Nurturing Team Dynamics in Remote and Hybrid Teams: Achieving Alignment and Establishing Team Norms

As remote and hybrid teams have become increasingly prevalent, flexibility in the workplace is no longer a perk but an expectation.

While you may want to be the flexible boss, the easy-going boss, the understanding boss, flexibility can turn into chaos very quickly. Especially when teams aren't operating face to face.

How do you offer flexibility while controlling the chaos?

By achieving alignment and establishing team norms in remote and hybrid teams. When fostering a positive team culture and effectively managing virtual collaboration, organizations can maximize productivity and create a cohesive remote team environment.

Alignment refers to the shared understanding of goals, expectations, and priorities within a team. In virtual work settings, where team members are physically separated, achieving alignment becomes even more crucial.

According to a survey conducted by Slack, 79% of remote employees reported that clarity on goals and objectives improved their productivity and engagement.

Another study by Gallup found that remote workers who strongly agreed that their goals were clear were 2.9 times more likely to be engaged than those who disagreed.

To foster alignment in remote and hybrid teams, organizations can:

• Clearly communicate goals and expectations through written documentation, virtual meetings, and project management tools.

• Encourage regular check-ins and feedback sessions to ensure everyone stays on the same page.

• Utilize collaboration platforms that enable real-time updates, shared documents, and transparent project tracking.

Pro-Tip: Personal user manuals are a great tool to help achieve these alignment goals. Check out our version of the free resource here.

Additionally, In remote and hybrid teams, establishing clear team norms is essential for maintaining cohesion and minimizing misunderstandings.

A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology revealed that teams with clearly established norms performed better and exhibited higher levels of satisfaction and commitment.

A survey by Buffer stated that 98% of remote workers would like to work remotely, at least some of the time, for the rest of their careers. Establishing positive team norms contributes to this desire for remote work.

To establish team norms in remote and hybrid teams, consider the following strategies:

• Collaboratively define expectations and guidelines for communication, availability, response times, and meeting etiquette.

• Encourage open and inclusive communication channels to ensure everyone's voice is heard and respected.

• Foster a culture of trust and psychological safety, where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and challenges.

Easier said than done- right? 

Embracing alignment and team norms is the first step toward building a cohesive, engaged, and high-performing remote or hybrid team. If your team is working on building its alignment and establishing team norms, LLUNA can aid you in achieving greater success faster through our tech solutions facilitated with a human touch.

Learn more about our innovative technology or consulting services here or reach out to howdy@hellolluna.com.

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