feedback, or acknowledging difficulties, it shows them it’s ok to do the same, and creates a place where people feel they can voice their opinions and be their true selves.
3. Promote Purpose
“Employees who find purpose in their work are more engaged and productive… Help employees see the connection between the work they do and the organization’s greater purpose. Reinforce the important role they play. If they crave a new challenge, work with them to identify new career development opportunities.
4. Show Appreciation
“It’s common sense to show employees your appreciation, but it might not be felt as deeply in the hybrid workplace. A lack of positive feedback or appreciation can cause workers to feel ineffective or stuck in their jobs. Besides giving feedback and praise during regular interactions, ramp up more formal recognition opportunities… Finally, and maybe most important, listen and listen a lot. People feel most appreciated when they are heard.
5. Prioritize Mental Health
“If you’re not already, offer mental health support in your benefits package. This could include access to online resources, providing a wellness-related allowance that supports employees’ external endeavors, or expert guided gatherings or safe spaces where employees can talk, process issues, and learn from each other.
6. Think Boldly
“…people have been wading through the global pandemic for almost two years and are ready to move beyond uncertainty. Experienced leaders know that transparency, a clear vision, ambitious goals, and employee appreciation energize workers. It’s time to be bold and make moves that inspire transformational ideas that help us emerge out of the pandemic.”
Read the original article here.
