Improving Engagement in Hybrid Working
In the era of hybrid working, employees are feeling increasingly disconnected from their colleagues and organization — in fact, 55% of employees report feeling lonelier since adopting hybrid work.
With spontaneous “water cooler chats” becoming a thing of the past, leaders must be intentional about creating opportunities for connection and engagement.
Research shows that employees who are highly engaged and aligned with their organization’s goals experience significantly better outcomes across multiple areas:
- 70% higher well-being
- 23% higher productivity
- 21% lower turnover in high-turnover organizations
- 78% less absenteeism
Purposeful team-building activities can foster a sense of belonging, strengthen collaboration, and keep engagement levels high.
While these activities were traditionally conducted in person, leaders now need to think creatively to adapt them to the digital workspace.
Here are some digital-friendly ideas to promote engagement in hybrid or remote teams:
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1. Digital “Drop-Ins”
In traditional office environments, employees often drop by each other’s desks to ask questions or quickly clarify something. In hybrid or remote settings, these spontaneous interactions disappear, and questions or concerns can go unspoken.
Hosting a weekly digital “drop-in” session gives employees a casual, no-pressure space to connect with leaders, ask questions, and share ideas. It not only increases visibility and approachability for leadership but also provides valuable insight into areas where the team may need support or improvement.
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2. Remote Relaxation
If your team struggles with the midafternoon slump or finds it hard to disconnect after work, they may benefit from a virtual meditation or yoga session. These sessions are accessible for employees of all fitness levels and can be done in a variety of spaces.
By prioritizing employees’ health and emotional well-being, organizations can help reduce stress and boost focus, enabling staff to tackle tasks more effectively and consistently produce high-quality work.
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3. Computer-Based Quests
Activities such as games, competitions, and challenges are a great way to strengthen team bonds and promote a sense of belonging. When teams have fun together, they are more likely to engage in productive communication and collaborate effectively.
These activities can range from something simple, like an end-of-week quiz held over Zoom, to something more elaborate, such as a digital escape room. Whatever you choose, the key is to keep it fun, lighthearted, and engaging.
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4. Virtual Victories
Celebrating wins — no matter how big or small — shows employees that their contributions are valued and helps foster engagement.
In virtual workspaces, it’s easy for achievements to go unnoticed. Leaders can make use of digital reward and recognition platforms to highlight accomplishments, boost morale, and strengthen team connections.
Visible Leadership in Hybrid Working
Final Thoughts
Hybrid working can sometimes disrupt team relationships, but with a little creativity, leaders can continue to engage their teams while boosting well-being, productivity, and performance. A little effort to engage your team goes a long way toward building a resilient, high-performing workforce.
