Four Must-Have Skills For Hybrid Employees

Juggling a hybrid work schedule calls for maintaining two workspaces, staying organized across locations, and managing relationships with colleagues both at home and in the office. Without the right skill set to complete these duties, operating on a hybrid work schedule can be a difficult act to balance. 

Whether you’re debating on making the switch to a hybrid role, or have been settled into yours for some time now, check out the four essential skills for all hybrid employees to possess below. 

Digital literacy

Digital literacy involves understanding and navigating the necessary technologies and devices needed in order to successfully communicate, evaluate, and find information. Depending on the position, this can mean understanding role-specific softwares and platforms, using digital communication methods, or simply operating the basic technologies needed for everyday use (cellphone, computer, voicemail, etc.). 

In an office surrounded by coworkers or an IT team, utilizing technology can be a collaborative experience. However, when that technology is taken home for days spent working remotely, it’s important that hybrid employees are able to successfully use these tools on their own. 

Communication

In the workplace, communication can double as a necessary hard and soft skill. For example, when referring to communication as a hard skill, it can mean your ability to write industry-specific pieces (think press releases, grant proposals, manuals. etc.), but on the other hand, as a soft skill, communication is about sharing ideas and information, giving feedback, and collaborating with others. As a hybrid employee that will not always have the opportunity to be face-to-face with coworkers or managers, this latter half of communication is extremely important. 

Hybrid employees must be able to communicate regardless of where they are set to work for the day, whether it means sending detailed emails or messages, answering phone calls or voicemails in a timely manner, or the actual act of sharing important information in person or through a screen. 

Organization

Working across two (or more) different locations, it’s important that hybrid employees are able to stay organized. Frequently switching back and forth from one place to the next without strong organizational skills, it can be easy to lose track of important items such as notes, calendars, or even a laptop. 

Flexibility

All companies do not operate under a “one-size-fits-all” hybrid schedule. While some organizations may allow employees to choose their remote or in-office days on a whim, others may require certain days be spent in the office, together as a team. Likewise, hybrid schedules may also be subject to change depending on the work that needs to be done that day. With this in mind, if you’re moving from one hybrid work environment to the next, or are currently debating a hybrid setup in your current role, it’s important to keep this potential need for flexibility in mind. 

Still on the hunt for the perfect hybrid position? Check out our available jobs here or contact Nexus today to learn more.