The Best Tools for Hybrid Remote Working

In the past two years, hybrid remote work has become the norm for many organizations. This work arrangement combines remote work and office work, giving employees more flexibility and choice.

This article will delve into the intricacies of hybrid-remote work, exploring its definition and potential impact. Additionally, we'll introduce 4 practical tips for effectively managing a hybrid remote team. To further streamline your hybrid remote work, we'll also recommend some of the best tools available.

Whether you're a seasoned professional navigating the new normal or an organization keen on optimizing remote collaboration, this guide is your go-to resource for unlocking the full potential of hybrid remote work.

What is hybrid remote working?

Hybrid remote working mixes remote work and office work. Employees have the freedom to select where they work based on their personal requirements and preferences.

Employees in a hybrid remote work arrangement may work from home, a co-working space, or a coffee shop on some days and the office on others. The specific arrangement will vary depending on the company and the individual employee.

What are the benefits of hybrid remote working?

Hybrid remote working offers a myriad of benefits that cater to both employees and employers. Here are some key advantages:

Increased productivity

Many employees find that they are more productive when working remotely, free from office distractions. The ability to create a personalized and comfortable work environment can lead to improved focus and efficiency.

Improved work-life balance

Employees in hybrid settings often experience a more flexible schedule, allowing them to better align work commitments with personal responsibilities and leisure activities.

Cost savings

Both employees and employers can experience cost savings with hybrid remote work. Employees save on commuting costs and time, while employers can benefit from reduced overhead expenses related to office space and utilities.

Talent acquisition and retention

The flexibility of hybrid remote work makes a company more attractive to a broader talent pool. It also contributes to employee retention, as workers are more likely to stay with a company that provides a flexible work environment.

Business continuity

Having a hybrid remote work setup enhances a company's resilience. In the face of unforeseen events, such as natural disasters or global health crises, businesses can continue operations more seamlessly.

What are the challenges of hybrid remote working?

Hybrid remote work, while offering flexibility and autonomy, presents unique challenges that require thoughtful consideration. Here are five challenges to be aware of:

Maintaining team cohesion

It is more difficult to build a cohesive team when members are physically separated. Developing a sense of camaraderie, team spirit, and shared goals necessitates deliberate efforts, particularly when team members are not co-located.

Communication barriers

Because remote and in-office employees may use various channels and tools for cooperation, hybrid teams frequently confront communication challenges. This can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and a lack of project and task alignment.

Monitoring and productivity concerns

Employers may find it challenging to monitor and measure the productivity of remote workers, leading to concerns about accountability and potential decreases in work output without direct supervision.

Inclusivity and equality

Ensuring that all team members, regardless of their location, have equal access to opportunities, resources, and information is crucial. Hybrid models should guard against inadvertently creating a divide between in-office and remote employees.

Employee well-being

The isolation that can come with remote work may negatively impact employees' mental health and well-being. Employers need to proactively address this challenge by promoting initiatives that support mental health and social connection.

5 best tools to support hybrid remote working

1. Mural

Mural is a powerful online whiteboard software for collaborative brainstorming, ideation, and visual collaboration. With an intuitive interface and versatile features, Mural facilitates real-time collaboration on a shared digital canvas, making it an ideal tool for remote teams engaged in creative and strategic projects in a hybrid work environment.

2. Trello

Trello is a flexible project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to help teams organize and prioritize tasks. It fosters collaboration by providing a visual overview of ongoing projects, making it a valuable tool for managing workflows in a hybrid work setup. You can click to see a detailed introduction of the 7 best workflow applications.

3. NearHub Board

NearHub Board is an all-in-one interactive whiteboard designed for seamless collaboration in both physical and virtual spaces. It enables real-time interaction, allowing teams to brainstorm, share ideas, and work together regardless of their physical location. With features like dynamic screencasting, multimedia integration, and a user-friendly interface, NearHub Board is an essential tool for fostering collaboration in hybrid work scenarios. We believe NearHub Board is a must-have for your hybrid remote team!

4. Skype

Skype, bought by Microsoft in 2011, is one of the 5 Best Video Conferencing Software Options in 2023. As a reliable communication tool, it enables efficient voice and video calls, instant messaging, and screen sharing. Its cross-platform compatibility ensures easy connectivity across devices, making it a practical choice for virtual meetings and remote collaboration in hybrid work setups.

5. Gamify

Gamify is a gamification platform that helps businesses create engaging and rewarding experiences for their employees. It offers a variety of features, including challenges, rewards, and leaderboards, that can be used to motivate employees to participate in a variety of activities, such as training, productivity, and collaboration.

4 tips for managing a hybrid remote team

Meet less, meet better

Prioritize virtual meetings' efficacy: Conduct meetings only when essential, ensuring clear agendas and involving only key participants.
Maximize productivity and focus: Foster purposeful discussions by prioritizing outcomes over meeting duration.

Flexible schedules, defined expectations:

Embrace flexibility: Encourage flexible work schedules that align with individual productivity peaks.
Maintain accountability: Communicate deadlines and project milestones clearly to ensure consistent deliverables.
Promote work-life balance: Empower team members to establish routines that foster a healthy work-life balance.

Set clear performance expectations:

Establish transparent goals and deadlines: Clearly define individual goals, deadlines, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Emphasize outcomes, not hours: Evaluate performance based on outcomes, not the number of hours worked.
Adapt to changing priorities: Regularly review and adjust expectations to align with evolving objectives.

Regular check-ins and virtual meetings:

Schedule consistent check-ins: Maintain team connectivity through regular virtual check-ins.
Foster team building and project updates: Utilize virtual meetings for team building, project updates, and issue resolution.
Enhance personal connection: Leverage video conferencing to foster camaraderie and collaboration among team members.

NearHub is an all-in-one solution for meeting rooms and classrooms. NearHub possesses an interactive digital Board with cutting-edge smart software. By combining your favorite programs with mess-free writing canvas and video conferencing, you can improve your interaction and productivity in the online classroom. Besides, NearHub also provides MagicPad S13 to improve digital learning and creativity. Click here to view more on NearHub.