New Remote/Hybrid Employee(s)

New employees who work remotely or in a hybrid way may face some difficulties in adapting to the different work styles and communication methods. Colleagues or managers need to set expectations for them that are clear and fair and help them feel included and valued. 

How? 

• Choose the best communication tools: Explain to the new employee how to use different tools to communicate with their colleagues or managers, such as video calls, instant messages, emails, and project management software. Tell them when and what they should communicate, and what tone they should use.

• Respect their working hours: Allow the new employee to have some flexibility to pick their working hours based on their preferences and needs. However, also ask them to respect the working hours of others, and to be ready for meetings or urgent matters when needed.

• Define their goals and results: Tell the new employee what they need to accomplish, how they will be evaluated, and why their work is important. Give them the resources and tools they need to do their work well. Give them regular feedback and recognition to help them grow and motivate them.

• Talk about their well-being: Check in with the new employee often to see how they are doing and feeling with remote or hybrid work. Listen to their worries, difficulties, or ideas. Offer them support, advice, or referrals if needed.

• Create team spirit: Invite the new employee to join social and fun activities with their colleagues online or in person, such as coffee chats, happy hours, games, or celebrations. Help them learn more about their teammates and build trust and friendship with them.

By setting expectations for remote or hybrid employees, colleagues or managers can help them get used to the new work environment and do their best. Many times its equally important to understand their expectation; in more generic terms they are: 

• Work-life balance: They want the flexibility to pick their working hours and locations. They also want to avoid long commutes, save money, and spend more time with their families.

• Clear vision: They want to know their employers’ plans for the future of work and business They may feel anxious or worried if they don’t hear enough about their employers’ policies, guidelines, expectations, and approaches for remote or hybrid work.

• Mental health focus: They want support for their well-being and mental health. They may face challenges such as isolation, stress, burnout, or distraction when working remotely or in a hybrid way.

• Team spirit: They want to feel part of the team and the institution. They want to have opportunities to interact and bond with their colleagues online or in person, such as through social events, games, or celebrations.

• Performance feedback: They want clear goals and outcomes for their work. They also want regular feedback and recognition from their managers and peers to help them improve and motivate them.

New remote or hybrid employees may have different expectations from their employers and managers than those who work only in one place. Employers and managers need to understand and address these expectations to help them adjust and perform well.

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