It’s 9am on a Monday and you’re sat in a meeting room with several colleagues waiting for several more to join Zoom on the big screen. When they do, the meeting proceeds with a dodgy Wi-Fi connection, broken audio, and most comments coming from your in-person employees. Welcome to the hybrid workplace.
How to manage hybrid teams is a burning question for leaders as the post-pandemic workplace is set in motion. A McKinsey survey of 100 executives across different industries and geographies revealed 9 in 10 organizations plan to combine remote and on-site work going forward.
A lack of preparation and concerns over managing hybrid teams is prominent among industry leaders. 68% of the same executives surveyed by McKinsey said they have no detailed plan for hybrid work, or no plan communicated within their organization, while 47% said a lack of a clear vision about post-pandemic work is a cause for concern.
As leaders grapple with the challenges of managing hybrid teams, here’s what the experts say they need to do to make it work.
1. Managing hybrid teams requires clear structure
When are you going to work remotely and when are you going to bring your team together in the office?
That’s a question Frans Bevort, associate professor at Copenhagen Business School and expert on organizations and work, thinks is key for leaders to answer. They need to clearly identify when to bring teams together in person to build cross-organizational relationships that keep the business moving when work is remote.
“I think the social fabric is extremely important to build and maintain,” he says. “You need to be extremely aware of how to build out these interactions and relations [between employees], as these are the structures you're going to build on when you work in a variety of ways.”
If you’re in the early stages of a project and you need to discuss creatives or jointly work on strategy, for example, Lioba Gierke, psychologist and PhD candidate at the Chair of Leadership at WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management, says that an in-person meeting could be beneficial.
Whereas if you have work tasks that need more focus or silent time, an at-home work arrangement might be a better fit.
“I think we can see the development of a remote stream of work and an in-person stream of work, where you differentiate between the tasks that need to be done,” she says.
2. A hybrid work model requires communication
US tech industry leaders are most concerned about the impact changing work models will have on integrating new hires into their organization, according to a recent Deloitte survey. Their second biggest concern is the overall deterioration in personal relationships or a reduction in trust within their organizations.
Lioba from WHU explains that communication cuts across everything in the workplace—from the way a leader manages a team, to how a team works together and the technology they’re using to do so.
To lead effectively, leaders need to also trust that their employees will work efficiently when they’re remote. “An important quality in leaders is that they can […] build a trusting relationship [with their employees] that works well despite the distance,” Lioba says. “I think that’s a key characteristic of leaders that can be built through communication.”
Albina Shashyna, managing director at boutique consultancy, Free Your Inner Alice, and business change manager for hybrid working at the London School of Economics (LSE), adds that when hiring for a hybrid environment, incoming employees must have full clarity on the firm’s hybrid working expectations and agree to them prior to starting.
“Mismatch between expectations and reality can cause major issues for both sides,” she says.
3. Managing hybrid teams requires an openness to flexibility
Employees who are part of a hybrid workplace intend to keep it that way, and the positive attitude towards remote work is a global trend. According to Statista data, 82% of employees currently working remotely or who have the option to work remotely, believe remote work is the future of work.
Leaders need to be open to the flexibility of allowing their employees to work from home, at least part of the time. It’s one of the ways CEOs can overcome the challenges posed by the Great Resignation.
But striking that balance between the needs of the business and those of its employees is one of the biggest challenges facing leaders trying to successfully adopt a hybrid work model, according to Albina.
“Often there’s a mismatch between the balance the organization and individuals would like to have when working in a hybrid way. Organizations would prefer staff to be in the office more to foster collaboration and creativity, while individuals prefer the convenience—flexibility, no commute—of working from home.”
But for leaders who feel productivity has dipped, employees are dissatisfied, or innovation has been damaged, Albina has some advice: “Hybrid working goes wrong when individuals are not willing to change their old, no longer suitable working habits, when they are not willing to experiment to find what works for them in a hybrid environment.”
Another way managing hybrid teams goes wrong is when companies haven’t invested in or aren’t willing to use the technology available to support hybrid working. It’s about iterative change, says Albina, and “getting the technology right is crucial.”
