Hybrid working: These skills make your teams fit for virtual collaboration

Hybrid working models: the balance between office, home office and remote work

Hybrid working describes a form of working in which employees work both in the office and from home or another location. This flexibility allows companies to take advantage of both worlds: direct collaboration in the office, but also the aspect of work-life balance and more flexible, cross-regional talent acquisition through remote work. However, this hybrid way of working also brings challenges.

In the next few minutes, we will take a detailed look at the relevant skills that your teams need for successful digital collaboration.

Virtual communication: the key to successful digital collaboration

In a hybrid working environment, communication is the linchpin. While non-verbal signals such as facial expressions and gestures make up a large part of communication on site, these are often missing in digital meetings. Here, it is important that all team members communicate clearly and precisely. Empathic listening plays a special role here.‍

Practical example: : In a hybrid team meeting, you notice that your colleague from the home office isn't speaking much. Instead of continuing the conversation, you could involve him directly and bring him into the conversation: "Maurice, what do you think? I'd like to hear your opinion as a Future Skills Consultant." This ensures that all voices are heard and strengthens team cohesion.‍

Tip: Encourage active listening in your team and act as a role model Ask questions and summarize what you have heard in your own words. This will help your team avoid misunderstandings and show greater understanding for each other.

Creativity in the digital space: your ideas also bubble up in a hybrid setting

There is a widespread misconception that creativity can only arise in face-to-face situations. However, there are also numerous methods for initiating creative processes in virtual collaboration. Techniques such as brainwriting or the Walt Disney method are particularly helpful here.

Practical example: In a hybrid brainstorming session, your teams could use the flip-flop method. The participants consciously reverse their perspective, which leads to new and unconventional ideas.

Tip: Use digital whiteboards such as Miro, on which all participants can record their ideas. This technique helps to include all voices equally and prevents individuals from dominating.

Self-management in hybrid teams: successfully finding your focus

Hybrid working requires a high degree of self-management. As there is often no direct exchange with team members, your employees need to be able to organize themselves. Skills such as prioritization, self-discipline, self-motivation and time management are important here.

Practical example: Recommend that your teams block out fixed times in the calendar for focused work when they are not available for meetings. These time slots help to complete strategic tasks without interruptions.

Tip: Encourage your employees to set clear daily goals and visualize their successes. This motivates them and helps them to remain productive even in times of low interaction.

Empathy in the home office: the superpower for a strong virtual team

Empathy is one of the most important interpersonal skills in hybrid teams. It helps to better understand the feelings and needs of others, minimize conflicts and strengthen team spirit. Empathic behavior is demonstrated, for example, when meetings are planned in such a way that they are compatible with employees' personal commitments.

Practical example: If you know that a team member regularly has an appointment to pick up their child at 3 pm, schedule meetings at a different time. This shows consideration and strengthens trust and motivation in the team.

Tip: Encourage your managers and teams to pay attention not only to the words of the team members, but also to non-verbal signals such as tone of voice and facial expressions. These can provide important clues as to the mood and needs of those involved. Use classic check-ins with a mood survey such as "How's your social battery?".

Remote collaboration: more than just digital tools

Successful collaboration in hybrid teams goes far beyond the use of digital tools. It is about building trust, maintaining clear communication and recognizing and utilizing the strengths of team members.

Practical example: Promote the use of agile working methods such as retrospectives to regularly reflect on and adapt collaboration. This creates space for feedback and continuous improvement of your processes.

Tip: Establish virtual coffee breaks or informal check-ins where team members can exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. Such regular, informal meetings promote trust and cohesion within the team, which has a positive effect on collaboration throughout the project.

Hybrid leadership: the special competence for remote managers

The ability to lead according to the situation is crucial for managers in hybrid teams. Hybrid leadership requires your managers to respond flexibly to the different needs of employees and strike a balance between trust and control.

Practical example: One employee needs more structure in her work, while another colleague works best with a lot of autonomy. It is important to act according to the situation: While the manager gives one employee clear goals and regular updates, they give their colleague more freedom to manage their tasks independently.

Tip: Organize regular face-to-face meetings or on-site events to strengthen team cohesion. Digital team-building activities can also help to promote a sense of togetherness and create closeness despite physical distance.