Essential Skills for the Hybrid Work(place)

Effective communication is essential for success in hybrid work. It enables seamless collaboration, strong relationships, and clarity in remote and in-person interactions. The following resources will provide you with valuable tips, strategies, and tools to enhance your communication skills:

• Communication Foundations | LinkedIn Learning | Course: Learn essential communication skills covering various scenarios such as meetings, emails, pitches, and presentations, and practical tools for effectively conveying messages in a professional manner. (1.5 hrs)
• The 7 C’s of Communication | MindTools | Article: Learn the seven aspects of communication that provide a guide to a well-constructed and clear message.
• Hybrid Work Environments Require New Communication Strategies | Forbes | Article: Learn how asynchronous communication can improve focus and productivity.
• Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Communication: How to Use Both to Dominate Remote Work | TechSmith | Article: Learn which approach works best in different scenarios.
• How to Practice Authentic Communication in a Virtual Space Through the Power of Listening | Centre for Creative Leadership | Webinar: Learn how to be a good listener in the virtual world, actions to improve listening skills, and tips for authentic communication. (30 min)

Dive Deeper

• You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters | Kate Murphy | Book: Learn why people struggle with listening in the digital age, the negative effects it has on society, and practical advice from expert listeners to inspire a change towards active listening.

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Mastering the art of planning and leading hybrid meetings is essential for successful collaboration and engagement. The following resources delve into practical strategies, tips, and tools to ensure seamless and inclusive meetings that cater to both remote and in person participants:

• When Do We Actually Need to Meet in Person | Harvard Business Review | Article: Six questions to ask to determine what type of meeting will help you achieve your objectives.
• How to do Hybrid Meetings Right | Harvard Business Review | Video: Learn the importance for leaders to adopt a remote-first mindset and five tactics on how to hold better, more inclusive hybrid meetings. (10 min)
• Virtual and Hybrid Meeting Essentials | LinkedIn Learning | Course: Learn strategies to make these meetings more engaging, collaborative, and productive. (23 min)
• How to Get People to Speak Up in Virtual Meetings | Harvard Business Review | Article: Learn eight tactics for meaningfully engaging virtual meeting participants.
• Bad meetings drain time and energy — here are 6 ways to lead ones that engage and inspire | TED | Article: Learn six strategies you can implement to improve your meetings. 

Meeting Agendas

• Tips to write an effective meeting agenda | Asana | Article: Understand the importance of an agenda and easy tips to write an agenda that keeps your meeting on track.

Inclusive Meetings

• Inclusive meetings: encouraging collaboration from all | Co-op Digital Blog | Guide: Seven guidelines to hold a meeting that will support participants to collaborate effectively, respectfully, and inclusively.
• How do you get from diversity to inclusion? Ask these 4 questions about your meetings | TED | Article: Learn how meetings can present opportunities to address bias and foster inclusivity and key questions you can ask yourself to support creating moments of inclusion.

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Understanding and practicing inclusion is a critical skill. Inclusion promotes a sense of belonging, respect, and collaboration. By actively practicing inclusion you can help create a supportive and cohesive workplace. Learn more about inclusion in the hybrid workplace:

• Strategies to Foster Inclusive Language at Work | LinkedIn Learning | Course: Learn the significance of inclusive language in fostering a better workplace culture and the simple but impactful adjustments you can make to prioritize inclusion. (1 hr)
• How microaggressions look different when we’re working remotely | Fast Company | Article: Learn how remote work has changed the way microaggressions occur in the workplace, with a focus on virtual communication.

The Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (REDI) supports our strategic plan commitment to transforming our culture through individual and systems change. REDI provides leadership across the FoM in the areas of professionalism, learner mistreatment, equity, diversity, and inclusion, anti-racism, and anti-discrimination through education and training programs and consultation services. Watch for monthly newsletters to explore upcoming events, stories, and links to recordings from past sessions, and visit the archive to see past newsletters.

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Leveraging technology is key to optimizing collaboration and enabling teams to work together effectively and efficiently. The following resources will help you effectively utilize digital tools:

• MS Teams Training | FoM Digital Solutions | Module: Access an online training module to introduce users to the most popular features of MS Teams.
• MS Teams FAQs | UBC IT | FAQs: Access commonly asked questions about MS Teams.
• Microsoft Teams Essential Training | LinkedIn Learning | Course. Learn the essentials of using MS Teams and how to customize settings to suit your needs. (3 hrs) For quick tips, check out: Microsoft Teams Quick Tips.
• OneNote Quick Tips | LinkedIn Learning | Guide: Learn quick tips on how to use OneNote to keep your notes organized. For a more in-depth review of OneNote’s features, check out: OneNote Essential Training (2.5 hrs).
• Accessibility Features on Windows OS & Mac OS | UBC Workplace Learning | Course: Learn how to enable and customize existing accessibility tools on your Windows or Mac OS computer with step-by-step tutorials. (30 min)

Digital Solutions provides support to FoM to leverage collaboration technologies available to UBC. If you or your team require assistance beyond the training resources available, sign up for an MS Teams Instructor Led Team Training . These 40-min sessions intended for new users cover the basics of using MS Teams and include time for questions.

Tools available to you through UBC:

• MS Teams: enables users across the Faculty to connect via instant messaging, video conferencing, and simultaneously work on a document in real-time together.
• MS OneDrive: allows users to securely store, share, and synchronize files and folders from anywhere at anytime.
• MS Planner: enables users to efficiently manage deliverables using lists, Kanban style boards, and charts directly through MS Teams.
• MS Whiteboard: enables teams to create and share their work in a seamless, organized manner.
• Zoom: a video conferencing platform that is accessible on multiple devices and complies with the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and UBC’s Information Security Standards.
• UBC Survey Tool: an easy-to-use survey-building application that allows you to easily create surveys for distribution while complying with BC privacy laws (FIPPA).

