Conflict is bound to occur in any collaborative environment. When it’s handled properly, workplace conflict can be constructive, increasing trust, improving communication, and bolstering respect. Among remote and hybrid teams, however, conflict has a higher risk of festering. Employees are more likely to take professional criticism personally when it’s delivered from behind a computer screen. Disagreements tend to escalate faster due to the absence of body language, facial expressions, and nuances during communications.
No manager wants morale to be negatively impacted by conflict, so here are five smart strategies for handling conflict when it arises among virtual and hybrid teams.
1. Don’t forego the team kickoff.
In the face-to-face environment, it’s standard procedure to introduce team members to one another. When teams are remote or hybrid, these initial introductions are often rushed or completely overlooked, which can hinder communication and create misunderstandings down the road. A kickoff meeting allows team members to discuss group dynamics, ask questions, and bond with colleagues. It provides an opportunity for them to develop familiarity in the context of their working relationships, which can minimize the impact of disagreements when they arise. Kickoff meetings also provide the opportunity to map out goals, discuss communication preferences, clarify the team structure, and get everyone on the same page.
2. Encourage the sharing of opinions.
Due to the nature of remote employment, coworkers are often left to resolve conflict on their own, causing issues to fester. This build-up of negative feelings toward colleagues can lead to harsh words and a delay in resolution. But when employees feel comfortable airing their grievances and discussing their differences in a respectful environment, they can often be resolved efficiently. Let your team members know they can come to you when they are experiencing conflict and put a plan in place for how you prefer issues to be communicated. When meeting with employees amid a disagreement, listen carefully and remain neutral. Provide feedback to help them avoid or handle similar clashes on their own in the future.
3. Nurture casual communication.
Friendly interactions between coworkers make for happier, more motivated, and more productive employees. Look for ways to improve communication between remote and in-person team members. For example, remote workers may worry about being excluded from spontaneous workplace conversations. Why not create digital ‘water cooler’ moments by having a dedicated virtual hang-out space or periodic Zoom lunches where employees, both in-person and remote, are paired up randomly to dine together? Platforms like these provide opportunities for the friendly small talk that’s the backbone of any cohesive team.
4. Set a great example.
As the leader of the team, your employees will model your behavior. That means your management style and your approach to discord set the tone for conflict resolution. Within hybrid and remote teams, tensions have a greater chance of intensifying and may not be easily resolved through standard conflict management practices. Get ahead of this potential escalation by consistently modeling appropriate, professional demeanor in the face of your own conflicts.
5. Find reasons to celebrate.
Whether it’s birthdays, work anniversaries, or the completion of a challenging project, celebrating has a way of bringing team members closer together. In the remote and hybrid environment, acknowledging occasions like these often go by the wayside. Your celebrations don’t have to be complicated or expensive. Simple virtual birthday get-togethers or Friday afternoon happy hours can be very effective. The important thing is that everyone is sharing in the revelry and camaraderie.
No team is conflict-free. It’s how conflict is managed and resolved that establishes team strength and unity. Are you seeking additional information about conflict resolution in the remote or hybrid workplace? The HR Team is here with valuable guidance and seasoned insights. Please contact our knowledgeable professionals to learn more.
About The HR Team: Founded in 1996, The HR Team is a Maryland-based human resources outsourcing firm committed to developing strategic, customized solutions that respond to the unique needs and cultures of organizations of all types and sizes. Available as a one-source alternative to an in-house HR department or on an à la carte project basis, the company’s flexible service models address the full spectrum of HR needs that many organizations struggle to address. The HR Team helps clients achieve their highest level of success by providing value-driven human resources services that leave them time to focus on what they do best: directing business growth and profitability. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, the firm serves all of Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia. To learn more about The HR Team, call 410.381.9700 or visit https://www.thehrteam.com/.
