IAS’ Jessica Miles On Leadership In A Hybrid Workplace
It is 2019, the year before the world changed. I’m a good number of years into my career, and I finally feel I’ve found the right fit. I work for a great company surrounded by excellent team members and feel supported by IAS leadership in my life and career decisions. Some would say that I am feeling pretty chuffed.
On a particular morning (one of the five mornings I religiously head into the city), I walk into my swanky office building with its shiny floors and more than ten lifts. I select my level, and I’m directed to lift “E”. Eventually (and it did take some time, but don’t all lifts in important buildings take time?), I get into the lift, shuffle to the back so that every possible person can cram into the elevator (what did they say the max number of people was for this lift?) and then we’re off.
Once I reach my level, I squeeze my way out with a few “sorry!” along the way and exit onto my corporate floor. Buzzing my access pass, I enter the glass door of my office, with a kitchenette in the corner, a bunch of desks and a few meeting rooms and take my place at my desk. A couple of plants sit near my desk, adding colour to the corporate feel. Soon, my colleague rushes in, slightly dishevelled. She mumbles something about her baby being sick and her being caught in traffic. Then with a big sigh, she collapses in her seat, takes her laptop out and tiredly starts flicking through her emails. I shake my head. I don’t know how I’ll do it when I’m a mum.
Fast forward to today. Over two years of lockdowns and a pandemic have resulted in new challenges and a new appreciation for the workplace. Now in a leadership role, it falls on me to shape the working environment that drives employee engagement and builds an ‘optimised’ work and hybrid culture.
Hybrid work environments provide new ways for employees to collaborate productively, but leaders must intentionally create those opportunities. Recent Gartner research found that 71 per cent of HR leaders are more concerned about employee collaboration this year than before the COVID-19 pandemic. How valid are these concerns, and what needs to be done to protect and drive collaboration and innovation in today’s remote and hybrid working environments?
It’s true that when employees aren’t physically colocated, their interactions are more scheduled than spontaneous — and interactions commonly occur through screens. Employees don’t experience the interactions that might happen in an office. Even a simple social conversation with a co-worker can take effort.
Leaders must empower employees to collaborate more intentionally to unleash innovation in this context. Gartner research shows that teams of knowledge workers who collaborate intentionally are nearly three times more likely to achieve high team innovation than teams that do not use an intentional approach.
Transitioning to the New Normal of the Hybrid Workforce
While the emergency work-from-home measures may have precipitated the shift to virtual work in 2020, plans for the new hybrid workforce are becoming less reactionary and more deliberate now. According to a McKinsey survey, nine in ten organisations plan to combine remote and on-site work going forward. While there’s no one-size-fits-all model for a hybrid workforce or team, the term usually refers to a setting where some employees work remotely, some work on-site, and others work a combination of both.
Leaders must balance differing employee preferences with a desire for continued productivity and collaboration. Some team members may be clamouring to return to the office, but many others want to continue working from home.
That’s why hybrid workforce policies and how effectively managers can lead hybrid and virtual teams will be vital for attracting and retaining talent in many industries.
Here are my top four considerations in leading a Hybrid Workforce:
Leading a hybrid team requires adaptability to change and an openness to experimentation. I believe leaders will be most successful when they take these steps:
1. Acknowledge what’s new and different about the hybrid workforce.
Leaders should start by acknowledging that this environment is new and different and that what works for one person will not work for everyone. Leaders must reassure people that whether they’re working in person, remotely, or a combination of those, their choice is not career-limiting, and their contributions are valued. They must also set the stage for effective team collaboration.
Work to create a psychologically safe work environment where people can be open about their uncertainties and frustrations. Ensure team members have the skills to hold candid conversations with one another, no matter where they are.
The office environment must support the business’s and the employee’s needs. A space to be social, collaborative and creative. A room for flexibility and freedom to grow. Every part of the office needs to be structured to support agile working structures and facilitate increased efficiency and better communication than what employees can achieve at home.
2. Foster inclusion in your hybrid workforce.
Work to maintain or establish inclusive practices for team huddles or group calls. In 2020, when everyone worked from home, many experienced firsthand the challenges of contributing in virtual meetings — something already-remote workers knew all too well.
As companies adapt to hybrid workforce, ensure meetings remain inclusive. Without intentionality and clearly defined processes, it could be easy for those returning to work in person to fall back into old habits, unintentionally excluding or overlooking colleagues working offsite.
