Powering productivity: 8 tips to boost morale within a hybrid workforce

People working from different locations is now the norm for many businesses. And no matter the location, communication is key. However, less-than-ideal tech capabilities are affecting productivity. According to our research, 37% of UK SMEs say a lack of skills with Office 365 is having an impact on productivity.

SMEs need to establish clear channels for communication between teams. Whether it’s the type of platforms being used, response times or availability – people need to know what’s expected of them and be given the right tools to work effectively. Of course, this means when onboarding any new communication channels, or increasing the use of Microsoft 365, the relevant training should be provided.

Not everyone’s experience of hybrid work will be the same. Someone who is more tech-savvy might find it easier to adapt quickly, whereas others may need more guidance along the way. That’s why it’s important to always check in with the whole team, and assess when and where support might be needed.
 

Are there any concerns around the new technology your business has introduced? What are your teams thoughts on implementing AI-embedded software? Opening up opportunities for different individuals to share feedback – whether those are struggles or positive experiences – is a good way to know if new ways of working are actually working. It’s also an ideal way to test the waters with anything new you bring into the fold, particularly regarding the use of AI.
 

Employees benefit from the flexibility of hybrid work – but irregularity in routines and multiple environments can have an impact on productivity. To address this without adding unwanted pressure, it’s important to explore time-management techniques.

Factoring regular breaks into an employee’s working day – whether they’re at home or in the workplace – can be good for improving concentration and productivity during work. While frequent breaks can also help reduce stress and sustain motivation, implementing tools like Microsoft Planner can help keep work organised and expectations transparent. At the same time, utilising AI technology for daily tasks can not only assist with faster scheduling and project management, but help employees save time; allowing them to focus on being productive in other areas of work.

New tech, with all the benefits it can bring, can create employee anxieties about using it. This uncertainty and unfamiliarity can have a direct impact on productivity. With a digital skills gap becoming ever-present across the UK, effective technology training has never been more needed in businesses.

For any new technology or platforms, scheduling in-person training sessions to allow employees time and space to adjust is crucial. According to our research, a quarter (22%) of SMEs cite employees’ ability to use software as one of the biggest challenges they will face over the next 12 months from a technology perspective. Our IT consultancy services can help keep employees in-the-know about the latest  technology and software and how to get the most out of it. 

In-person training sessions are a great way to run through what it is the new technology does. But sometimes, the real learning comes from actually using it. And chances are not every employee in a team will be able to tackle new tech with ease.
 

Enlisting tech-native guardians, or ‘tech buddies’, can help take some of the pressure away for individual struggles. Pairing up your less digitally capable employees with those who live and breathe technology is a great way to not only keep teams productive, but boost social bonds as well.

As daily work and team communication has shifted online, finding the right set-up to enable collaboration has grown in importance. And with the technology available today, it shouldn’t matter if a team is sat in the same room or communicating from across continents.

However, 22% of SME respondents cited that a lack of skills with apps (for example video conferencing software), has had a negative impact on productivity when working from home. To avoid any disruption to collaboration – and productivity – it’s worth implementing the digital tools that can both enhance productivity and bring teams together. And today, there are a range of audio-visual (AV) solutions that can be leveraged to ensure consistent collaboration experiences – whether employees are working from the meeting room or their bedroom.

One person’s experience of working remotely might not be the same as another. A ‘home office’ for someone might be just as good as the workplace, yet for someone else it might be full of distractions. And if working remotely is an expectation for employees, productivity can be affected. In fact, 29% of SMEs found that home desk or table setups are a productivity issue.

When it comes to your remote and hybrid work policies, make sure to tailor them to the individual person, rather than having one blanket arrangement for everyone. It’s also important to give employees equal opportunity to work at home the way they would in the workplace. As 49% cite home broadband as a blocker for remote work productivity, make sure employees have access to the right helpdesk support wherever they’re working from.

It’s not surprising that negative working environments can foster negative work experiences. And when it comes to attitudes to work, it’s unlikely those with a bad experience are going to be productive. To keep morale high, small wins – whether that’s getting good customer feedback or hitting a daily target – should be celebrated in the same way as the big. 

Make your working environments, and culture, a safe space that celebrates success as it happens and encourages exploration. The more employees know they’re doing well, the more likely they’ll be to set that standard moving forward. And as mistakes do happen, having this kind of culture helps people know that making mistakes is okay – and can create positive learning opportunities.