Keep Hybrid Work from Turning Toxic

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If you’re not careful, hybrid work can change the dynamics between your employees, create an imbalance between in-person and remote workers, reduce cohesion and trust, and make it harder for everyone to resolve issues. To keep hybrid work from turning toxic, start by educating your employees. Have an open conversation as a team, defining a toxic workplace as one in which employees feel disrespected, abused, or excluded—and discuss how this could happen in a hybrid context. The goal isn’t to identify specific issues or point fingers, but rather to increase employees’ overall awareness and vigilance. Then focus on promoting a culture of empathy and psychological safety, both of which help ensure employees feel comfortable speaking up about the behaviors they perceive as toxic. Check in periodically to keep tabs on how everyone is feeling. Finally, be prepared to intervene quickly when an issue comes up by helping all parties engage in a dialogue to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

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