Course description

Recent research shows that as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic and many being asked to work from home, most workers would now choose to continue to do so at least some of the time. This is enabling some organisations to create new ways of working.

Organisations must now establish what the introduction of “hybrid working” means for them. Leaders, individuals, and teams will find themselves adapting and dealing with many different situations they might not have experienced when all employees were expected to work in the office or place of work.

This course is designed to allow individuals and teams to explore the challenges and benefits of working as part of a hybrid team. A hybrid team may consist of some employees working from home, some based in the workplace, and some choosing a blended approach to their working week.

In this one-day virtual session, individuals and teams will consider different situations they may experience:

• communication may be a challenge
• hot desking may have been introduced
• team members may see one another rarely, or only on virtual calls
• new members of staff may join the team and never have any face-to-face contact with their colleagues.

In addition to the emotions relating to change and the pandemic, there can be strong feelings towards others in the team, where individuals find it hard to appreciate that specific roles necessitate working on site, and there may be limitations to who, and when, people can work from home.

The session will also focus on how individuals and teams can collaborate to create and adapt to a new way of working that encourages the team to stay motivated, engaged, and achieving objectives.

The course will be interactive and include the use of Meeting chat, breakout rooms, polls, group discussions, and personal reflection time.

Target Student

This course is relevant to anyone who is currently working in a hybrid team. This session will be particularly relevant and add value where a team can attend a session together, discuss specific situations, and create a team action plan.

Pre-requisites

None

Objectives

This workshop will give delegates the opportunity to:

• Explore the changes they have experienced and the impact on their team
• Define the purpose of the team and its role in achieving the organisation’s vision, strategy and objectives
• Establish team goals and objectives, and how the team is structured
• Clarify roles and responsibilities
• Consider the most effective means of communicating as a team
• Recognise potential challenges of working in a hybrid team and establish how best to deal with these
• Create a contract and action plan to support the team’s efficiency and success

Course content

The Current Situation:

• What is the current situation?
• Where are we now as a team?
• What challenges are we experiencing or facing?
• What are the benefits of this way of working?
• What outcomes do we need to achieve?

The Changing Team:

• Typical emotions and behaviours when dealing with Change
• What are we as a team experiencing currently?
• Actions to support ourselves and one another through Change and Transition

Defining the Team Purpose:

• What are our team’s goals and objectives, and where do they fit in the organisation?
• Developing team dynamics (including Tuckman model)
• Working together as a team

Communicating in a Hybrid Working Team:

• Selecting the best method of communicating with your team
• Challenges of communicating in a Hybrid Team
• Planning and agreeing on communication strategies for maximum benefit

Potential Challenges in the Team:

• Recognise potential challenges of working in a hybrid team and establish how best to deal with these
• Create a contract and action plan to support the team’s efficiency and success

Working as a team:

• Exercises to build relationships and encourage teamwork

Personal Action Plan:

• Personal realisations and actions as a result of attending the session