In 2020, the course of work and industry changed forever when millions of employees around the world were forced to sit at home due to the pandemic. To keep the industries running, the work from home strategy paved the way for a hybrid workplace, where anyone can work from the comfort of home or in the office from any part of the world. Microsoft Work Trend Index of 2021 showed that about 73% respondents were more interested in remote work as it provides opportunities for flexibility and work-life balance.

The change came with unique challenges despite being a more preferable work arrangement. It all sounded very much positive where the actual problem lay in the dynamics between colleagues and leaders leading along the way.

HYBRID WORLD: BRINGING IDEAS AND EXPERIENCES TOGETHER

In the competitive world, companies must follow conditions that are favourable for their workforce. While some will prefer to work strictly in a physical office, some would want to input the same efforts from their comfortable places. These choices often reflect the difference of perspective when it comes to certain situations. In theory, a hybrid work brings people together but in reality it brings in all sorts of ideas and expressions together leaving scope for conflicts. To put up with different views and opinions, leaders must consider the ultimate goal which is to benefit both the company and the employees through a strategic approach.

Positive results are directly proportional to effective leading. In a typical workplace where everyone comes in close contact and with in-person conversations it’s not hard to resolve conflicts. But in a hybrid workplace the margin of error is too wide due to possible miscommunication and misinterpretation. Taking care of such situations means collecting positive ideas and utilising them in a way that satisfies all.

LEADING BEYOND BOUNDARIES

In a hybrid world the role of a manager or leader is undoubtedly the most demanding. The opportunity of remote work as well as physical work brings together people of different countries, cultures and even beliefs, and a leader is the building bridge that connects them.

Giving opportunities to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds that go beyond geographical boundaries is a vital part of hybrid work. This enables the input of views and beliefs that are diverse yet relevant. But this diversity often comes with challenges when effective communication is lacking, especially because physical discussions can be quite tricky. To get the best of both worlds it’s important to understand what might trigger the tension. Regular and straight forward conversations are assets in this regard. As Clair Lou of Know Your Team noted, “You can never over-communicate enough as a leader at a company, but at a remote company nothing could be truer”, she reflected just how important communication is in the remote and hybrid industry.

BRIDGING GENERATIONAL GAPS

Leading effectively with multiple generations is already a complicated task, and the advancement of a hybrid world doesn’t make it any easier. From Boomers to GenZ each generation has its own resources to thrive in the corporate world. While boomers and GenerationX are more conservative but experienced, GenZ comes across as technologically advanced and flexible but too fast-paced; Millenials stand right at the middle with their adaptive yet free-willing mindset.

The main challenge lies in successfully uniting all generations to create the ultimate ideal team in the workplace, but disagreement and conflicts come with it. To bridge this generational gap leaders must be lenient and unbiased; creating a common ground where there is room for communication and cultural understanding as well as free exchange of ideas and opinions. A collaborative work set up for multigenerational teams that will leverage the strength of each age group and result in a thriving ground of harmony and growth.

FROM HYBRID CONFLICT TO REASONABLE SOLUTIONS

Conflicts are nothing new when it comes to the job industry. But in a hybrid world where there is already a lack of physical presence, lack of empathy can lead to disagreement that can turn into conflicts. This is where leaders must take over and come up with reasonable solutions and the first step is addressing the situation. Though it is easier to avoid conflicts in a hybrid world, eventually it may cause even bigger problems. To manage such disputes it’s important to communicate to everyone involved and build a sense of clarity. With quick conversations conflicts can be easily resolved.

To keep the integrity of work under control, an open-mind and accountability is crucial. If a leader is not open to criticism it can lead to decisions beyond reasonable approach. Such situations can be meticulously avoided by regular in-person conversations and virtual meetings. From appreciating new ideas to taking feedback, an overall healthy workplace is bound to bring in expected positive outcomes.

Hybrid world itself is a moderately new concept adopted to cope up with the fast growing industry, and leaders are the key to achieving respective goals in this. It is evident that beyond conventional methods only renewed strategies can meet the requirements of today’s hybrid world.

Author: Jarin Subah Turaba