5. Managing hybrid teams requires leaders to step back
When the shift to remote work happened at the outset of the Covid pandemic, employees looked to leaders to showcase crisis leadership. But now employees have returned to the office and a hybrid work model has become the norm, it’s about delegating and spreading the leadership responsibilities across an organization.
That’s according to Sebastian Reiche, professor of Managing People in Organizations at IESE Business School.
“It's not advisable for a leader to be constantly sitting in the hot chair,” he asserts. “As a leader you actually have to be comfortable empowering team members to decentralize decision making.
“The more complex your work structures, and the more complex your team structures, the more leaders you need. From the perspective of executives, you need to be comfortable with letting go.”
6. Managing hybrid teams requires leaders with a broad perspective
Hybrid work affects everything about the way we manage people, and Sebastian thinks the new way of working requires leaders to approach management with an even broader perspective than before.
Leaders need to be able to see solutions for all the hybrid work questions that fall at their feet. They need to decide things like who works remotely and who works in the office; who they need to hire and who they can move into new roles to optimize performance; what type of skills the organization needs; and how to approach promotions when some people are remote, and others are in the office.
“I think to do this effectively you need to wear that broader lens, a broader set of glasses,” he says. “That's more challenging, but with a potentially much, much more effective outcome.
“I'm hoping for organizations to spend and invest in this so they can create more effective, more meaningful hybrid work solutions.”
Hybrid work is here to stay, that’s common knowledge among industry leaders who’ve been grappling with the challenges since workers started returning to the office in dribs and drabs.
But there remain huge challenges, and to get hybrid right, leaders need to double down on strong communication, patience, and openness.
CBS has always been ranked among the best universities in Europe and this means that it has become a sign of professionalism and success.
The academic level is great thanks to the good teachers and the atmosphere is proactive and challenging. Lots of events are planned every week and this helps you to find your own way.
CBS is not only a business school, it is a great and efficient international network.
Stella
Verified
24/04/2019
Good academic career
I did my Bachelors at CBS and their academic excellence and career opportunities led me to pursue my Masters in Accounting, Strategy and Control. I was very lucky to go on an exchange in Singapore for one semester it boosted me to get a career in a global firm. I like that it is super modern and has all the facilities for the business student in 2019. Especially, I liked the library and Bitlab where I spent most of my time studying. However, note that it is very demanding and studying here is no joke. Everything is very competitive and you are among the most excellent business students in the country. The interaction with international students helped me to see different perspectives in business and culturally and I was lucky to make friends from any part of the world. CBS is like a brand in Denmark. Every serious business company prioritizes us over any other Danish university and also it is free for European citizens. Overall, I have a very satisfying experience at CBS and I'm looking to continue my academical career even further.
Student
Verified
13/04/2019
CBS is one of the best!
All I have to say regarding my experience at CBS is that it is AMAZING. Having been tutored by world-class academic staff, I can definitely support that I am receiving the best of quality regarding my studies in Digital Marketing. Staff is very friendly and easy to approach. In addition, the facilities we enjoy are top class and meet any demands. Keep in mind that, EU citizens do not pay any fees. Student life might be non-existent here, but the location of the University in The very center of Copenhagen has a huge variety of choices to offer to students regarding their entertainment. Accommodation might be a problem, but early research of the market can be very useful. In addition, the University promotes diversity. In CBS University you can meet people from the whole world which is quite interesting. I definitely suggest CBS for any student who he's interested in pursuing a career in marketing or business.
Stefani
Verified
12/04/2019
The ideal business school
I have been enrolled in this university for 2 semesters. What I took from this experience is that there is nothing better out there for those looking for professional growth while being guided by some of the top-notch professors in Scandinavia. They have a really strong focus in technology and digital transformation and they are up to date to guarantee you land a job in the modern fast-evolving world. They also embrace diversity which means many students come from any part of the world and it takes the entire learning experience to another level. You simply learn from every other student cause everyone has different experiences and background which makes you open your mind and see the world from a different angle. In Denmark, even businesses prioritize people who graduate from CBS as it's commonly perceived as the most prestigious university for business graduates.
José Pedro
Verified
22/09/2019
A Place of Personal Growth
In CBS you can expect an environment of proactive thinking and growth.
The university staff is always open to help and to debate. The teaching methods balance theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabling the student with capacity and confidence to enter the job market successfully. The existence of students from all over the world stimulates discussion and promotion of different cultures, ideas and perspectives. I highly recommend this university for students in business-related areas.
Cathy
Verified
5/02/2019
Environment
The environment here is really great. Despite the well organized buildings and libraries, there are also places for students to just stay and relax also even study in the corners of each campus. The professors are mostly really nice and try to interact with students a lot. So, to sum up, the environment is really nice for studying here.
Philip
Verified
15/04/2018
Quality education
Quality education where it emphazises the importance of academic. No finger to put on this aspect of the school.
However, sometimes the administration and IT can be lacking a bit, but in general a really good choice for education!
Student
Verified
27/09/2017
Best Time!
Classes are challenging and conducted in a professional manner. CBS offers a wide range of possibilities to develop outside of the classes! Libraries and other facilities on the campus are very well adjusted to the student needs.
Student
Verified
22/09/2017
A heavily theory-based curriculum combined with an ever-stimulating environment
I am currently a Master student at CBS, but I have also completed a Bachelor's Degree in this university. I am quite satisfied with my studies and the teaching level. However, when compared to other business schools, it becomes apparent that most courses at CBS strive to find a good balance between theoretical insight and real-life examples. Compared to my exchange university, the projects that I have found myself writing at CBS have a far less practical application and also leave little room for creativity. If the teaching is heavily theoretical, on the bright side, the university arranges a number of events throughout the year to encourage students to apply their knowledge, in the form of career fairs, case competitions, and other events organized by student associations. In my experience, teachers are very easily approachable and happy to answer your questions. A foreign student like me will find a more international environment at Master level, since the number of international (or at least non-Scandinavian) students enrolled in the Bachelor programs is quite low. However, all communication (both oral and written) from teachers and the university offices is always in English. Administrative offices, student guidance services, the career center, and the international office are definitely worth a mention. All of the requests that I have had throughout the years have always been met with kindness, promptness and efficiency.
Student
Verified
29/09/2019
CBS: efficient international network
CBS has always been ranked among the best universities in Europe and this means that it has become a sign of professionalism and success.
The academic level is great thanks to the good teachers and the atmosphere is proactive and challenging. Lots of events are planned every week and this helps you to find your own way.
CBS is not only a business school, it is a great and efficient international network.
Stella
Verified
24/04/2019
Good academic career
I did my Bachelors at CBS and their academic excellence and career opportunities led me to pursue my Masters in Accounting, Strategy and Control. I was very lucky to go on an exchange in Singapore for one semester it boosted me to get a career in a global firm. I like that it is super modern and has all the facilities for the business student in 2019. Especially, I liked the library and Bitlab where I spent most of my time studying. However, note that it is very demanding and studying here is no joke. Everything is very competitive and you are among the most excellent business students in the country. The interaction with international students helped me to see different perspectives in business and culturally and I was lucky to make friends from any part of the world. CBS is like a brand in Denmark. Every serious business company prioritizes us over any other Danish university and also it is free for European citizens. Overall, I have a very satisfying experience at CBS and I'm looking to continue my academical career even further.
Student
Verified
13/04/2019
CBS is one of the best!
All I have to say regarding my experience at CBS is that it is AMAZING. Having been tutored by world-class academic staff, I can definitely support that I am receiving the best of quality regarding my studies in Digital Marketing. Staff is very friendly and easy to approach. In addition, the facilities we enjoy are top class and meet any demands. Keep in mind that, EU citizens do not pay any fees. Student life might be non-existent here, but the location of the University in The very center of Copenhagen has a huge variety of choices to offer to students regarding their entertainment. Accommodation might be a problem, but early research of the market can be very useful. In addition, the University promotes diversity. In CBS University you can meet people from the whole world which is quite interesting. I definitely suggest CBS for any student who he's interested in pursuing a career in marketing or business.
Stefani
Verified
12/04/2019
The ideal business school
I have been enrolled in this university for 2 semesters. What I took from this experience is that there is nothing better out there for those looking for professional growth while being guided by some of the top-notch professors in Scandinavia. They have a really strong focus in technology and digital transformation and they are up to date to guarantee you land a job in the modern fast-evolving world. They also embrace diversity which means many students come from any part of the world and it takes the entire learning experience to another level. You simply learn from every other student cause everyone has different experiences and background which makes you open your mind and see the world from a different angle. In Denmark, even businesses prioritize people who graduate from CBS as it's commonly perceived as the most prestigious university for business graduates.
