The Remote Working Wars: How to Meet in the Middle AND Hack Managing Hybrid Teams Effectively

In the wake of the global pandemic, the working world forever changed. As remote work becomes the norm for many, not all workers are enamoured with this new way of life. While some workers enjoy the flexibility of remote work, others long for the social connection and collaboration found in the traditional office setting. Surprisingly, it is Gen Z workers who are particularly keen on returning to the office with reasons cited, including missing out on the invaluable office community and the lack of mentorship opportunities available through remote working.

As companies navigate this ever-evolving landscape, creating hybrid teams that work effectively for everyone is the key to success. In this article, we'll explain three top tips that show how companies have navigated hybrid teams effectively to ensure both customer satisfaction and high levels of performance and productivity.

1. Optimize for employee well-being

Employee well-being has always been important, but particularly after the pandemic and the ongoing mental health and trauma issues it causes, it is crucial that companies prioritize employee well-being. Roger Chiang, the Executive Producer at KQED, explains how their hybrid teams returned to work after the pandemic, working a couple of days a week on-premises and the rest remotely. By giving their teams the flexibility to work from home, KQED helped them take care of personal needs, such as attending to their families or avoiding long commutes, which had a positive effect on their mental and physical health.

Another really simple way for companies to help employees is by helping them set up a comfortable and productive remote workspace. This may include providing ergonomic furniture and encouraging employees to share their home office ideas with the rest of the hybrid team. Employers can also promote well-being practices such as taking breaks, scheduling meditation or exercise sessions and including family members in virtual social events.

AI tools can also assist employees in managing their workload and avoiding burnout. For example, the built-in intelligence tools in office suites can alert employees when they have too many meetings scheduled in a day and recommend taking a break instead.

2. Choose Adaptable Technology in Case Your Needs Change

Companies must also provide adaptable technology and resources to keep up with the changing nature of work and business. For example, KQED initially implemented an on-premises Evolphin Media Asset Management (MAM) system but had to adapt it to a cloud-based and hybrid system when the pandemic forced their teams to work from home.

The robust cloud component afforded by Evolphin MAM’s flexible options meant that KQED’s workflows were barely interrupted. The MAM system provided a single source of truth that allowed KQED’s hybrid teams to store, retrieve, process, distribute and continue collaborating with rich media files both on an individual level and among different departments within KQED. This approach would have been otherwise incredibly difficult to replicate without the right flexible tools.

Adaptable technology can also help hybrid teams better manage workflows and communication. At KQED, for example, the ability to adapt and migrate workflows from an on-premises setup to a cloud-based setup was critical for staying relevant during the pandemic.

Choosing adaptable technology not only helps with changing needs but also saves costs. As Roger notes, using MAM has made their work more efficient and cost-effective, and by integrating MAM with other systems, such as transcoder and archive systems, the hybrid teams at KQED have been able to avoid disruptive technical issues and work proactively to ensure smooth operations. This means there are fewer costly disruptions and no need for expensive tech support, which is always good news no matter what industry you are in.

3. Optimize for Hybrid Team Collaboration for a More Efficient Workflow

As companies adjust to the hybrid work environment, they also face the challenge of providing a consistent employee experience across both remote and office locations. This has often been a criticism that detractors of remote and hybrid work cite as they claim that only an office can provide the tools and environment needed for efficient workflow.

To overcome this, companies can use collaboration tools that allow employees to communicate easily through chat, voice, and video and share documents effortlessly. This can include MAM systems like Evolphin Zoom, cloud-based storage solutions, and even simple solutions like Google Docs.

For example, KQED used its newly adopted MAM system to share and access rich media assets while effectively collaborating on shared projects and integrated tools like Slack and Zoom to communicate and stay connected. This fusion of workflow and communication tools was a major digital transformation that was seen across sectors during the pandemic. This trend is likely to continue going forward as hybrid working becomes more common.

Companies can also evaluate the needs of remote employees and offer them home office kits that include the necessary equipment, such as laptops, monitors, and other essential items, to work from home effectively. Additionally, companies can provide better internet connectivity options to employees who work remotely and experience slow or unreliable internet speeds. This ensures that whether you are working at home or in the office, you will have the tools you need to work effectively.

As we look toward the future of work, it's clear that companies that can adapt to the changing landscape and embrace new ways of working will have a significant advantage. The benefits of remote and hybrid teams are numerous, from increased flexibility and reduced costs to improved work-life balance and access to a wider talent pool. However, these benefits come with their own set of challenges, including the need to ensure that employees are supported, connected, and productive, no matter where they are located.

In conclusion, the Remote Working Wars are not over, but with the right approach, companies can find a middle ground that works for everyone. By prioritizing employee well-being, choosing adaptable technology, and optimizing for hybrid team collaboration, companies can build a more resilient, productive, and innovative workforce. As we navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic world, it's clear that those who are willing to embrace change and invest in their hybrid teams will be the ones who come out on top.