How to stay visible in a Hybrid workplace
It seems everyone's talking about the Hybrid workplace and opinion is divided. For most of us, there are parts of it we like and parts that we don't - but some form of the Hybrid model seems set to stay.
There are a lot of positives to the Hybrid model including (generally) improved flexibility, employee satisfaction and productivity and a sense that we have more balance and control as we are better able and equipped to work from almost anywhere that has internet connectivity.
The rise of the Hybrid workplace means we get to work where we perform best - and it might be different places for different types of work.
With great positives also come great challenges. Challenges that are grounded in relationships and the way others work.
When we're not in the office we tend to 'miss out' on things - missed conversations, missed invitations, missed meetings. We miss out on all the things that come with observing others - our leaders, our managers, our peers, our teams, our stakeholders. We can miss out on professional development opportunities - learning from others by shadowing what they do and how they do it. Missed opportunities to influence and participate because there's little chance of being in the right place at the right time.
And if we miss out on all these great things, then do we run the risk of being overlooked for new projects, new opportunities and new promotions, just because we're not 'in the office'.
There's a question that keeps popping up in discussions I'm having... "How can I maintain my presence and visibility when I'm not physically in the office, 5 days a week?"
It affects everyone - leaders and non-leaders alike - and it's part of what's driving us back into the office.
Is it a case of 'Out of sight, out of mind'?
So what can you do to take advantage of the positives of the Hybrid model while mitigating some of the challenges?
It all comes back to the actions you take - control what you do to maximise your performance, impact and influence.
Embrace Hybrid – which means some days are in the office and some days are out. Being all out has a different set of challenges. If you're going to do hybrid, you have to spend part of your time in the office.
For your in office days...
Be strategic about what you do in the office and why you're there. Schedule meetings, work collaboratively, have those corridor- and water-cooler conversations.
Be purposeful with your time. Make sure your days in the office coincide with the people that matter – your boss, your peers, your colleagues, your team, your stakeholders.
Reframe your day. Consider your office days to be relationship days – the opportunity for you to build deeper and more meaningful relationships with the people you work with. Network with your stakeholders. Create value, give value. Maintain curiosity.
Be visible. Don't tuck yourself away from people when you're in the office. Be amongst your stakeholders, start conversations, engage in conversations.
For your out of office days...
Set expectations with your boss and your team. Your daily routine may change on these days and that’s OK, but if you work with others, it’s important that this change to your routine doesn’t disrupt the routines of others.
Be aware of your working rhythms. Use your out of office days to do the work you do best alone. Know the environments in which you do your best work – we all have things we prefer to do with people and without distractions – make a list, allocate these activities to the appropriate days.
Maintain a daily structure. Working from home doesn’t mean you need to spend an additional 2 hrs working. Your 8-10hr day doesn't have to become a 10-12hr day. Use your time wisely.
Be sensible and mindful. Don’t take the p$$$. It’s still a workday and you have outcomes to achieve. Resist the temptation to run your errands (unless that's part of the agreement you've reached with your boss). Sure there's a little more give and take on these days, but it’s unlikely your boss or your team will appreciate you being unavailable for 6 hrs during the day even if you’re up all night making up the time.
Create systems, processes & daily rituals that keep you plugged-in to your team and what's happening while you’re out of the office. You might:
Pick up the phone - Call to people instead of sending emails - you'll get where you need to go quicker and you'll build relationships along the way;
Check in - Schedule check-ins with key stakeholders to maintain momentum and visisbility;
Communicate - Find ways to keep people informed of what you’re achieving and to keep yourself top of mind.
Maintaining your visibility and presence is your responsibility. What you do and how you do it is within your control.
Be clear about the outcomes you want to achieve and take the necessary steps to set yourself (and your work) up for success.
Know your stakeholders, understand how they work and find ways to adapt your new working rhythm to make it easy for them to see you, hear you and keep you top of mind - regardless of where you're working.