Dear HR Manager from Hybrid Schedule

Dear HR Manager,

My company had offered flexible remote work options but has now mandated that employees return to the office at least twice a week. My team works well in the remote setting, but I also see the benefits of in-person collaboration. How do I establish a new hybrid schedule guideline for my team that gains their buy-in?

– Hybrid Schedule

Dear Hybrid Schedule,

Hybrid schedules continue to grow in popularity, yet many employers still need a formal policy. A flexible hybrid schedule policy can balance employee preferences for shorter commutes and work-life balance with the employer’s need for in-person collaboration.

Consider these factors in your hybrid schedule policy:

Maintain open communication.

Initiate open dialogue with your team and keep communication channels open for them to express concerns, provide feedback, and seek support.

Set clear guidelines.

Develop transparent guidelines that define core working hours for team collaboration and specify when employees can work remotely or are expected to be in the office.

Provide tools and resources.

Provide the necessary technology and resources to facilitate hybrid work to ensure seamless communication and collaboration to support productivity.

Offer training and development.

Offer training opportunities to help employees adapt to the hybrid model and ensure they have the necessary skills for seamless collaboration.

Ensure equity and inclusivity.

Ensure the policy is fair and inclusive, accommodating employees’ diverse needs and circumstances.

Acknowledge Individual Needs.

Recognize each team member’s unique needs and preferences. Provide options or customize the approach to increase acceptance.

Lead by example.

Show your commitment to the hybrid schedule by actively participating in remote and in-person activities. Lead by example to inspire confidence and encourage your team to embrace the new work format.

By combining open communication, flexibility, and a focus on individual and team needs, you can establish a hybrid schedule that gains your team’s buy-in and ensures a smooth transition to the new work model. Developing a formal policy around a hybrid work schedule will set expectations to keep your current team happy and make your organization more competitive to attract new talent.

Originally featured in UBA’s October 2023 HR Elements Newsletter.