Also, help your new hybrid workforce develop an identity by crafting a set of shared team norms and expectations. Everyone should understand the team’s purpose and goals, work processes, meeting frequency, and how decisions will be made.
This approach should also be extended to the office, establishing an environment that considers different life stages and requirements and accounting for different beliefs and cultures.
3. Cultivate the mindsets of agility and resilience.
In the same McKinsey study mentioned above, researchers also found that organisations willing to take a “test-and-learn” approach to design — and redesign — their processes for a more remote workforce realise higher productivity levels.
Learning agility, or adapting and thriving in new situations, is crucial to your organisation’s hybrid workforce success. Leaders should schedule time every couple weeks to talk with their team members about what’s working and what isn’t. In addition, they should connect with other leaders of hybrid teams throughout the organisation.
4. Pay close attention to alignment
When you look around, do you see a strong direction? In other words, do team members agree on the group’s overall goals? Ask yourself whether your group is aligned — whether members with different tasks and roles coordinate their work.
When teams have strong alignment and commitment, they feel responsible for the success and well-being of the group. There’s a high level of trust and psychological safety.
While a more hybrid team may present new challenges to collaborate and navigate across boundaries, the solutions to today’s most pressing business challenges are often found at the intersection of multiple boundaries. When members of your hybrid workforce see leaders recalibrate, adapt, and embrace the future with an agile and collaborative mindset, they’ll likely do the same.
Latest News
‘Blair Is Mr Happy, Beau Is Mr Dopey, I’m Mr Grumpy’ – Top Gear Australia Hosts Reveal What It Was Really Like Filming
Top Gear features the cars you could never afford to drive. It's a bit like the bogan's Gourmet Traveller, really.
Nine’s Total TV Sales Lead Richard Hunwick To Step Down
Nine's Richard Hunwick calls time after 15 years. Hoping for a last trip to the Olympics before getting the gold watch.
Yahoo Academy Culminates With Pitch-Off For Musicians Making A Difference With Trip To Cannes In Cairns On The Line
B&T happy to support the Musicians Making A Difference initiative. Particularly any that encourages more Watusi.
TV Ratings 16/5/24: Nearly 2 Million Tune In To See Sky Blues Win In Women’s State Of Origin
B&T does make jokes about the Budget reply speech but, to his credit, Mr Potato Head rated OK last night.
Binge Launches “Scene:Scents” Sensory Entertainment Campaign, Via Thinkerbell
There's now scented candles to pair with BINGE shows. We're hoping Rex Hunt's Fishing Adventures doesn't hear about it.
Jolt Partners With Veridooh For Verification Of Its EV Charger Placements In UK
Although B&T's an avid supporter of EV cars, we'd definitely miss the smell of petrol and the service station pie.
Nine Ad Manager Named Principal Sponsor Of CommBank SmallBiz Week
CommBank's SmallBiz Week is coming to Melbourne on the 29-30 May. B&T's as confused as you are on how that's a week.
Pet Circle & Seven Communications Partner On “Pawtition” To Get Pets On Public Transport
B&T's concerned about the fleas, urine & faeces on public transport - and that's just from fellow passengers!
‘A Win-Win’ – How The Matildas Helped CommBank Become A ‘Globally Iconic Brand’ For The First Time
CommBank's sponsorship of the Matildas is a sport marketing masterclass. The opposite to Nick Kyrgios & his sponsors.
VML Australia Dominates The One Show With 5 Gold Pencils
VML Australia flying the flag at the One Show Awards in New York. Not that we need more flag waving at the moment.
Social Soup: Consumers Looking For “Informative” Not “Funny” Social Content When Making Buying Decisions
In a further blow to ventriloquism everywhere, new research says consumers prefer information over funny videos.
GIO Unveils New “Protect Precious” Brand Positioning & Campaign, Via Ogilvy
Insurer asks what's precious in our lives in new work. Which is better than asking is this business highly flammable.
Digitas & Heckler Singapore Launch Animated Symphony For Riot Game’s Valorant Champions Tour Pacific
Stony silence between you and the graphic arts team at Friday drinks? This gaming news could be an ice breaker.
Wavemaker Global CEO Toby Jenner Appointed Global President, GroupM Clients
Wavemaker’s Toby Jenner continues his career trajectory. But is it enough to move him up to the first class lounge?
Fast 10: Mindshare Head Honcho Maria Grivas On Her “Resting Smiling Face”
Mindshare is having a very fruitful 2024. Here, CEO Maria Grivas reveals her fertilisers & pruning tips to success.
