A dedicated programme to empower business teams and their individuals navigate the feelings and challenges of hybrid working has been curated in Mid Wales.
Call of the Wild, an independently-owned professional leadership and management development company, has created the Hybrid Working Wellness Check specifically for companies who have hybrid working in place. The programme uses bespoke behavioural assessments and in-person activities on site in Bannau Brycheiniog – Brecon Beacons – to develop teams by helping them understand their current levels of motivation, their ability to work remotely now, and what possible support they may need in future such as mental health awareness.
Call of the Wild says that in an office environment teams can enjoy unplanned and informal conversations at a water cooler, a kettle, or the coffee machine. It says these conversations are invaluable as they help solve problems, spark creativity and innovative thinking, and ultimately enhance company culture and positive working relationships. Break-out rooms virtually do not come close to these opportunities for random encounters, claims the firm.
Mark Soanes, Director, Call of the Wild set up the programme and is asking business owners to review their team’s wellness during a hybrid working capacity, and ensure appropriate time is dedicated to face-to face interactions.
He said:
“As a large leadership and team-building development programme provider, we regularly see that team leaders of today struggling to manage remotely. For instance, they find it difficult to gauge how their team members are feeling, and I fear for the mental and physical health of people when some are potentially hiding behind their computers for hours a day, every day.
“We’re hearing more frequently from clients how surprised they are that staff have resigned, are underperforming or are off sick since working from home, but without that day-to-day direct personal interaction, it’s easy for leaders and managers to miss those signs, whether verbal or through body language, which could indicate potential problems.
“It’s inevitable that with more people having to lead remotely, leaders and managers can become more task-focused rather than people-focused. But what about the negative impact this can have on team members? How much did we underestimate those conversations around the water cooler, kettle, or coffee machine and the opportunities those moments created for spontaneous learning?
“I want to see all companies engaging with their teams first and foremost to truly understand the scope and nature of client delivery. We need to equip leaders of today with the ability to successfully adapt to employees’ development and wellbeing needs in this demanding hybrid world. Some of the larger organisations have dedicated welfare officers in place tasked with caring for the needs of individuals, but when that isn’t in place, leaders need to consider expertise to navigate the ever-changing working styles employees face.
“Success for me personally will be when we no longer need to run Hybrid Working Wellness Checks because team leaders have appreciated the power and opportunity of real interactions away from the desk and they proactively seek out opportunities to engage with their people.”
