Hybrid work has given us the flexibility we love, but it’s also made collaboration a little trickier. Without the right approach, teams can feel disconnected, productivity dips, and work starts to feel… well, harder.
Here are four practical ways to improve collaboration and keep your hybrid team working productively—no matter where they are.
1. Make Communication Seamless
Don’t let distance turn into silence. Teams need quick and clear ways to connect, share ideas, and keep projects moving.
- Use tools like Slack and MS Teams that support real-time messaging, calls, and file sharing.
- Make “quick catch-ups” a habit—sometimes a 5-minute chat replaces 50 confusing emails.
- Set clear communication norms: when to chat, when to meet, and when to switch off.
Better communication keeps everyone aligned and avoids misunderstandings.
2. Create Smarter Meeting Experiences
Hybrid work doesn’t mean endless meetings (we’ve all been there!). The key is smarter meetings that bring teams together—whether at home or in the office.
- Use booking tools like GemEx to make planning meetings easy and stress-free.
- Encourage hybrid-friendly formats: shorter, focused agendas, with clear takeaways.
- Balance virtual and in-person time so no one feels left out.
Meetings are where collaboration happens—make them count.
3. Align on Goals and Progress
When teams are spread out, visibility matters. Everyone should know:
- What the goals are.
- Who’s working on what.
- How progress is tracking.
Use tools or shared dashboards like Monday.com and Trello to make this information clear and accessible. It keeps people focused, accountable, and on the same page, improving collaboration.
4. Prioritise Connection and Culture
Collaboration doesn’t just happen in meetings—it’s built on trust and connection.
- Make time for informal chats or team-building moments.
- Celebrate wins together, big or small.
- Keep an open-door policy (virtually and physically!) for sharing ideas or asking questions.
People work better together when they feel seen, heard, and included.
What does the research say
According to Gallup’s 7 Workplace Challenges for 2025, companies are using practices such as regularly scheduled team check-in meetings (67%) and guidelines for how often we should work on-site versus at home (44%) to help coordinate hybrid work better. When adopted, these practices can help managers improve collaboration in a hybrid work environment.
Hybrid Collaboration Done Right
Getting collaboration right is what turns “hybrid work” into productive, connected teamwork. With better tools, clearer communication, and a focus on culture, teams can thrive—wherever they are. By embracing the right strategies and technology, businesses can foster a more engaged, efficient, and innovative workforce. The future of work isn’t just about where we work—it’s about how we work together to drive success.
