Ever since remote working and the hybrid workplace came into the picture, teams and departments have been forced to find new ways to work together effectively. All-remote work places like Zapier and Buffer have had to figure out how to build a culture of teamwork from scratch, while hybrid work model adaptors like Trello and InVision have had to learn how to blend the best of both worlds.
Interestingly, there are some universal truths when it comes to teamwork, whether your team is in the same room or spread out across the globe.
7 dos for improving teamwork in hybrid and remote teams
1. Encourage transparency and communication
One of the most important things you can do to encourage teamwork with a hybrid team is to create an environment where team members feel comfortable communicating with each other. This means being open and transparent about what’s going on within the team, sharing information freely, and encouraging questions and feedback.
2. Promote a culture of collaboration
A collaborative culture is one in which team members are encouraged to work together to achieve common goals. Team meetings, team-building exercises, team-based project work, and other activities that promote collaboration can help to foster this culture.
3. Encourage team members to think outside the box
Encouraging team members to think creatively and come up with new ideas is a great way to promote teamwork. When team members feel like they can contribute their own ideas, they’re more likely to be engaged and invested in the team’s success.
4. Foster a sense of ownership among team members
When team members feel like they have a personal stake in the success of the team, they’re more likely to be motivated to work hard and do whatever it takes to help the team succeed. One way to foster this sense of ownership is to give remote employees opportunities to take on leadership roles and make decisions that affect the team.
5. Encourage team members to support each other
Creating an environment where every team member feels like they can rely on and support each other is essential for teamwork. This means being there for each other when things are tough and celebrating successes together.
6. Create opportunities for social interaction
Whether it’s virtual happy hours, online games, or just social video calls, make time for team members to develop meaningful relationships. These opportunities for socializing give remote and in-office employees a chance to get to know each other better and build relationships that extend beyond work.
7. Recognize and reward teamwork
Recognizing and rewarding teamwork is a great way to encourage it. Try to find ways to acknowledge and reward both in-person team members and those working remotely when they work well together or go above and beyond to help the team. This could be something as simple as verbal praise or a thank-you note, or something more formal like an award or bonus.
7 don’ts for teamwork in hybrid and remote teams
There are also some things that you should avoid doing if you want to promote teamwork among remote and hybrid teams. Here are a few of the most common mistakes:
1. Don’t try to control everything
When you’re managing a team, it’s important to let go of the need to control everything. Trying to micromanage or keep too tight of a leash on team members will only lead to frustration and resentment. Instead, trust that team members are capable of doing their jobs and give them the freedom to work in their own way.
2. Don’t forget about the human element
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks of running a team and forget about the human element. But it’s important to remember that team members are people with their own needs and feelings. When you take the time to connect with all team members on a personal level, you can build trust and foster a sense of teamwork.
3. Don’t let conflict go unresolved
Conflict is inevitable in any team, but it’s especially common in remote and hybrid teams. If conflict isn’t resolved quickly and effectively, it can lead to division and resentment among team members. It’s important to address conflict head-on, using mediation or other methods to resolve disagreements.
4. Don’t forget to communicate
Communication is key in any team, but it’s especially important with remote workers in hybrid teams. With team members in different locations, it’s easy for miscommunications to happen. That’s why it’s important to over-communicate and make sure that everyone is on the same page.
5. Don’t neglect team building
Team building is essential for any team, but it can be especially challenging with remote and hybrid teams. It’s important to make an effort to build relationships and foster a sense of teamwork among team members. This can be done through social video meetings, online games, or other activities that bring team members together.
6. Don’t make them compete against each other
One of the worst things you can do is to pit team members against each other. This will only create division and foster a sense of competition instead of cooperation. If you want to promote teamwork, it’s important to find ways to work together towards a common goal.
7. Don’t forget to have fun
Last but not least, don’t forget to have fun! Teamwork is more likely to happen when team members are enjoying themselves. Make sure to plan activities and events that everyone will enjoy, and encourage team members to relax and have fun together.
Summary
These are just some tips for promoting effective teamwork in a hybrid workplace. By working together and supporting each other, team members can overcome any challenges that come their way.
