Is your team struggling to find common ground in a hybrid work environment?
Do you wonder how to maintain that special team spirit when half of your crew is working from home?
These questions are exactly where we need to start when we think about shared services transformation.
Hybrid work isn’t just about where we work; it’s about how we come together,
communicate, and nurture the culture of our organizations.
With over 20 years in the shared services game, I’ve seen first-hand how critical culture is in shared services.
It’s not merely a byproduct; it’s the backbone that supports everything from process optimization
to client satisfaction. Let’s break it down.
The Evolution of Hybrid Work
Remember the days when we all trudged into the office, barely recognizing the potential for flexibility?
Those days are long gone! The pandemic shifted our perspectives, forcing us to rethink how we work.
Companies began to experiment with more flexible structures, realizing that productivity doesn’t take a hit when we work from home.
But with flexibility comes responsibility.
We can’t let our culture erode because some folks are in the office, while others are at home.
So, here are some actionable steps:
- Establish Common Goals: Ensure that everyone knows what success looks like and how they fit in.
- Encourage Open Communication: Make it easy for team members to voice concerns or share ideas.
- Leverage Technology: Use collaborative tools that help everyone feel connected, regardless of location.
Cultivating Inclusion in a Hybrid Environment
Inclusion is everything.
If your office is buzzing with chatter about an upcoming project, but your remote colleague has no clue,
you might as well wave goodbye to that team spirit.
So, what can we do to ensure everyone is on the same page?
Here’s the game plan:
- Regular Check-Ins: Set up meetings where everyone can participate.
- Use Video Calls: Nobody likes staring at blank squares. Make face time a thing.
- Celebrate Wins: Big or small, make sure every accomplishment gets its moment in the sun.
Building Trust in Shared Services
Now, let’s talk about trust.
If team members feel disconnected or skeptical about their colleagues’ productivity,
we hit a wall. Trust needs to be cultivated, especially in hybrid models.
Here’s how to get that trust flowing:
- Be Transparent: Share company updates, successes, and challenges openly.
- Empower Employees: Give them the control they need to own their work.
- Foster Peer Relationships: Encourage mentorship and buddy systems among team members.
Training for a Hybrid Culture
Is your team equipped for this new reality?
Training needs to be redefined for the hybrid work environment.
The old ways of rolling out training sessions won’t cut it anymore.
Here’s the strategy:
- Focus on Soft Skills: Communication and collaboration skills are more important than ever.
- Utilize Online Platforms: Create courses that team members can take at their pace.
- Interactive Sessions: Make training engaging and applicable to real-world scenarios.
A Continuous Feedback Loop
Feedback is where the magic happens. We need it flowing in both directions—top to bottom and bottom to top.
Implement these practices:
- Surveys and Polls: Gauge employee sentiment regularly.
- One-on-One Meetings: Keep the conversation personal.
- Be Open to Change: Adapt your processes based on feedback received.
Embracing Change in Culture
Culture isn’t static. Just like the shared services landscape, it evolves.
Embracing change should be at the forefront of your strategy. Be proactive, not reactive.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Conduct Regular Culture Assessments: Know where you stand in terms of cultural health.
- Transform Challenges into Opportunities: Look at challenges through the lens of growing.
- Encourage Idea Generation: Invite team members to contribute to cultural initiatives.
Conclusion: The Human Side of Hybrid Work
At its heart, navigating hybrid work is about being human.
It’s about understanding and empathy. It’s about creating a culture in shared services that values each individual’s contribution, regardless if they’re remote or in the office.
So let’s not just hope for a better culture—let’s actively create it.
Drive shared services transformation with an unwavering commitment to culture.
And remember, when in doubt, keep it real and keep it fresh.
For more insights, strategies, and leadership tips in shared services, check out
THEGBSEDGE blog.
This blog has been my go-to for the latest on transformation, innovation, and leadership in shared services—crafted by yours truly,
Vikrant Aglawe.
