TIPS FOR MANAGING HYBRID TEAMS
Managing a hybrid team is quite different from managing a team that is either mostly officebased, or mostly remote.
It will require a range of new skills and approaches.
Some of these tips and techniques can help you to manage in a hybrid environment:
1. Engage your team in establishing your
new ways of working. Agreeing these
together will help people feel included and
that they have an active voice.
2. Ensure that you have regular 1-2-1 time
with your team. This is good practice at
any time.
3. When people work from home, they may
find it difficult to manage the boundaries
between work and home, and some
people have a tendency to work longer
hours. Check in with your team to ensure
they are managing their time.
4. Be clear on objectives with all your
team. When people work remotely their
performance may be less observable
however focus on results and outputs as
your main measure (trust your team)
5. Build in time for social connection
6. If you are working in a hybrid way
yourself, don't forget to be clear with your
team about when you are in the office,
or when you are working so that your
team know how to get in touch with you
- and always provide opportunities for
colleagues to speak with you one-to-one.
ENABLING WELLBEING
This isn't about asking you to become counsellors or advisors. It's about encouraging
you, as managers, to show the caring face of the college by asking people how they are
(especially if they appear to be feeling down or anxious) so you can direct them towards
appropriate support services, such as the Employee Assistance Programme (PAM Assist) or
by referring them for counselling. Give a consistent message that 'wellbeing is a priority.'
The extreme measures put in place to limit the spread of coronavirus have impacted
everyone in some way. Encourage colleagues to talk, take part in mindfulness and physical
exercise, all of which have been proven to reduce anxiety levels. Listen without judgement
and foster a caring culture within your teams.
The first step towards restoring the mental health of your teams is for you to normalise the
fact it's okay to feel anxious. Indeed, it would be unnatural not to feel this way, whether
the feelings of anxiety are due to pressure to juggle looking after children while working,
changes to their role, returning to the campus or having to use public transport to return to
work. There are many resources on MyConnect to support the health & wellbeing of your
teams.
Encourage anyone who is struggling to call PAM Assist on 0800 882 4102. This is a free
and confidential service offering:
• Personal counselling by phone, face to
face, email or video
• Information & signposting on many of
life's issues via their website
• Referral to expert advice on legal & debt
matters
• Support any time of the day or night, 365
days of the year
For guidance on how you can support the mental health of your teams, refer to the guide
'Restoring mental health'. Share the PAM Assist factsheet and remind your teams regularly
that the counselling service is there for them should they need it.
If you would like to discuss individuals in confidence or find out more about the support
available contact our Health & Wellbeing Officer jill.loftus@cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk.
You are encouraged you to use your discretion in agreeing work patterns and arrangements
with colleagues and seek support through your relevant HR Advisor, Rachel.roy@
cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk or lisa.caulfield@cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk