How to Make Hybrid Work a Success for Executives

The hybrid work model is becoming ever more popular, especially with the mandate by the Government of Canada and many of the major Canadian banks and companies using hybrid work models that combine remote and in-person work. What does this mean for executives? 

For executives, the hybrid model presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it offers greater flexibility and work-life balance. On the other hand, it requires careful planning and management to ensure that the model is successful. 

We’ve compiled a list of considerations for executives to make the hybrid work model a success for themselves and their teams.

Focus on results

In a hybrid work model, it is important to focus on the results from your executives over working hours. This means setting clear goals, expectations, and metrics that are aligned with your corporate goals. Once these are clearly defined and they understand how to achieve success in their roles, holding them accountable for achieving those goals in a hybrid setting is essential. It also means giving executives the flexibility to work where they are most productive when possible.

Establish clear expectations on how/where to work

In a hybrid work model, it is important to establish clear expectations for availability, and communication. This includes setting guidelines for when executives are expected to be in the office, when they can work remotely, and how they should communicate with their colleagues. It is important to understand that this may look different for the unique teams within your organization. For example your IT team will likely have a different hybrid setup compared to your finance or sales teams.

Evolving your team celebrations

Celebrating birthdays and work anniversaries for executives and their teams should be directed by the Human Resources department. While some folks might be in the office one day for cakes and signed cards, other team members may be working remotely. Equity in both executive celebrations and those of team members should be inclusive for all no matter where they are working that day. 

Fostering collaboration

Collaboration is essential in a hybrid work environment. Executives should encourage team members to work together, both in-person and virtual settings to share ideas and information. This can be facilitated through regular team meetings, virtual collaboration tools, and other initiatives.

“Nothing replaces popping into the office across the hall and asking quick questions to your colleagues on how to solve your current challenges.”

– James Baker, CEO, Keynote Search 

Effective communication is key

Effective communication is absolutely necessary to any successful work model, but it is especially important in a hybrid work environment. Executives should communicate regularly with their team members to ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands the organization’s strategy, goals and priorities to achieve success in their roles. 

“Strategy and goal alignment is key to productivity, particularly for new executive hires. We would expect an organization to have a strategy plan or at minimum an annual plan. That said however, through hundreds of conversations with new executives the reality is that many organizations don’t have a written strategy. That can make it difficult especially in a hybrid or remote environment to understand what success looks like and hold teams to account.”

– Brenda Kirkwood, VP Post-Placement Integration, Keynote Search  

Invest in both the on-site office and executive’s home offices

The success of a hybrid work environment relies on support from employers. If you want executives and teams to enjoy coming into the office, invest in your space to ensure it is optimized for your working needs. This includes investing in the right video, sound and conference equipment and rooms to ensure smooth meetings for participants that are on-site or virtual. In addition, for executives to be productive from home, invest in their space, whether that is an allowance for expenses or provide equipment for their homes that is necessary to perform their work or feel comfortable in their space. 

Invest in technology

Investing in technology is critical for a successful hybrid work model. This includes providing executives with the tools and resources they need to work effectively from home or in the office. It also includes investing in cybersecurity measures, whether in-house or externally, to ensure that company data and private information are protected.

Executive search firms with post-placement integration teams have been successful in helping executives navigate their hybrid work models and are well positioned to attract the right executive talent for hybrid executive positions. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help integrate or recruit new executives for your organization.