How to Support Employee Wellbeing in a Hybrid Workplace

How to Support Employee Wellbeing in a Hybrid Workplace

Hybrid working has become a key feature of post-COVID-19 workplaces. A team divided between office and home working presents new challenges for leaders, requiring the development of different leadership styles to support their employees. Mental health and wellbeing remain at the forefront for good management, so what should employers do when they spot the tell-tale signs of lack of engagement among their team?

Empathy and understanding

Showing extra compassion and understanding towards employees struggling with the adjustment to remote and hybrid working patterns is a good place to start. We’ve all experienced tough times over the last couple of years, and only by having a meaningful two-way dialogue will you be able to ascertain what support each person needs. Whether it’s flexible hours or extra training, mental health support through CBT counselling or longer term psychotherapy, everyone has unique requirements that should be approached with a genuine care for their wellbeing.

Honest communications

Increasing the frequency and authenticity of communications between management and staff will go a long way to limiting any feelings of isolation. Share good news from across the business, update team members with latest developments and communicate best practice. Similarly, ensure that you give praise, and communicate their value to the business. Nurturing a sense of belonging and togetherness helps people to feel more connected.

Connectivity among co-workers

Inclusion is particularly important when teams are divided in terms of their location. Creating a feeling of togetherness can be practiced through communicating messages that show their thoughts and feelings are appreciated and valued. Social team events take on a greater meaning. From weekly quizzes to monthly team lunches, it’s important to bring people together outside of formal work events to facilitate connection as both co-workers and friends.

Positive work-life balance

Sharing working hours between office and home blurs the boundaries between private and professional space, making it harder to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Managers must take the lead in showing that it’s not only OK but expected that employees switch off at the end of the working day and take time to relax at home. Look out for signs that this isn’t the case, e.g. late working or emails being sent out of hours, and enforce a clear distinction.

Lead from the front

Leadership is about being a positive role model, so take care of your own mental health and wellbeing too. Equally important is the ability to show vulnerability. By communicating with honesty and compassion, listening to your team, and showing a willingness to figure it all out together, you will gain their trust and respect.

Finding the right balance for hybrid working is key for business success going forward. Just as total remote working during the lockdown was an extreme change, a total return to the office can now be as challenging. Be realistic about the daily percentage of your workforce you could support working from home, without impacting business performance, team culture and individual mental wellbeing. Listen to everyone’s concerns so both sides can be accommodated effectively.