8 strategies to improve collaboration in hybrid work and build strong teams.

A group of different people standing together, smiling, in a training room.

In recent years, the dynamics of work have undergone one of the greatest transformations in modern history. The hybrid model, which blends in-person and remote work, has ceased to be an exception and has become a reality in companies of all sizes and sectors.

What do we gain from this?

This new configuration has brought gains in flexibility, quality of life, and productivity.

However, Maintaining collaboration in hybrid work environments. This has become one of the greatest challenges for modern leaders. After all, how do you ensure that everyone is on the same page, with a sense of teamwork, mutual trust, and continuous engagement, even when they are physically distant?

At LongVision, we believe the key is in building Trusting relationships, a strong culture, and conscious communication.. Therefore, we have prepared this guide with 8 practical strategies To improve collaboration in hybrid work environments, inspired by our work with hundreds of teams and leaders across Brazil.

Establish clear operating agreements.

In a hybrid environment, Clarity is golden.. Teams that don't align expectations end up mired in noise, silent conflicts, and rework. Therefore, it's essential that leaders and their teams build together. coexistence agreements.

Ask yourself:

  • What are the agreed working hours?
  • How and when should each person be available?
  • How do we make decisions as a group?
  • What tools do we use to communicate?

As a tip, reinforce these agreements with a shared document. This avoids misunderstandings and promotes mutual accountability — one of the pillars of our training. Corporate Accountability.

Develop assertive and conscious communication.

Communication is the lifeblood of teams. And in a hybrid model, it needs to be even more so. intentional, transparent and empathetic.

Avoid the temptation to resolve everything via instant messaging. In many cases, a brief phone call or a quick video meeting can prevent days of friction.

What to prioritize:

  • Constant and structured feedback.
  • Transparency in decisions and processes.
  • A safe space for active listening.

LongVision Talks Recommends: Check out our latest podcast episode, featuring Cesario Nakamura, former CEO of Alelo and C-level executive at several large Brazilian companies, and learn how to inspire people: Click here to listen on Spotify..

Encourage human connection beyond work.

Did you know that trust among team members is directly linked to the quality of informal interactions?

In remote or hybrid work environments, moments like coffee breaks, group lunches, and hallway laughter are replaced by silence behind screens. To overcome this, it's essential to create... spaces for human connection.

Practical ideas:

  • Start meetings with emotional check-ins.
  • Promote virtual coffee breaks or lighthearted activities.
  • Create informal channels (like Slack or WhatsApp) for non-work-related matters.

At LongVision, we use the model of 5 Behaviors of a High-Performance Team, which places trust as the starting point for genuine collaboration.

Practice intentional recognition.

Remote work tends to make efforts invisible. Often, dedicated employees feel that "no one sees" what they are doing.

Recognizing results, attitudes, and progress—even small ones—is a powerful stimulus for collaboration. A simple "thank you" or "I saw how much effort you put into this" can transform the team's atmosphere.

Create recognition rituals:

  • Rounds of praise at weekly meetings.
  • Highlights section on the company's digital bulletin board.
  • Public messages of gratitude on internal channels.

Remember, people collaborate more when they feel valued and seen.

Invest in tools, but prioritize culture.

Tools are essential for hybrid work — but Tools without culture are just technology..

Slack, Zoom, Trello, Notion, Teams… None of them will solve collaboration problems if there isn't a human commitment to the common good.

Our advice:

  • Use technology to bring us closer, not to surveil us.
  • Opt for simple, integrated tools.
  • Train the team on the responsible use of each resource.

Establish collaboration indicators.

Yes, collaboration can – and should – also be measured.

We're not just talking about productivity, but about indicators that show... level of engagement, participation and mutual support.

Examples of metrics:

  • Participation in team meetings.
  • Frequency and quality of feedback.
  • Implementation of interdisciplinary projects.
  • Emotional climate in interactions.

As a tip, use these expressions in your searches: How to measure collaboration at work., hybrid engagement indicators, Remote team metrics.

Offer continuous development.

Collaborative environments are formed by people who evolve together.

The best way to keep the team motivated is by creating constant learning opportunities, especially about... soft skills such as communication, active listening, empathy, and emotional management.

Focus on training methods such as:

  • Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
  • Empathic Leadership
  • Personal and Collective Accountability
  • Conflict Management in a Hybrid Environment

Learn more about the training. here.

Real testimony: “"After we implemented The Five Behaviors in the team, we noticed a visible improvement in listening skills among members, even while working from home!" - LongVision client, technology sector.

Promote co-creation in decision-making.

If you want your team to collaborate more, stop centralizing decisions.

The Co-creation generates belonging.. When people feel that their opinions matter, they naturally become more committed to the whole.

How to apply:

  • Create collaborative committees for strategic topics.
  • Utilize participatory voting tools.
  • Go through several rounds of suggestions before making a significant decision.

Remember, people are more engaged in projects they helped create.

Culture is the key to collaboration in hybrid work.

Improving collaboration in a hybrid work environment It's not a matter of luck., It's about method, culture, and intentional leadership. Physical distance doesn't have to mean human disconnection.

By investing in conscious communication, clear agreements, listening spaces, and continuous development, your company not only improves collaboration—it transforms into a place where people... they want to contribute.

At LongVision, we help leaders and teams become truly high-performing teams, even in hybrid environments. If you want to transform your work environment and create a strong culture, we're ready to support your journey.

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