Embedding Success: How Organisational Development Can Champion Hybrid Working

The UK's workplace landscape has undergone a seismic shift. Hybrid working, once a perk, is now a prominent feature for many businesses. But successfully transitioning to a hybrid model requires careful planning and support. This is where Organisational Development (OD) experts can play a pivotal role.

Investing in OD expertise is an investment in your organisation's future. By creating a well-structured and supported hybrid working model, you can reap the benefits of a happier, more productive, and future-proof workforce.

OD professionals possess the expertise to navigate the complexities of hybrid work. They can help businesses develop a comprehensive strategy that fosters a culture of collaboration, productivity, and well-being in this new environment. Here are some key areas where OD experts can provide invaluable assistance:

1. Policy and Practice Alignment:  A well-defined hybrid working policy is crucial. OD experts can facilitate workshops to create a policy that aligns with your organisation's values and goals.
   

2. Technology as an Enabler: Technology is the bedrock of successful hybrid work. OD experts can help assess your existing technology infrastructure and identify areas for improvement.
   

3. Building Trust and Connection:  A dispersed workforce can lead to feelings of isolation and a decline in team spirit. OD experts can design and deliver programs that promote communication, build trust, and foster a sense of belonging among remote and office-based employees.
   

4. Performance Management Redefined: Traditional performance management metrics may not translate well to a hybrid environment. OD experts can help develop frameworks that assess performance based on outputs and objectives, rather than physical presence.

While OD experts provide the strategic framework, managers are the ones who translate this vision into daily practices for their teams. By investing in manager development programs, businesses can equip them with the skills needed to thrive in a hybrid environment. Here's how OD expertise can empower managers:

1. Effective Communication:  OD programs can equip managers with the ability to communicate clearly and consistently with both remote and office-based employees. This includes fostering transparency, providing timely feedback, and creating a safe space for open dialogue.
   

2. Building Strong Teams:  Managers require new strategies for building team cohesion in a hybrid setting. OD experts can help them develop virtual team-building techniques, facilitate goal setting for dispersed teams, and create opportunities for collaboration across physical boundaries.
   

3. Prioritisation and Delegation:  Effective time management and delegation become even more critical in a hybrid set-up. OD programs can equip managers with the skills to prioritise tasks effectively, delegate responsibilities appropriately, and hold virtual team members accountable.

If you are still at the start of embedding hybrid working into you organisation here are some additional tips:

• Pilot Programs: Consider piloting a hybrid model with a smaller group before a full rollout.

• Employee Feedback: Actively seek employee feedback throughout the process to identify and address concerns.

• Focus on Outcomes: Hold managers accountable for team performance, not just physical presence in the office.
  

By partnering with OD experts, UK businesses can unlock the full potential of hybrid working, creating a thriving and adaptable workforce for the years to come.

Contact InspireOD today if you would like to partner with us to support your hybrid working journey