Adaptability. It’s the number one skill that employees had to build when the world turned upside down more than three years ago.
Companies have shifted their focus to enabling traditional remote work. This meant that employees had to re-examine and refresh their communication, responsibility and time management skills.
Moving forward, many companies are choosing more flexible work models. And employees and employers face a new challenge: What hybrid workplace skills are important in this versatile environment?
Are the skills for hybrid work models really that different?
Skills such as good communication or agility have always been important at work. So what’s different now?
The difference is that if your workforce is a combination of in-person and remote work, you need to build those skills in a way that supports both.
A hybrid workplace functions differently than a traditional workplace. For example:
- In the traditional workplace, face-to-face conversations and meetings enable nuanced communication and spontaneous collaboration. In the hybrid workplace, the casual exchange of ideas often happens in a virtual brainstorming session or a well-timed Slack message.
- In the past, the 9 to 5 routine provided a clear structure. But now employees have to balance synchronous and asynchronous mode of operation. May have to adapt to different time zones and handle multiple tasks independently.
- In a traditional setting, supervisors might measure progress by observing daily activities. Maybe something is being done behind the scenes. Setting clear expectations and achieving goals becomes more of a challenge.
The good news is that navigating the hybrid workplace isn’t about discarding the skills that have served us well in the past. It is about their fine tuning for the new phase.
Want to upskill your hybrid workforce?
Deliver meaningful training, wherever your people are, with TalentLMS.
A training platform consistently ranked first by users.
7 essential hybrid skills in the workplace
To help your teams smoothly transition to hybrid operationfocus on strengthening employees’ most important skills.
As you begin planning your strategy, consider these top skills for hybrid work:
1. Knowledge of technology
Technical expertise in the hybrid workplace is a top priority. In a remote environment, employees must use tools such as video conferencing platforms and messaging applications. And technology literacy skills are primarily focused on personal work settings.
In the hybrid workplace, employees still use specialized tools to stay connected and stay productive. But they should expand your knowledge apply to a combination of virtual and personal connections.
For example, troubleshooting connection issues for remote teammates. Or connecting devices like cameras and microphones when giving a presentation for on-site and remote workers.
2. Self-management
Employees need self-discipline for hybrid work success. Remote workers must maintain a structured routine on their own. In a traditional office, external signs guide the workday.
Self-discipline for the success of hybrid work means that people must be able to manage both. They must maintain individual discipline in the solitude of remote work. But you can also stay focused amid the possible distractions of a shared workspace.
To transition between the two, they will need hybrid skills such as:
- Time management
- Project management
- Productivity
- Attention
3. Virtual collaboration
Good teamwork has a great impact on productivity. In a remote environment, all collaboration takes place virtually. In a traditional office, it’s an occasional addition.
The success of the hybrid model depends on it the ability of employees to contribute equallyregardless of their physical location.
Help employees brush up on vital hybrid business skills such as communicating across digital channels, participating in virtual meetings and using collaboration tools.
4. Adaptability
Onsite workers and remote workers can adopt employee skill sets that match their environment. However, the hybrid workplace is all about fluidity.
Employees move between situations such as virtual meetings and in-person brainstorming. They must create boundaries between work and home life in their remote office. But they also need to know how to stay focused in a busy office full of co-workers and distractions.
Help your people succeed building a culture of adaptability it makes it easier to be open to change and new ways of doing things.
Meet TalentLibrary™
A growing collection of ready-made courses covering soft skills
that your teams need to succeed at work
5. Communication
In a completely remote setting, people rely on written communication. In a traditional office, people have face-to-face interaction and social cues that help clarify any ambiguity.
Communication styles in hybrid teams will change depending on the circumstances.
People need to recognize when and how to share their ideas through concise, clear written communication. Or to have two-way live conversations sharing their thoughts and using active listening to make sure others are being heard.
6. Welfare
Employees need hybrid skills to prioritize well-being at work. In telecommuting, well-being can be compromised by a lack of social interactions. Or the lack of defined boundaries between work and home life. In contrast, in a traditional office, constant buzzing could lead to burnout.
The hybrid model means that employees are fighting isolation and screen fatigue. But also managing the potential stressors of the office environment.
They will need skills such as stress management, awareness and understanding of physical and mental health issues maintain a sense of health and happiness.
7. Adaptive leadership
In the hybrid workplace, leaders must foster a culture of trust. They should help teams navigate different work settings and provide guidance without micromanaging.
In both remote and onsite leadership roles, the focus is on managing a consistent environment. Hybrid leadership involves adapting styles to fit the needs of a dispersed team.
Your managers and superiors will need to know how to be including all their employees, avoiding proximity bias. They will need the skills to inspire, communicate effectively and foster a sense of belonging in all segments.
Cultivating hybrid workplace skills
It’s clear that embracing the potential of the hybrid workplace is not just a personal journey for employees. Employers also need to recognize the evolving landscape. And support their workforce in developing hybrid job skills.
Here are some tips to prepare your employees for success:
Empower employees through skills development
Provide regular training on key hybrid skills that will help people do their jobs with confidence. Offer courses on the latest collaboration tools, virtual communication etiquette, and technological advances. Training for a hybrid workplace may include webinars, workshops or mentoring programs.
Set clear guidelines and expectations
Eliminate confusion and ambiguity by helping employees understand their roles and responsibilities. Define rules about working hours, communication protocols and project deadlines. Communicate with them regularly to create a sense of purpose and direction.
Provide technological infrastructure and support
Invest in reliable communication tools, cybersecurity measures and IT support to ensure your technology helps build seamless collaboration.
Encourage work-life balance
A healthy work-life balance means more engaged and happier employees. Recognize the importance of employee well-being with initiatives like flexible scheduling, mental health resources, and wellness programs.
Adaptability is an ongoing skill
Whether you’re fully hybrid or your company’s operating model is still evolving, adaptability remains the key to success. Both for you and your employees.
For employees, this means being open to new ways of working, learning and communicating. For employers, it is about creating an environment that supports and nurtures these changes.
Adaptability is not a one-time task. It is an ongoing journey. If you stay flexible and open, you can learn about the twists and turns of the hybrid workplace to be successful for everyone – regardless of where they work from.