Managing hybrid teams: How to lead them successfully.

Discover the key strategies on how to manage hybrid teams for optimal success and effective leadership.

A hybrid team is a great boon to any company — but leading that team can often come with its own challenges. From time management and communication to remote training and collaboration, managing and leading hybrid teams isn’t always easy.

Luckily, you can learn how to manage a hybrid team more efficiently than ever with a few tweaks.

Leading vs. managing hybrid teams.

Leading hybrid teams involves setting a compelling vision, inspiring team members, and fostering a sense of ownership and commitment. A leader of a hybrid team focuses on aligning individual and team goals with organizational objectives, promoting collaboration and innovation, and cultivating a supportive and inclusive work culture.

They prioritize effective communication and provide regular feedback and guidance to remote and in-office team members alike. Leading hybrid teams requires adaptability and empathy, as leaders must navigate the unique challenges of remote work while maintaining a cohesive team spirit.

On the other hand, managing hybrid teams focuses more on the operational aspects of overseeing the team’s day-to-day activities. A manager of a hybrid team ensures that tasks are assigned, deadlines are met, and resources are allocated appropriately. They monitor progress, track performance, and address any issues or obstacles that may arise.

While managing hybrid teams involves administrative tasks, such as scheduling meetings and coordinating workflows, it’s crucial for managers to also prioritize building strong relationships and supporting the professional growth of team members. By combining effective leadership and management skills, leaders can successfully guide hybrid teams to achieve their goals and thrive in a flexible work environment.

Five tips for successfully managing hybrid teams

1. The right technology helps. Implement social technology that can facilitate better communication so no team member gets left behind.
2. Treat your remote workers and in-office workers equally. It might be tempting to turn to your local workers more often since they’re near you but remember to treat your entire team fairly and based on their abilities (not location).
3. Focus on collaboration and bonding. It’s easy to forget the importance of team bonding when you’re running a hybrid team, but collaboration and connection are more important than ever. Set up events, regular meetings, and fun activities for your entire team to participate in.
4. Build — and foster — strong communication. Don’t just tell your team that communication is important — be a shining example of this. You can develop clear lines of communication over time, but an emphasis on regular communication can begin from the start.
5. Implement a hybrid work policy. A leading hybrid work policy can contribute to employee well-being and success, harnessing the benefits of the hybrid work model for a harmonious and thriving work environment.

Why managing hybrid teams well matters.

The art of leading and managing a hybrid team isn’t just about steering the team toward business success (though that’s definitely part of it). How you lead and manage your team matters because it directly impacts your employees’ well-being, their satisfaction, how they work together, their overall success, and more.

Effective management ensures that remote and in-office team members are aligned, motivated, and supported in their work. By establishing clear communication channels, providing necessary resources, and addressing any challenges that arise, managers can foster collaboration, maintain accountability, and maximize the potential of each team member. A well-managed hybrid team not only achieves its goals but also creates a positive work environment that promotes employee satisfaction and retention.

Hybrid team-building activities.

Team-building activities tailored to the needs of both remote and in-office employees play a significant role in bridging the physical and virtual divide. These activities promote unity, enhance collaboration, and create a more cohesive and productive work environment. Here are some effective team-building activities for hybrid teams:

• Virtual icebreaker sessions. Kick-start meetings with fun icebreaker questions or activities that allow team members to get to know each other better. Use video conferencing tools to facilitate participation and encourage remote members to share their insights.
• Cross-location collaboration projects. Assign collaborative projects that require the involvement of both remote and in-office team members. This promotes shared ownership, encourages communication, and fosters a sense of unity.
• Hybrid team retreats. Plan occasional team retreats that bring together both remote and in-office employees. These retreats offer valuable face-to-face interactions, team-building exercises, and opportunities for informal bonding.
• Virtual team lunches or coffee breaks. Schedule regular virtual lunches or coffee breaks where team members can gather informally, share a meal or a cup of coffee, and engage in casual conversations to build rapport.
• Employee recognition programs. Establish recognition programs that celebrate individual and team achievements. This encourages a positive and supportive work culture, regardless of physical location, and boosts team morale.

Tools to manage hybrid work teams.

When it comes to managing hybrid teams, the right technology can be the most powerful avenue — explore what more you can do to help yours with Adobe Acrobat. With features that offer conversion for various types of files (such as JPG to PDF), as well as editing features that allow you to rearrange PDFs and insert PDF pages, Acrobat grants your workforce document management flexibility to help them succeed.