For hybrid models to work well, leaders must view them as fully remote models and plan their policies and procedures accordingly.

With some team members co-located in the office and others working from remote locations, careful attention to detail is essential to maintaining a healthy workplace culture, having inclusive and clear communication, and maximizing productivity.

This is not to say hybrid models can't work - they can! The question is how to implement a hybrid model effectively.

I’m sharing 5 tips for companies to successfully operate with a hybrid model.

1. Include Remote Colleagues.

Include everyone who needs to be in the "room" regardless of their work conversation. This requires adequate technology at your fingertips to video conference in your team members who are remote. Additionally, a conscious effort to connect with the appropriate team members even when a conversation is impromptu is key to establishing an inclusive environment.

2. Utilize Technology.

Make sure your remote team has access to secure and high-speed internet. Utilize the tools that fit best with your company to enhance operations. Utilizing a project management tool and/or constituent relationship management (CRM) system for 24/7 communication at everyone's fingertips is top of this list for hybrid teams. Not only do these tools keep your email inbox in control, but you can also enjoy the added benefit of real-time, up-to-date communication about project status updates and client/customer relationships.

3. Centralize Internal Communications.

Keep your announcements as well as your remote work and other policies up-to-date and posted online where everyone knows they can be read. It also helps if you send email alerts when updates are made and new announcements are added to reinforce where to find this important information.

4. Prioritize Socialization.

Plan regular social events to unite your dispersed team. Some events should be virtual to allow for the greatest number to attend with others in-person to provide opportunities for face-to-face interaction. Of course, in-person events and retreats should only be hosted when it's safe to do so.

5. Remain Mindful.

Always ask yourself, could this situation be replicated if everyone present were remote? When the answer is "yes" - you're maximizing the benefits of a hybrid model without leaving anyone out. If you answer "no", think about what modifications could be made to how you are operating to make sure your entire team is utilized and valued.

Hybrid models have lots of positives worth mentioning, like their ability to meet almost everyone on the team's work location preference and style and their nod to maximum flexibility. They are not an all-or-nothing approach to a work location. A team member could choose to work full time from the office or home or a split schedule with some time onsite and another time remote. That's why companies who are debating whether to go 100% remote or implement a hybrid model moving forward should consider which will serve their mission best without compromising their company culture and overall outcomes.

Need help boosting your team productivity and keeping everyone on the same page? The Zone Community offers team packages and can also arrange for private breakout groups when your team wants to collaborate during one of our virtual coworking sessions.

Pamela Meister