Visible Leadership in Hybrid Working
Hybrid working is the new normal.
In recent years, hybrid working arrangements have become commonplace, with 51% of the US remote-capable workforce participating in hybrid work. Research shows that hybrid workers spend 54% of their working hours outside of the traditional office environment.
Hybrid working has been found to have notable benefits; 76% of hybrid employees report a better work life balance and claim increased productivity, whilst organizational leaders report improved retention.
However, these benefits come with significant challenges.
Disconnection in Hybrid Work
Hybrid work can interfere with communication, and leave employees feeling detached.
- 55% express feeling lonelier and more disconnected from colleagues since starting hybrid work models.
- Around 80% of HR leaders state that internal communication has become more challenging under hybrid work, with 52.6% describing it as “a little more challenging” and 27% as “very challenging”.
These statistics highlight the strain which hybrid environments can place on communication and collaboration, both of which are imperative to organizational success.
The Importance of Visibile Leadership
Managers can mitigate these challenges by increasing leadership visibility in the hybrid workspace.
Visible leadership refers to how leaders actively demonstrate their presence within the organization.
Visibility is more than being physically present; it is how leaders communicate, engage and support employees at all levels.
Below are some practical examples suggesting how to improve leadership visibility in the hybrid workspace:
Clarity for New Starters
Employees that start a new role in a hybrid capacity are at risk of feeling isolated and unsupported, as there are fewer opportunities to naturally interact with team members compared to the traditional office environment. Leaders can foster connection by:
- Clarifying chain of command and team structure early on.
- Providing digital org charts accessible from home.
- Organizing introductory meetings or implementing a virtual buddy system.
Improving Organizational Clarity during Onboarding
Openness in Change Management
During times of organizational change, employees can feel “in the dark”, and hybrid arrangements may exacerbate these feelings, potentially leading to distrust of leadership. To counter this, leaders should:
- Communicate open and honestly.
- Discuss changes in smaller team meetings.
- Host live Q&A sessions rather than relying solely on impersonal email announcements.
Visible leaders help maintain transparency and trust, especially during times of uncertainty.
Acknowledging Contributions
In hybrid environments, it is easy for employees’ contributions to go unnoticed if leaders are not physically present. Leaders can demonstrate appreciation by:
- Regularly checking in with hybrid employees.
- Publicly acknowledging contributions and emphasizing the value of their work to the broader organization.
- Leveraging digital tools such as internal recognition and reward platforms.
When employees feel valued, motivation and engagement rise.
Fostering Team Connections
Leaders can enhance visibility and strengthen team bonds by prioritising team-building activities, such as:
- Team lunches, in-person/online workshops and collaborative learning sessions.
- Encouraging informal touchpoints that build trust and inclusion.
- Creating shared digital spaces where employees can celebrate wins, share ideas and connect socially beyond daily work tasks.
By investing in team dynamics, leaders visibly demonstrate care for employee wellbeing and promote a sense of belonging across hybrid teams.
Final Thoughts
In the era of hybrid work, visible leadership is more important than ever.
Being visible means cultivating an open and honest work culture, where employees feel consistently supported and connected, despite geographical differences.
By practising visibility in leadership, managers can mitigate the communication difficulties often experienced by hybrid workers and improve collaborative efforts.
