UNDERSTANDING THE HR IMPACTS OF A HYBRID TEAM AGENCY ADMINISTRATION FOR VAs, REMOTE STAFF, AI, & MORE
written by John McKay, Marble Box
Hybrid work models are likely here to stay. In fact, the Society of SHRM has reported that research shows 74 % of U. S. companies are using or plan to implement a permanent blend of remote and onsite work. Blending on-site employees, virtual assistants( VAs), remote workers, and even AI-powered systems are becoming commonplace in many industries, and insurance agencies and agents are no different. For agency owners and principals, efficiently managing such diverse teams is critical to staying competitive, delivering exceptional service, and building or improving team culture.
KEY HR CHALLENGES IN MANAGING HYBRID TEAMS
Managing a hybrid workforce can present unique HR challenges, especially in balancing on-site employees with VAs or remote staff. Here are some of the key hurdles to master for success:
1. Team Engagement Hybrid models often create engagement gaps between remote employees and those working onsite. Disparities in collaboration opportunities can make remote workers feel disconnected, causing productivity dips and increased turnover risk. These challenges can also result in on-site staff feeling like they are treated“ differently”.
2. Fostering Agency Culture Blending various work arrangements while maintaining a unified agency culture can feel like walking a tightrope. Leadership must proactively ensure that every team member, regardless of location, feels connected to the org ' s values and mission.
3. Balancing Staff Expectations The flexibility of hybrid work appeals to many, but reconciling the differing expectations of on-site and remote employees – such as the frequency of in-office meetings and flexibilities around schedules – can be a complex task for leadership.
4. Encouraging Team Interaction Establishing camaraderie among team members who may rarely meet in person requires thoughtful planning. Without intentional efforts, on-site employees and their remote or VA counterparts may struggle to feel like valued contributors to the team.
5. Performance Management Measuring the success of hybrid workers brings its own challenges. A lack of real-time observation can make it tricky to assess productivity and outcomes fairly, leading to misaligned expectations and frustration for both employees and managers. In addition, VAs or AI solutions may lead to on-site workers feeling that their roles are jeopardized.
24 KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER