Communication in a Hybrid Workplace - Tips and Best Practices

The importance of effective communication cannot be overstated- it helps boost team morale, improve productivity, and foster a positive workplace culture. We will explore some tips and best practices to communicate effectively in a hybrid workplace.

1. Use technology to your advantage
   
   Technology can be a powerful tool for communication in a hybrid workplace. Utilize video conferencing, messaging apps, and other digital tools to stay connected with your colleagues and clients. The use of technology can also help bridge the communication gap between in-office and remote teams. Incorporating technology into your employee communication strategy can enhance your team's collaboration and productivity.
   
   Flexy user at APPCOM noted, “Knowing which days there will be critical mass at the office has been transformative in scheduling in-office days. I feel like I am in control of the outcome.”
   
   
2. Be clear and concise in your communication
   
   In a hybrid workplace, it's essential to be clear and concise in your communication. This means being mindful of your tone and language and avoiding ambiguity or confusion in your messages. Always remember that written communication can be misinterpreted differently than in-person communication. Take a moment to read through your message before sending it and ensure that the message is easy to understand and free of grammatical errors.
   
   
3. Practice active listening
   
   Active listening is critical in a hybrid workplace. It means paying attention to what others are saying, asking questions, and seeking clarification when needed. It also means being respectful of others' perspectives and opinions. Active listening can foster trust and respect among team members. Find opportunities to solicit feedback and share results, and fostering change at all levels of the company will build trust between talent and leadership.
   
   “Active Listening is just one part of communication, but it is a crucial part. It is the difference between THINKING we understand what people want and KNOWING what people want.” Heather Younger, author and speaker,  Art of Active Listening
   
   
4. Schedule regular check-ins
   
   In a hybrid workplace, it's essential to have regular check-ins with your team. These check-ins can help build relationships and foster communication and ensure the team achieve their expected outcomes. Regular check-ins help you stay connected with your team members and ensure everyone is on the same page. Managers have opportunities to recommend times where the entire team is available for intentional collaboration. These check-ins can be formal scheduled meetings, informal meetings, or casual conversations to help build relationships and know where your team members stand on projects and overall worplace well-being.
   
   Whether working from home, on-site or both, digital communication has a high chance of increasing feelings of burnout. Our survey showed that 60% of respondents said that digital communication increased feelings of burnout. Nearly 70% of remote workers said they experienced burnout from digital communication. Hybrid and on-site workers were less likely to experience burnout as a result of digital communication: 56% and 49% respectively.
   
   
5. Be open and flexible
   
   In a hybrid workplace, communication styles and technologies are subject to change. It's essential to be open and flexible to new ideas and adapt to the changes. Be open to feedback and actively seek it out to learn how your communication style can be improved. By being flexible and open to new ideas, you can develop a communication strategy that works for you and your team.
   
   Many workers spend all day in front of a screen. The highest percentage of respondents form a recent Forbes survey (16%) said they spend 21 to 25 hours per week on digital communication platforms. That’s around five hours per day on average.
   

Effective communication is critical for any workplace, but even more so in a hybrid workplace. Utilizing technology, being clear and concise in your communication, practicing active listening, scheduling regular check-ins, and being open and flexible can help you communicate effectively in a hybrid workplace. By following these tips and best practices, you can build strong relationships, enhance team collaboration, and foster a positive workplace culture.