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Staying connected to what is happening at the University and Faculty is important for employees, especially in the hybrid workplace. By actively engaging with the University and Faculty updates, you can stay informed about important announcements, events, and initiatives that will support you in your work and professional growth.

• UBC Today: Learn about the latest announcements, resources, events, achievements and people at UBC all in one place. Watch this short video to orient you to the site.
• FoM MedNet: Learn about the latest updates and resources for faculty and staff at the UBC’s Faculty of Medicine.

The University has established a learning and development newsletter for all faculty and staff, Learning Link, that features content related to effective hybrid work and upcoming professional development opportunities. Subscribe to the newsletter to stay up-to-date.

Collaboration is vital for thriving in the hybrid workplace. We are called upon to be more deliberate in how we think about and approach collaboration. The following resources will unpack how collaboration has changed within the hybrid workplace and how you can enhance collaboration:

• 3 Ways Hybrid Collaboration Can Bridge Both Space and Time | Microsoft | Article: Learn three strategies to enhance the effectiveness of asynchronous communication.
• Collaboration Principles and Process | LinkedIn Learning | Course: Collaboration is complex. Learn how to overcome challenges and foster effective collaboration. (1 hr)
• One-minute habit for effective collaboration | LinkedIn Learning | Module: Learn how to effectively collaborate in a hybrid work environment by using a simple tool. (3 min)
• How to Improve Your Organization’s Virtual Collaboration | Center for Creative Leadership | Article: Explore why we need to combine technological solutions with interpersonal skill development to foster successful virtual collaboration.
• Facilitation Skills Training | UBC Workplace Learning | Learning Path: Get a foundational overview of concepts, considerations and critical ideas for a facilitator. (5.5 hrs)
• How to Really Use a Whiteboard | Harvard Business Review | Video: Learn about the value of a whiteboard and tips to make the most of a whiteboard session. (8 min)

Information Management

For ongoing collaboration within and across teams, consider the importance of maintaining information in such a way that it can be easily accessed and understood. The University Records Management Office offers training videos and best practices in managing information. The following are a few important ones to consider in a hybrid workplace:

• MS Teams Best Practice: Learn about best practices in creating, managing, and removing MS Teams sites.
• OneDrive Best Practice: Learn about what information is best stored on OneDrive.
• Remote Work Records Security: Learn about your responsibilities in keeping University records secure while working remotely.
• Electronic Records Naming Conventions: Learn how to name documents consistently.

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Creating a psychologically safe work environment is especially important in hybrid workplaces where interactions are often mediated through technology. Psychologically safe workplaces foster trust, encourage open dialogue, and empower team members to express ideas and concerns without fear of judgement or reprisal. These resources will help promote a culture that prioritizes psychological wellbeing:

• What is Psychological Safety | HBR | Article: Learn more about what psychological safety is, why it’s important, how you know when it is present and how to create it.
• Psychological Safety: Clear Blocks to Innovation, Collaboration, and Risk-Taking | LinkedIn Learning | Course: Learn the importance of psychological safety in fostering healthy teams and actionable tips to recognize and promote it within an organization. (25 min)
• One-minute habit for developing compassion and empathy for others | LinkedIn Learning | Module: Learn how to foster connection in remote work environments by practicing the Two Question, Two Quests habit. (3 min)

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The hybrid workplace presents some unique challenges (and benefits) related to wellbeing. The following resources can help you understand what those are and how to address them:

• It’s time to replace work-life balance with ‘life-work integration’ | Fortune | Article: The idea of life-work integration reframes how we have traditionally thought about the relationship between work and life.
• 6 Principles for Hybrid Work Wellbeing | Microsoft | Article: Learn six principles to help guide your wellbeing as you navigate hybrid work.
• Wellbeing in the Workplace | UBC Workplace Learning | Course: Understand the importance of wellbeing within the context of the workplace.
• Supporting Your Mental Health While Working from Home | LinkedIn Learning | Course: Learn practical tips based in neuroscience to support your mental health while working remotely or in a hybrid environment. (18 min)
• How to Avoid Zoom Fatigue While Working from Home | Thrive Global | Article: Learn strategies to minimize fatigue and video call burnout.

Learn about the wide range of resources UBC provides to foster your wellbeing and the opportunities and services available to you to support a healthy work environment.

The Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a confidential support service that provides you and your family with the help you need to resolve a range of personal, work, health, or life issues. Stay informed about health and wellbeing topics at UBC by signing up to the Healthy UBC Newsletter.

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Managing your productivity is important for your success and wellbeing. With the blend of remote and on-site work, it is essential to find a balance that allows you to achieve your goals effectively. The following resources will help you to better understand productivity and how to manage it:

• How to Be More Productive | Harvard Business Review | Video: Learn about a few productivity methods and what they have in common, how to best manage your time, and what “being productive” means. (8 min)
• The productivity tax you pay for context switching | Twist | Article: Learn about the attention tax you incur each time you switch from one thing to another, why many of us struggle with it, and the concrete strategies you can use to bring more focus to your workday.
• Enhance Productivity in a Hybrid Work Environment | LinkedIn Learning | Course: Understand your productivity style and how to manage it to help you stay on task when switching between locations. (17 min)
• Which productivity method is right for you? | Todoist | Quiz: Take the quiz and receive custom recommendations based on what your strengths, challenges and goals are.

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