The return to office: a leadership mirage
As companies summon their employees back to the office, reality looms: physical proximity won't magically repair fractured leadership dynamics. Leaders who struggled to connect and inspire their teams remotely are likely to find themselves grappling with the same challenges within office walls.
Why it matters
While there are legitimate reasons for wanting employees back in the office, such as fostering collaboration, maintaining company culture or ensuring effective communication, it’s important to strike a balance. Dismissing the concerns of dedicated team members who have proven their ability to be productive and efficient at home can lead to disillusionment and underperformance which can hamper your organisation's ability to thrive.
Take action
Before implementing blanket policies or minimum days in the office, reflect on what you’re trying to achieve. Here are some actionable steps to consider:
- Ask your team: Effective leaders acknowledge they do not have all the solutions and seek feedback from their teams. Foster an environment of open communication, where employees feel empowered to share their perspectives without fear of retribution.
- Build your leadership skills: Focus on building essential leadership competencies for inspiring and uniting remote teams such as emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and team-building strategies.
- Champion inclusivity: Take the time to understand and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and work styles within your teams. Consider how flexible work can build a culture of inclusivity that values each individual's unique contributions.
- Embrace flexibility: Recognise that a one-size-fits-all approach may not suit every employee's needs. Explore hybrid work models and accommodate individual preferences, ensuring that productivity and engagement remain the driving forces.
- Lead by example: Embody the values and behaviours you wish to cultivate within your organisation. Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to your team's well-being no matter where they’re working. When leaders walk the talk, they inspire others to follow suit.
Unlock the full potential of remote work, download our free checklist for hybrid work arrangements that will give you a step by step process to determining an arrangement that works for each employee.
