The Rules of Conduct for the Virtual Workplace

Fostering harmony and productivity with a mixed workforce which is spread everywhere.

Many companies continue to use the phrase “flexibility” as a buzzword. Several companies continue to let employees choose where they wish to work. As a consequence of this hybrid approach, some people are returning to the office, some are coming in for a few days a week, while still others are working remotely. Working parents with children who are e-learning at home can benefit from such arrangements since they allow for better safety precautions and reduce some of the turmoil. The setup, on the other hand, might be a huge problem for managers. How can leaders increase the cohesion of a mixed workforce while still maintaining their own sanity? Consider the following suggestions:

Organisation is Key. Know where each individual is every day, as simple as it may seem. The time and frustration of seeking is saved by having quick access to where you are. Create a common schedule that is accessible to everyone on your team so that everyone is aware of where their colleagues are.

Make communication a top priority. Communication, which has always been a cornerstone of success, takes on much more importance in hybrid arrangements. If you’re not cautious, having diverse work settings might increase the chances of someone missing a message. Standardise communication methods to avoid such unwanted scenarios. Share data in predictable ways that assure timely delivery to all parties involved. This may include sending a group email to everyone working on a project, even if one of them is in the next cubicle over.

Adopt a similar mentality for staff meetings, with everyone receiving the same information at the same time, regardless of location. Employees at many firms continue to use Zoom for meetings, whether they are at home or at work. This move resolves logistical issues, promotes equality, and preserves social distance on-site.

Make cooperation easier. Ensure that everyone in the team is on the same page, both metaphorically and practically. During this hard period, leaders must ensure that employees are aware of the company’s goals and standards, as well as the resources they need to achieve them. Managers need to be well-versed about company technology and able to teach team members the most effective ways to use them. 

Fairness, Fairness and Fairness. When employees believe that one group of workers is given preferential treatment or operates under a distinct set of regulations, resentment grows. Managers that are on top of their game understand the need of dealing with this issue immediately and carefully. The next step is to design and implement consistent processes for all members of the team, such as meeting with each member once a week for priority alignment, coaching, and feedback. Another option is to have a meeting with your complete staff (both on-site and remote) to discuss teamwork methods. Potential management biases will be revealed, as well as strategies to correct them, throughout the team discussion.

Promote Unity. Finally, keep in mind that teams flourish when members feel linked and unified in their pursuit of common goals. To demolish sentiments of “us” and “them,” change who you work with. To foster collective pride, share good news together. Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays in ways that everyone can appreciate. Our physical surroundings change, but our need to connect with others does not.

Stay tuned for more articles on ‘Managing Virtual Teams’