5 Challenges of Hybrid Work — and How to Overcome Them (2024)

5 Challenges of Hybrid Work — and How to Overcome Them (2)

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Summary.

Hybrid working arrangements can be daunting for those about to adopt them and challenging for those who already have. But the good news is that we’re learning quickly where the biggest obstacles lie and how to minimize them in advance and manage them as they come up. The most common challenges related to hybrid work fall under what the author calls the “5C challenges”: communication, coordination, connection, creativity, and culture. If you’re struggling to manage a hybrid team or workforce, start by understanding the five challenges, then use the author’s 5Cs checklist to assess where you’re at and where to go from there. It’s designed to help leaders tackle — and prioritize — the most common challenges of hybrid working.

One thing is clear about the future of work: At least in the near term — and possibly for much longer — hybrid work arrangements are going to be the norm for many organizations, in industries ranging from tech to pharmaceuticals to academia. There are good reasons why many companies and employees are excited about this mix of in-person and remote work — and equally good reasons why many feel trepidation about the shift.

Read more on Collaboration and teams or related topics Leading teams, Remote work and Hybrid work

  • Martine Haas is the Lauder Chair Professor of Management at the Wharton School and Director of the Lauder Institute for Management & International Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. She holds a PhD from Harvard University. Her research focuses on collaboration and teamwork in global organizations.

Read more on Collaboration and teams or related topics Leading teams, Remote work and Hybrid work

5 Challenges of Hybrid Work — and How to Overcome Them (2024)

FAQs

5 Challenges of Hybrid Work — and How to Overcome Them? ›

To overcome any perceived bias against the hybrid work model, managers must learn to value everyone's contributions equally. The use of multiple communication channels, clear goal setting, and proper task delegation also helps keep teams on the same page.

How do you overcome hybrid workplace challenges? ›

To overcome any perceived bias against the hybrid work model, managers must learn to value everyone's contributions equally. The use of multiple communication channels, clear goal setting, and proper task delegation also helps keep teams on the same page.

What are the 5 C's of hybrid work? ›

While this transition brings exciting opportunities, it also poses its fair share of challenges - what I call the "5C challenges": communication, coordination, connection, creativity, and culture.

What are the problems with hybrid work? ›

Hybrid work can be stressful due to the need to constantly adapt between different working environments, manage varying communication channels, and balance the demands of both remote and in-office expectations. This can lead to challenges in maintaining work-life balance and managing time effectively.

What are the complexities and challenges in running a hybrid working system? ›

Cons of hybrid work

Communication challenges: Hybrid working can present communication gaps due to the physical separation of team members. Collaboration may require more intentional effort to ensure everyone stays connected despite not sharing the same physical space.

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