Build Connected Teams in Disconnected Times

Hybrid work is here to stay - and with good reason.
Research shows that organisations continue to see strong benefits from hybrid models, including better work-life balance (65%), higher employee retention (44%) and improved recruitment (41%).*

But with flexibility comes new challenges. Over half of organisations (57%) now report a sense of disconnection between colleagues, alongside communication gaps and reduced collaboration.*

So, how do you help teams stay connected and energised rather than becoming a group of individuals working in parallel?

Practical Ways to Build Connection in Hybrid Teams

1. Create deliberate touchpoints for connection

Hybrid work means fewer spontaneous interactions, so connection needs to be designed in. Set aside time for short, purposeful check-ins that go beyond project updates. Ask questions like:

• “What’s one thing that’s going well for you this week?”
• “What’s getting in your way right now?”

These moments build empathy and surface early signs of disengagement.

2. Open communication channels and keep them open

Not everyone is comfortable communicating in the same way. When people feel heard and included trust grows naturally.

Encourage open dialogue about how people prefer to work and communicate. Agree on clear norms around responsiveness, meeting style, channels used and keep positive feedback loops open.

Don’t hesitate to revisit what you agreed on regularly especially when the team grows.

Go Deeper: One Tool, Two Powerful Insights

If you want to move from good connection to great collaboration, the Team Management Profile (TMP) provides a proven framework. It’s essentially two tools in one:

• It reveals what types of work every successful team must do to perform at its best, letting you spot any potential gaps.
• And it shows who enjoys doing what, giving you insight into individual motivation and engagement.

With the TMP you can help teams:

• Understand differences that often lead to miscommunication.
• Align tasks with strengths to boost performance and morale.

Already TMP accredited? Here are your next steps

Use the following tips to build meaningful connection and shared purpose in a hybrid team:

1. Meaningful Communication

In a co-located team, communication and collaboration can happen organically. But hybrid team communication requires intentional structure and make information accessible to all.

Various TMS tools can help. Scheduling Colour Meetings will ensure key topics are discussed regularly and using the Types of Work model confirms all critical work is being done.

Download the TMP Types of Work Patterns to support you in your Global portal.

2. Building and Sustaining Trust

Without daily face-to-face contact (water cooler chats and shared lunches), trust must be built deliberately. Encourage leaders to run short, inclusive and one-on-one check-ins and recognise that team members with extroverted preferences may need more in-person interactions to stay energised.

Facilitate a Linking session to help team members understand how to connect across preferences and build alignment. Use the TMP Linking with roles around the Team Management Wheel resource, accessible in you Global Portal.

 3. Visibility and Performance

When people work in the office it’s easier to gauge their engagement and effort through observation. Hybrid teams need outcome-based management instead.

Focus on the Organising Type of Work to set clear goals, define roles and measure progress by outcomes. You can work with leaders to map out their team’s TMP preferences and adjust collaboration and responsibility to create stronger alignment:

• Are some people stuck doing work that drains them?
• Could pairing complementary preferences on key projects create better results?

Building Stronger Hybrid Teams Through Intentional Connection

Hybrid work offers undeniable advantages, but sustaining team connection for greater collaboration and higher performance requires intention, structure and the right tools. Whether you’re refining communication habits or aligning tasks with motivation, the Team Management Profile provides the awareness and language to keep teams energised and cohesive, even across distance. Want to find out more about TMP accreditation? Reach out.

* Data from:
Hybrid and Flexible Working Report 2025 - AHRI

Sense of Belonging in Hybrid Work Settings - ScienceDirect