As the shift to remote and hybrid work continues, it’s critical that organisations leverage the right tools and strategies to support their distributed teams. I recently had the opportunity to moderate a panel discussion on this topic with experts from HR, consulting, and remote work optimisation.

The panel discussed the transition to remote work, emphasising its necessity and the importance of leveraging technology to optimize productivity. Key points included the prevalence of remote work, and the shift towards hybrid work models. Tools like Slack, Zoom, and Canva were highlighted for their effectiveness in enhancing collaboration and productivity. The panel stressed the need for consistent tool usage, clear communication protocols, and training to ensure employee well-being and cybersecurity. We also discussed the importance of leadership in setting boundaries and the role of HR in fostering a culture that supports remote work.
Here are the key takeaways:

➡️ Align tool selection with your company’s strategic goals. Conduct a thorough gap analysis to identify essential vs. non-essential tools. This ensures you’re investing in solutions that directly support your business objectives.

➡️ Establish clear protocols and behaviors around remote work. Things like messaging etiquette, meeting norms, and respecting boundaries are crucial for maintaining a healthy remote work culture.

➡️ Prioritise onboarding and training. Provide comprehensive training not just on the technical use of tools, but also on security best practices and expected ways of working. This empowers employees to be productive and engaged.

➡️ Consider “presence equity” when using hybrid meeting setups. Ensure remote participants feel equally included and able to contribute compared to those in the physical room.

➡️ Leverage AI and automation to support employee well-being. Tools that help manage time, schedule breaks, and minimize burnout can make a big difference in the remote work experience.

The right combination of strategic tool selection, clear policies, and employee-centric support is key to optimizing remote and hybrid work models. What has your organisation done to address these challenges? I’d be curious to hear your thoughts!

Lastly I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the panel members participation in our discussion. Your collective expertise and diverse perspectives made for an engaging and informative session. It was a pleasure moderating this discussion, and I’m grateful for your contributions. I appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge and experiences with us.
Tracy Brower, PhD ✨Mine (Kocadag) Dedekoca Alex Howieson Necole Jones, SPHR, GPHR, SHRM-SCP, CDSP, CDE®

Also posted here:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rodhutchings_remotework-hybridwork-digitaltransformation-activity-7244246623290064896-_Bst?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop