The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many organizations to drain their budgets, resulting in layoffs and workforce reshuffles. Even if a few employees remain, a hybrid team with a variety of skills and experience must be managed effectively to get the job done. With the right strategies, leaders can navigate this new environment, remain efficient, and still drive their team to success. Here are five key practices for managing a reshuffled hybrid team in the aftermath of layoffs.
- Foster Communication and Collaboration
Communication is the cornerstone of a successful, productive team. You should dedicate time to foster collaboration and ensure open, genuine conversations. This could include team check-ins, virtual meetings, or remote webinars. Have your team discuss their workloads, successes, and challenges and encourage their feedback on projects and tasks.
Your goal should be to create an open dialogue where everyone is working together, rather than seeing one another as separate entities.
- Set Clear Expectations
Define your team’s goals, roles, and expectations from the start. Establish a regular cycle of feedback to ensure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities. Outline timelines, assign tasks, and establish accounts for working together online. Leverage technology to make sure everyone is on the same page and no tasks slip through the cracks.
- Make Use of the Entire Team
When a team gets reshuffled, the new hybrid team won’t necessarily possess the same skill set as before. To ensure everyone is brought up to speed, dedicated resources should be made available. Assign a mentor or coach to provide introductory training and explain procedures and processes. You should also create workgroups with tasks tailored to each team member’s level of knowledge or experience.
Take the time to understand each team member’s strengths and weaknesses and take full advantage of them. Working together as a whole is essential for an efficient, productive hybrid team.
- Leverage Technology to Foster Connection
Technology—especially video conferencing—can be a great way to connect people who are in different places. Leverage it to make sure everyone is kept in the loop. To simulate the atmosphere of a traditional office, you could schedule non-work events such as virtual meetings, water cooler gatherings, or weekly calls.
Technology is also your team’s ally when collaboration is needed to move the project forward. Utilize task-management tools, document-sharing software, or discussion boards to make sure everyone is able to give input and voice their opinion.
- Give Regular, Timely Feedback
Feedback should be regular and timely, helping team members stay on track and attentive. It keeps them motivated and energized and keeps the team on task. Giving and receiving feedback is one of the most effective ways to improve relationships on a team. Don’t be afraid to provide constructive criticism when needed. Give each team member the opportunity to tell their story and articulate their feelings.
The dynamics of a reshuffled hybrid team can be difficult to navigate. By fostering collaboration and communication, setting clear expectations, utilizing the full team’s skills, leveraging technology, and offering regular feedback, you can manage your team effectively and propel them to success.