King of the Hybrid Jungle

Eagles are the high-fliers of the jungle, taking in the 10,000-foot view while others focus on the details. As a leader, you also need to look at the bigger picture. View hybrid working as a completely new model (not as the old model with some remote working solutions tacked on) and build a long-term strategy for success.

See the big picture like an eagle

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To get the most from your hybrid workforce, you’ll need to adapt to the new reality – and who better to learn from than our animal cousins? Here’s a few tips from nature’s most resilient creatures on how to be king of the hybrid jungle.

Tip: Your hybrid working strategy should have three main goals.

1) Reduce operational costs and increase profitability

2) Improve employee experience to attract and retain the best talent

3) Improve processes to increase productivity

Wolves are the ultimate team players, and pack leaders rely on every wolf to ensure survival. Placing trust in your team is also important for success in business, especially with a geographically dispersed workforce. Many leaders were surprised when productivity increased during lockdown. But, in fact, most people want to do well in their roles, and many employees go above and beyond when offered flexible working hours.

Trust your team like a wolf

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Tip: The best thing you can do to increase productivity in your hybrid workforce is to ensure they have the right tools – including hardware and software – and let them get on with the job.

Tip: Organisations are finding innovative ways to use technology to perform tasks remotely. Doctors, at Alder Hey Hospital, for example are conducting virtual ward rounds with Microsoft HoloLens 2. Examine every process to see if it absolutely must be performed on site.

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Chameleons are famous for their ability to adapt to their surroundings. To successfully lead a hybrid workforce, you also need to adapt and find new ways of doing things. Keep an open mind about which jobs can be done remotely: some may require employees to be onsite all the time, some may involve a mix of onsite and remote work, others can be fully remote.

Adapt to change like a chameleon

Tip: Collaboration tools enable people both inside and outside of your organisation to come together, regardless of geographical location. Create virtual opportunities for employees to come together and encourage them to create their own, informal networks.

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Ants are among the most resilient creatures in the jungle – grouping together to form bridges and overcome obstacles. As a leader you need to build bridges to bring people together. Some leaders, for example, worry that in the hybrid jungle, the lack of shared physical space will erode corporate culture. But cultural values are not tied to physical locations, and modern technology provides more, not fewer opportunities to create connections.

Embrace challenges like an ant

Elephants are known for their empathy towards each other. As a leader you need to use empathy to make sure all voices within your organisation are heard – especially during meetings. A recent study found that women are often uncomfortable speaking up and are more than twice as likely to be interrupted in group dialogue . But a hybrid working model doesn’t have to hinder your diversity goals. You simply need a diversity, equality and inclusion strategy that is formulated with hybrid working in mind.

Empathise like an elephant

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Tip: Online meetings have given us glimpses into each other’s lives and enabled us to see the more human side of our colleagues. By taking time to understand what motivates your team members, you’ll be better equipped to make sure their voice is heard.

At Insight we have a host of dedicated solutions to help you build your hybrid working strategy.

Harvard Business Review. Women, Find Your Voice.

To find out more, visit uk.insight.com/digital-jungle

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