Making One-To-Ones Meaningful in the Remote and Hybrid Workplace

Do you find yourself wondering how your employees are really doing in this new workplace? Do they feel connected? Are they too stressed? Do they have what they need to do their jobs well? Sometimes it’s easier for leadership to identify when employees are feeling disconnected or overwhelmed when everyone is in the same physical workplace. But the new workplace presents some challenges in this regard. 

If you’re wondering this about your employees, then it probably means you’re not asking the questions you need to be asking. 

It’s no secret that leaders need to be more intentional about one-to-one meetings with remote and hybrid employees to replace the natural interactions that happen when you can be physically present on a regular basis. And remember, hybrid work can take many shapes. In some organizations, employees may be expected to come to the office 2-3 times per week. In other organizations, the expectation may be 2-3 times per month. So just because you see them three times a month doesn’t mean you can slack off the rest of the month. Whatever the expectation, managers should be more intentional about the conversations they’re having. The conversations shouldn’t just be about the status of projects.  They should also be about how the employee is doing.

Here are a few questions to consider asking in your next one-to-one:

• Are you experiencing any challenges working remotely that you didn’t expect that I can help you with?
• How is your work stress level? Do you feel you’re able to maintain a healthy balance with your work and other priorities you have? (Note—Remote employees are much more likely to get burned out, work more hours and feel a little bit always connected. Home has become work, oftentimes.)
• Do you feel like you’re able to build and maintain good connections with the team?
• Do you have the tools and resources you need to do your job well?
• Do you feel like you’re getting good communication from the team? Are there any areas where this is a bit more challenging working remote?
• Do you feel like you’re missing out on any opportunities by not being in the office on a regular basis?

I could go on and on. The point is, check in with your team and ask different questions than you have before. Their needs are different and as a leader, it’s your job to help make them shine, feel supported, feel successful, and BE successful no matter what the working arrangement.