Real Home Care Clients & Staff Star In New HammondCare Campaign
Aged care commercial uses real life clients & staff. B&T has not contacted the actor's union for comment.
Mutinex’s Henry Innis: “I’m Imperfect As A Leader”
Mutinex is being touted as one of the hottest start-ups in the land. And we don't mean that in an Elizabeth Holmes way.
Slew Of Senior Hires At Sparro by Brainlabs & Jack Nimble
B&T loves to report new hires as it shows the healthy state of the industry. That and cocaine usage at work functions.
Initiative’s Fein, Geer, Colter To Depart For Accenture Song
As you read first in B&T, there are significant comings-and-goings at Initiative. Though mainly goings, if we're honest.
Pizza Hut Fined $2.5m For Spamming Customers
To be honest, if you're going to spam customers, cheap pizza deals is probably on the low side of the dodgy scale.
Jetstar & Qantas Perception Ratings Soar After Bonza Cancelled Flights, YouGov Finds
This poll is further proof nothing builds a positive brand image like your competitor monumentally f@cking up.
Pedigree Launches AI-Powered Ad Initiative To Give All Dogs A Home, Via Colenso BBDO & Nexus Studios
B&T encourages this dog adoption initiative. And that's despite us barely being able to look after our own selves.
Apparent Launches “All Heart, No hassle” Integrated Campaign For Flight Centre’s Corporate Traveller
Apparent charged with Flight Centre's Corporate Traveller creative. Has avoided any gags about stolen hotel bathrobes.
South African Tourism CMO: ‘We Want Consumers To Experience SA Through The Eyes Of A Child’
B&T chats with South African tourism's Aussie CMO. Admittedly, we had to quickly rectify our Barossa Valley questions.
Market Research Firm TRA Names KFC’s “Look On the Fried Side Of Life” As Australia’s Favourite Ad
A poll of everyday Aussies has revealed our favourite ads. And it'll make difficult reading for the Harvey Norman team.
‘A Big, Big Step In The Right Direction’: Media Buyers React To News Corp’s D_Coded
There was a universal thumbs up for News' D_Coded event. Although there were calls for glitter bombs at the finale.
CommBank Announced As Presenting Partner Of Vogue Codes 2024
Vogue Codes is a top initiative encouraging women into STEM-based careers. All while wearing Jimmy Choos, apparently.
Brad Garbutt Joins OMA As Marketing Lead
Seasoned adlander Garbutt joins the outdoor association. Says he's got the DOOH down pat, but working on the PDOOH.
TV Ratings 15/5/24: Gruen Pulls A Crowd For Aunty As It Enters 16th Season
Although B&T typically shuns predictions, we're expecting big numbers for Peter Dutton's Budget reply speech tonight.
D_Coded panel: ‘If You Are A Marketer Handling Data And Haven’t Spoken To Legal, You’re In Trouble’
This fiery panel was a highlight of Tuesday's D_Coded event. Not that it spilled out into the carpark.
SBS Audio Campaign Tells The Stories Of New Australians, With Multilingual Content Offerings To Assist Migrants
SBS Audio has launched a new marketing campaign for its ‘Australia Explained’ service which supports new migrants to successfully navigate life in Australia and achieve a greater sense of belonging and social cohesion. SBS’s flagship service for new migrants, Australia explained, has launched a multi-platform marketing campaign that reaches into the heart of the migrant […]
Tracker App Launches, Promising Consumers A Read On Brand’s & Products Sustainability Chops
Shoppers can now get access to sustainability information at their fingertips through Tracker, a first-of-its-kind mobile app. The Tracker app centralises sustainability data into a single, easy-to-understand format, helping shoppers make informed choices about the brands and products they support. Shoppers can simply scan the barcode of their favourite supermarket, chemist or department store item […]
Channel Factory Expands Team Across Australia & New Zealand By 20%
Social media agency Channel Factory announces a significant lift in staff numbers. Doesn't thank Tuesday's Budget.
Jaywing Extends Strategy Team Appointing Fran Martin As Senior Brand Strategist
As is often said, you can never have too much strategy. Same can't be said of programmatic & AI.
Tourism Tasmania Taps Broadsheet For Latest “Off Season” Campaign Iteration
Do you like to drape yourself in sheepskin, flannelette & weird, wooly hats? Tasmania in winter is for you.
Netball WA Appoints 303 MullenLowe As Brand Strategy partner
Netball WA appoints 303 MullenLowe for its brand strategy. Any mention of Gina also now strictly forbidden.