Hybrid working – the biggest challenges

Hybrid working, i.e. a combination of working from home and being present in the office, has become increasingly important in recent years. More and more companies are relying on flexible working models – and more and more employees want the option to choose their place of work freely. However, as tempting as the model sounds, there are some challenges to overcome in practice. This article will tell you what these are and how you can deal with them.

The 5 biggest challenges of hybrid working

1. Work-life balance: When work and private life become blurred

One of the biggest pitfalls of hybrid working is the constant accessibility. When the office is always just a click away, many people find it difficult to switch off after work. The danger is that work and leisure become blurred and you never feel truly free.

Tip: Establish clear rules for your working hours and communicate them to your team. Make a conscious distinction between your job and your private life by planning fixed time slots for work and then consistently “logging out”. Switch off notifications on your cell phone and consciously devote yourself to your free time. This will help you recharge your batteries for the next working day.

2. Communication: When there is a lack of direct exchange

In the office, many conversations happen quite by the by – in the hallway, at the coffee machine or after a meeting. In the hybrid model, these spontaneous opportunities for exchange often disappear. This can lead to misunderstandings and a feeling of isolation.

Tip: Use targeted tools such as chats, video conferencing or virtual coffee breaks to stay in touch. Schedule regular team meetings that not only address work-related topics but also provide space for personal exchange. And don't be afraid to pick up the phone instead of writing an email. Often, things can be clarified more quickly in a direct conversation.

3. Technical equipment: When the infrastructure is not up to par

Hybrid working stands and falls with the right technical equipment. But what if the internet connection goes down, the VPN connection doesn't work or the camera in the laptop gives up the ghost? Then frustration is quickly pre-programmed.

Tip: Make sure you have the necessary infrastructure to work smoothly from anywhere. This includes a high-performance laptop, a stable internet connection and the right tools for communication and collaboration. Talk to your employer about the technical requirements and don't hesitate to ask for support.

4. remote leadership: when managing employees becomes a challenge

Hybrid working also means a change for managers. When the team is spread across different locations, managing employees becomes more complex. How do you keep an overview without constant monitoring? And how do you create closeness and trust when you rarely see each other in person?

Tip: Rely on a combination of regular communication, clear agreements and trust. Hold structured team meetings and one-on-one meetings to create transparency and clarify questions. Define clear goals and expectations, but also give your employees the necessary freedom to work independently. Make conscious use of face-to-face time for personal exchanges and informal encounters.

5. corporate culture: When team spirit falls by the wayside

In hybrid working, employees spend significantly less time together on site. In the long run, this can weaken cohesion and identification with the company. New colleagues in particular often find it difficult to fit in and internalize the culture.

Tip: Make team building a priority. Schedule regular activities where everyone can come together – be it a workshop, a summer party or simply lunch together. Use onboarding programs to integrate new employees in a targeted way and familiarize them with the company's values. And don't forget the power of rituals: whether it's a digital Monday morning circle or a virtual after-work party, formats like these strengthen the sense of unity, even at a distance.

The future belongs to hybrid working!

The challenges of hybrid working are many and varied – but not insurmountable. With the right attitude, good preparation and the will to keep making adjustments, the model can be a success for everyone involved. The advantages are obvious: more flexibility, a better work-life balance and often higher productivity too.

But it is also clear that hybrid working is not a sure-fire success. It requires a high degree of communication, trust and personal responsibility from everyone involved. Managers are called upon to break new ground in the way they lead their teams. And companies need to develop their culture further, towards a greater focus on results and team spirit across distances.