1. Build and Maintain Strong Working Relationships

When you’re not in the office daily, it’s up to you to keep relationships alive. Good communication, visibility, and friendliness all play a part.

Check in regularly. Keep your manager and teammates updated with quick calls, messages, or shared updates. This helps show your engagement and builds trust - even when working remotely.
Use office time wisely. When you’re on-site, make a point of speaking with colleagues in person. Schedule chats, join team lunches, or offer help face-to-face. These moments build team spirit and foster a sense of belonging.
Be approachable and personable. Ask how someone’s day is going, remember birthdays, and say thanks often. Building rapport is just as important online as it is in person.

If you’re writing a resume for a hybrid working role, be sure to highlight your collaboration and communication skills - these are key for success in a flexible workplace.

2. Collaborate Smoothly Across Locations

Strong collaboration in hybrid teams relies on clarity and consistency. You don’t need to be in the same room to work well together - just organised.

Agree on tools and timings. Be clear about how you communicate. Which platforms are for quick chats? What’s better suited to email? When should meetings happen? Agreeing this with your team avoids misunderstandings.
Work visibly and share updates. Use shared drives, task boards, and calendars to keep everyone informed. Visibility is key in a hybrid setup, especially if you’re working from home several days a week.
Use asynchronous communication. If you’re in different time zones or schedules vary, record a video, write a clear update, or tag teammates in shared tools instead of waiting for live conversations.
Run better meetings. Keep them focused, stick to agendas, and avoid overload. Hybrid employees need space between calls to stay productive, so it’s okay to push back on unnecessary meetings.

For job seekers, highlighting experience with remote collaboration tools on your CV - such as Slack, Trello, or Microsoft Teams - demonstrates your hybrid readiness.

3. Find Balance and Avoid Burnout

One of the biggest perks of hybrid working is the ability to shape your own routine. But it’s easy to slip into overwork or always being “on.” You’ll need discipline and clear boundaries.

Set working hours and stick to them. Start and end your workday at consistent times. Avoid replying to emails at midnight unless it’s absolutely essential. Protecting your time makes you more effective during your working hours.
Create rituals that separate work from life. Try a fake commute: walk around the block before starting your day, or take 15 minutes after work to unwind. These cues help shift your mindset.
Take proper breaks. Give yourself time away from screens - eat lunch away from your desk, stretch regularly, and get outside when you can.
Use your environment strategically. Do deep focus work at home and plan collaborative work for office days. This helps you stay balanced and productive across your week.

Work-life balance is also a valuable trait to mention during a hybrid job interview - employers want to know you can handle autonomy without losing sight of wellbeing.

4. Make Office Days and Commutes Work for You

Office days are opportunities to collaborate, network, and reset your routine. Commutes become more meaningful - and can even boost your productivity if you use them well.

Plan your office days. Book in-person meetings, schedule key discussions, or run workshops when you know everyone will be in. Think ahead to make the most of face-to-face time.
Make the commute count. Use travel time to listen to industry podcasts, reflect on goals, or prepare for the day. If you’re job hunting, this might even be time to brush up your CV for hybrid roles or rehearse interview questions.
Stay energised. Avoid cramming too much into one office day. Leave room for informal chats, lunch breaks, or time to catch your breath. Overloaded office days defeat the point of hybrid flexibility.

If you’re seeking a hybrid working job, showing that you understand how to maximise office time and work independently at home is a big advantage.

5. Pros and Cons of Hybrid Working

Hybrid working can be life-changing, but it also comes with trade-offs. Knowing the benefits and pitfalls can help you plan for success - and showcase your readiness on your resume or in applications.

Pros:

Greater flexibility and autonomy
Fewer commutes, saving time and money
Better work-life balance
Improved focus on home days
Opportunities for collaboration on office days

Cons:

Risk of blurred personal/work boundaries
Potential for loneliness or isolation
Need for strong time management skills
Some tasks harder to complete remotely
Possibility of uneven team communication

If you’re updating your CV for a hybrid job, consider adding a skills section that covers:

Self-motivation and time management
Remote collaboration and communication
Experience using digital productivity tools
Ability to manage workload independently

Final Thoughts

Succeeding in a hybrid role is all about structure, communication, and flexibility. Whether you’re already in one or applying for a hybrid working job, these habits will help you stay balanced, connected, and productive.

Be proactive in your relationships
Work visibly and communicate clearly
Set boundaries to protect your wellbeing
Use your office days with purpose
Keep your skills and tools sharp

Hybrid working offers the best of both worlds - freedom and connection, quiet focus and teamwork. And when you can show that you’re ready to make the most of it, you’ll stand out whether you’re in the job or applying for one.

Need to improve your CV for hybrid roles?

Make sure to emphasise your adaptability, digital fluency, and communication skills. Employers value people who can thrive independently while contributing to a cohesive team.