Managing Remote and Hybrid Healthcare Teams

Apple founder, Steve Jobs hit the nail on the head when he famously said, “Great things in business are never done by one person, they’re done by a team of people.” There’s no question that effective teams in any industry are the cornerstone of success for most businesses. The same goes for multidisciplinary teams in the healthcare industry. After all, it takes a variety of different healthcare professionals doing very different things to deliver quality patient care. Throw in the enormous shift in the healthcare workforce structure of remote and hybrid workers, and healthcare leaders face a myriad of new challenges when it comes to managing a constantly evolving workforce.

However, it’s safe to say that successfully managing multidisciplinary healthcare teams with both remote and hybrid workers is critical to achieving optimal patient outcomes. Fortunately, with the right strategies and technology tools, it’s not only possible, it may actually be easier than managing an entire team of in-person employees. But before we talk strategy, let’s explore some of the benefits and challenges of remote and hybrid healthcare teams.

The Benefits of Remote and Hybrid Healthcare Teams

Let’s face it, the healthcare industry has seen its’ fair share of struggles in recent years. Some of the reasons for those struggles are the very reason for the increase in remote and hybrid healthcare workers. And there are key advantages that have come along with this change in workforce structure.

• More diverse pool of talent across geographic locations – This allows healthcare organizations to build interdisciplinary teams with members possessing unique skills and expertise. By bringing together professionals from various backgrounds, these teams can offer a more comprehensive and holistic approach to patient care.
• Better work-life balance for team members – Working remotely allows healthcare professionals to have more control over their schedules and eliminates the need for commuting, resulting in less burnout and greater job satisfaction. This can lead to better employee engagement and increased retention within the organization.
• Increased productivity and revenue – 56% of practicesⁱ in one survey saw increased productivity after implementing a hybrid or remote working model, with 39% of practices achieving an increase in revenue.    
• Reduced overhead costs – With less workers needing office space, healthcare organizations can save on the costs of office space, utilities and other overhead costs.

The Downside of Remote or Hybrid Healthcare Teams

With benefits come challenges. And there are some downsides to remote or hybrid healthcare teams to be aware of.

• Maintaining effective communication and collaboration – Without face-to-face interactions, remote and hybrid teams may struggle with clear and timely communication, which can hinder the efficiency and effectiveness of patient care.
• Building trust among team members – It can be difficult to establish mutual trust within a team who may not have met in person without the nonverbal cues and interpersonal connections of in-person teams. This is even more important on a healthcare team where patients’ lives often depend on a cohesive team.
• Technological hurdles – Organizations that don’t invest in the right technology to support remote or hybrid healthcare teams can struggle in a number of ways. From communication to establishing effective workflows, having the technology tools to manage all of the above efficiently is essential.
• Mental health well-being, lack of connection – Research shows that personal and social connections are a key component to our psychological well-being. Many of our social connections are derived in the workplace. That can be more difficult in remote or hybrid scenarios and can impact overall mental health.

Now, let’s get to the strategy part of managing interdisciplinary teams in healthcare. It’s best to take a step-by-step approach and tackle each aspect individually starting with communication.

Suggested Read: Navigating the World of Contingent Workers: Managing Risks and Mitigating Challenges

Strategies for Effective Communication with Remote Team Members

Communication is a crucial aspect of managing remote and hybrid healthcare teams. As discussed above, without clear and effective communication, teams may struggle to collaborate and coordinate patient care efficiently. To overcome this challenge here are some tips for effectively communicating with remote team members.

• Establish regular communication channels and schedules – This can include daily or weekly check-ins via video conferencing platforms or dedicated team communication tools. But setting consistent meeting times allows team members to stay connected, share updates, and address any challenges they may be facing.Establishing designated communication channels, such as instant messaging platforms or email threads, can help ensure important information is easily accessible and not lost in the shuffle.
• Promote active listening and encourage open dialogue – Remote team members can often feel disconnected, so it’s essential to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. Actively listen to your team members’ feedback and engage in constructive conversations. This will help promote collaboration and a sense of belonging within the team.
• Leverage technology tools that enhance communication and collaboration – For example, project management platforms or shared document repositories enable real-time collaboration and facilitate seamless information sharing. These tools help create a centralized hub for team members to access relevant resources and stay updated on project progress.

By implementing these strategies, you can foster effective communication within your team, leading to improved collaboration, enhanced patient care, and ultimately, better outcomes for your remote and hybrid healthcare team.

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Building Trust and Fostering Collaboration in Hybrid Teams

Trust is the foundation upon which effective teamwork is built, and it’s particularly important in hybrid teams where team members may not have the opportunity for face-to-face interactions. Start by establishing clear expectations and goals for the team to provide a shared purpose so that everyone is working towards the same objectives. When team members understand their individual roles and responsibilities, it fosters trust and encourages collaboration.

In addition, holding regular team meetings and check-ins provide opportunities for open dialogue and can not only strengthen your communication initiatives, it can create a sense of collaboration and trust within the team.

It’s also important to promote teamwork and shared decision-making. When team members feel included in the decision-making process, they’re more likely to trust their colleagues and collaborate effectively. Encourage the sharing of ideas and perspectives and create opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Finally, recognize and celebrate team achievements. When team members feel appreciated for their contributions, it builds trust and fosters a sense of collaboration. Celebrate successes, acknowledge individual and team efforts, and create a positive and supportive team culture.

Managing Productivity in a Virtual Environment

A big part of your role in managing a remote or hybrid healthcare teams revolves around managing productivity, which can be difficult for any team, but particularly challenging for an interdisciplinary team in healthcare.

• Clearly specify expectations and working hours – With remote work, it can be easy to get distracted or lose track of time. Encouraging effective time management within your team and setting specific working hours can help keep team members on track.
• Keep team members accountable – By implementing regular team meetings or check-ins. This provides an opportunity for team members to share their progress, discuss any challenges they are facing, and receive feedback from their colleagues. Regular communication helps to keep everyone accountable and ensures that no one is falling behind.

In addition to setting expectations and conducting regular check-ins, consider empowering your team with project management tools and technology that can help increase their productivity and efficiency. These tools allow team members to track their progress, collaborate on projects, and share updates in real time.

Providing Training and Support for Remote and Hybrid Teams

Remote work can present unique challenges, such as navigating technology and managing time effectively, so it’s important to equip team members with the necessary skills and resources. One way to do that is by providing training through virtual workshops and webinars. These sessions can cover topics such as remote communication strategies, time management techniques, and best practices for virtual collaboration. By offering these training opportunities, you can empower your team to work efficiently and effectively in a remote or hybrid environment.

In addition to training and support, it’s important to provide remote teams with the necessary tools and technology to carry out their work. This may include providing access to project management software, communication platforms, and other remote work essentials. By ensuring that team members have the right resources, you can help them overcome the challenges of remote work and succeed in their roles.

Addressing Mental Health and Wellness in Remote and Hybrid Workforces

In the age of remote and hybrid work, it’s important for healthcare organizations to prioritize the mental health and wellness of their team members. The shift to remote and hybrid work brings new challenges and stress factors that can negatively impact the mental well-being of your remote and hybrid healthcare teams. After all, remote and hybrid work can blur the boundaries between work and personal life, leading to increased stress and burnout. Encourage your team members to establish clear boundaries between work and personal time and provide resources and support to help them manage their workload effectively.

This is also where fostering a supportive and inclusive team culture can have a positive impact on your team’s overall mental health. An environment of open communication and opportunities for team members to connect and share their experiences can also contribute to a sense of well-being. Consider implementing virtual team-building activities and initiatives that promote socialization and camaraderie among remote and hybrid team members.

Last but not least, offer resources and support for mental health issues. Provide access to counseling services, mental health resources, and wellness programs to help your team members cope with the challenges they may face. Consider organizing virtual workshops or webinars on stress management, mindfulness, and self-care techniques.

Utilizing Technology to Streamline Remote and Hybrid Team Management

In today’s digital age, technology plays a vital role in managing remote and hybrid healthcare teams. By utilizing the right tools and software, you can streamline team management and enhance collaboration and efficiency.

For example, a project management platform can serve as a central hub for team members to track progress, assign tasks, and collaborate on projects. These platforms provide real-time updates and notifications, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals. With features such as document sharing, task assignment, and deadline tracking, project management platforms can make it much easier manage projects and keep everyone accountable, in a remote or hybrid environment.

Other technology tools include video conferencing platforms and instant messaging apps. These tools allow for face-to-face interactions, even in remote settings, and enable instant communication for quick questions or updates. By utilizing these tools, team members can stay connected and collaborate effectively, regardless of their physical location.

Automation tools can also play a role in streamlining team management. For repetitive tasks, automation can save time and increase efficiency. Whether it’s automating scheduling, reminders, or data entry, these tools can help free up valuable time for team members to focus on more meaningful work.

If you’re a healthcare hiring leader, automation can play an even bigger role in streamlining your workflows. An AI sourcing tool like Arya, scores and ranks talent based on 300+ attributes helping healthcare recruiters rapidly find and engage the most compatible candidates for every open role. But if you’re looking for ways to eliminate the burden of sourcing completely, you can utilize Arya’s Applicants on Demand (AoD) service. With predictable, pay per applicant pricing and zero up-front costs, AoD delivers AI vetted applicants directly into your ATS. Arya makes sourcing simple. Contact us today to book a demo or fill out the online form to get a quote.

FAQs

What strategies are should be deployed to ensure effective communication with my remote team members?

To ensure effective communication, establish regular communication channels and schedules, promote active listening and open dialogue, and leverage technology tools that enhance communication and collaboration.

How do you build trust among team members who may not have met in person?

Building trust in remote teams requires clear expectations and goals, open and transparent communication, promoting teamwork and shared decision-making, and recognizing and celebrating team achievements.

What methods are effective for managing productivity and accountability in a virtual environment?

Set clear expectations and goals, encourage effective time management, utilize regular team meetings or check-ins, and leverage project management tools and technology to track progress and share updates.

Are there ways to provide training and support for remote team members?

Yes. You can provide virtual workshops and webinars on remote work strategies, offer ongoing support through regular check-ins and access to mentors, coaches, and necessary tools and technology for remote work.

How do I address mental health and wellness in remote and hybrid workforces?

Promote work-life balance, foster a supportive team culture, offer mental health resources and wellness programs, and organize virtual workshops or webinars on stress management and self-care techniques.

Where does technology fit in to remote and hybrid team management?

Utilizing project management platforms, communication tools, cloud-based storage, document sharing platforms, and automation tools can streamline communication, collaboration, project management, and repetitive tasks in remote and hybrid healthcare teams.

Resources

• https://www.forbes.com/sites/glebtsipursky/2023/05/03/the-benefits-of-hybrid-work-models-in-healthcare/?sh=10bb3c905cf2
• https://hbr.org/2022/02/5-challenges-of-hybrid-work-and-how-to-overcome-them