Hybrid work and hybrid teams: Working together and apart

Hybrid work continues to create controversy about whether it should continue and return to office mandates regularly feature in the media. Against this backdrop, this grounded theory study aimed to develop an understanding of the fundamental elements that hybrid teams need to be high performing, sustainable and healthy. This involved exploring how teams interact in different locations and when they need to interact face-to-face and when they can work effectively in a virtual environment. The research was overlayed with a systems model because while teams are made up of individuals, these individuals impact and are impacted by systems. Consequently, interviews were conducted with human resource personnel, managers, and team members. The study found that there are key elements at the public policy, organisational and team levels that can support teams to be high performing, sustainable and healthy. The research has implications for governments and organisations seeking to increase productivity and hybrid teams who are trying to maintain effective communication, collaboration, and team cohesion in a hybrid environment.

Speaker

Lynette has worked in the public service for over 30 years in both program and policy roles. She has worked in a range of areas including population health, sport, mental health, disability, aged care, agriculture and family and advocacy services. Lynette is a Sir Roland Wilson scholar. The Sir Roland Wilson Scholarship supports public servants to complete PhD research on significant public policy issues of priority and enduring relevance to the Australian Public Service and/or Commonwealth public sector. Prior to commencing the scholarship Lynette was overseeing hospital programs at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Lynette has previously completed tertiary studies in social work, legal studies, sociology, and public health.