José Pedro
Verified
22/09/2019
A Place of Personal Growth
In CBS you can expect an environment of proactive thinking and growth.
The university staff is always open to help and to debate. The teaching methods balance theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabling the student with capacity and confidence to enter the job market successfully. The existence of students from all over the world stimulates discussion and promotion of different cultures, ideas and perspectives. I highly recommend this university for students in business-related areas.
Cathy
Verified
5/02/2019
Environment
The environment here is really great. Despite the well organized buildings and libraries, there are also places for students to just stay and relax also even study in the corners of each campus. The professors are mostly really nice and try to interact with students a lot. So, to sum up, the environment is really nice for studying here.
Philip
Verified
15/04/2018
Quality education
Quality education where it emphazises the importance of academic. No finger to put on this aspect of the school.
However, sometimes the administration and IT can be lacking a bit, but in general a really good choice for education!
Student
Verified
27/09/2017
Best Time!
Classes are challenging and conducted in a professional manner. CBS offers a wide range of possibilities to develop outside of the classes! Libraries and other facilities on the campus are very well adjusted to the student needs.
Student
Verified
22/09/2017
A heavily theory-based curriculum combined with an ever-stimulating environment
I am currently a Master student at CBS, but I have also completed a Bachelor's Degree in this university. I am quite satisfied with my studies and the teaching level. However, when compared to other business schools, it becomes apparent that most courses at CBS strive to find a good balance between theoretical insight and real-life examples. Compared to my exchange university, the projects that I have found myself writing at CBS have a far less practical application and also leave little room for creativity. If the teaching is heavily theoretical, on the bright side, the university arranges a number of events throughout the year to encourage students to apply their knowledge, in the form of career fairs, case competitions, and other events organized by student associations. In my experience, teachers are very easily approachable and happy to answer your questions. A foreign student like me will find a more international environment at Master level, since the number of international (or at least non-Scandinavian) students enrolled in the Bachelor programs is quite low. However, all communication (both oral and written) from teachers and the university offices is always in English. Administrative offices, student guidance services, the career center, and the international office are definitely worth a mention. All of the requests that I have had throughout the years have always been met with kindness, promptness and efficiency.
Cristina
Verified
6/09/2024
On Campus
Monthly checkups, good acedmic tutoring
Copenhagen business school impresses me every single time I think about the school as a whole. What’s particularly impressive is how they always check in to ensure everyone is on the same page. Whether it's through small group discussions or one-on-one feedback sessions, the professors really take the time to make sure no one is left behind. They’re always available for follow-up questions and give tailored feedback that helps students understand where they can improve and how to apply what they’ve learned to real-world situations. It's clear that at CBS, the focus is on learning, not just getting paid. The professors are not just there to deliver lectures but are deeply invested in making sure every student is progressing.
Jose
Verified
6/09/2024
On Campus
The professors.. 👌🏾
The professors at Copenhagen Business School are genuinely excellent and play an essential role in developing students with extensive real-world experience. What stuck out to me was how supportive they are outside of lectures and class time. They are always willing to answer inquiries, whether concerning the course material or career advice, and many of them work beyond of usual hours to assist students.The instructors' accessibility fosters an environment in which you feel encouraged, not only intellectually, but also in terms of personal growth and future career goals. It's apparent that they care significantly about helping students achieve.
Jonas
Verified
18/11/2024
On Campus
Jpp prospects with top companies
Copenhagen Business School offers a unique blend of academic rigor and practical experience, making it an excellent choice for aspiring professionals, especially in fields like investment banking and consulting. With strong ties to top-tier companies, the job prospects are promising, bolstered by a robust network of alumni and industry connections. The Danish government provides financial support (SU) for local and EU students, alleviating the financial burden and allowing for a focus on academics and career-building activities. The curriculum is well-structured, offering ample free time for part-time jobs, student clubs, or pursuing personal interests. The balance between studies and extracurriculars nurtures a dynamic student experience, while the international environment fosters a global perspective. CBS equips students with not just a degree but a solid foundation in real-world business practices, making graduates highly competitive in the job market.
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