As the vaccine becomes more available, organizations are beginning the process of planning to return employees to the office. However, according to surveys published by leading consulting organizations, many employees are wanting to maintain their current arrangements or work in a hybrid model.  One thing is for certain, after working for more than a year in an altered environment, Covid-19 has proven, employees are able to work both in office and remotely. This shift in how and where we work, remains to be a challenge for organizational leaders.

Unfortunately, there is no clear cut answer to managing a remote workforce, or any team for that matter.   What works for one individual may not be ideal for the next person.  Additionally, leaders have become increasingly concerned with how to maintain the company culture in a remote environment.  Admittedly, these are valid concerns as working in office with our teams promotes collaboration, which positively impacts innovation.  But working in an office is not the only way to excel competitively. The act of intentionality will help leaders succeed in a remote environment.

Being an intentional leader will require a shift in mindset.  Gone are the days of leading on autopilot.  Being an on purpose leader will be key in leading and sustaining a remote workforce. You have to be willing to proactively reach out to your employees and communicate often. This is where having an increased understanding in emotional intelligence will help you lead in a remote environment.  In addition to communicating, you should seek to understand what digital collaboration tools will bring the team together and allow for creative ideas to take flight and flow. Lastly, organizations need to invest in and support leaders who manage remotely.  Being able to lead successfully in a remote environment means organizations need to develop resources and tools to help people managers.  For example, creating a forum for managers leading teams remotely is one way a tech company is supporting their managers.

As organizations begin to plan for the return to the workplace, let’s not forget about the huge lesson we learned during the absence from the brick and mortar buildings, that success can happen in a remote environment.  It’s time that we remove barriers, change our mindset, and embrace the new workplace.  Not only will it help with work life balance and costs, it also allows for greater candidate reach that can positively impact diversity and equity initiatives.