Hybrid Teams Are Struggling to Communicate in 2025

Intermediate Level | May 6, 2025

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What’s Going Wrong with Hybrid Work?

Flexibility with Friction

In 2025, hybrid teams are still growing—but not without problems. Many professionals are working part of the week from home and part in the office. While this setup offers flexibility, it’s also making communication harder. For example, someone working from home might miss an important side conversation that happened after a meeting wrapped up in the office kitchen.

Feeling Left Behind

A new report shows that hybrid workers often feel left out of key conversations. They miss out on hallway chats, casual updates, and quick decisions made in person. One employee said, “I found out about a major project change after everyone else because it was only mentioned in the office.” That sense of exclusion makes some remote workers feel invisible compared to coworkers who are always in the office.

Management Challenges

Managers are also struggling. They want to treat everyone fairly, but it’s hard to keep the whole team connected. Messages get missed. Projects slow down. One manager explained, “I thought I updated everyone, but I had only spoken to the people in the office that day.” Trust can break down when people don’t feel seen or heard, especially if updates or recognition happen unevenly.

Building Better Habits

Experts say hybrid teams need better tools and habits. Regular video calls, clear agendas, and equal speaking time can help. One team created a weekly “remote-first” meeting where all updates are shared online first, even if most of the team is in the office. Casual check-ins that include remote workers—like a 5-minute “coffee break chat” on Zoom—also help bridge the gap.

Communication Is the Key

Hybrid work isn’t going away. But for it to work well, teams need to talk more—and talk better. When everyone is included in the conversation—no matter where they are—collaboration becomes smoother and teams feel stronger.

Vocabulary

Hybrid (adjective): A mix of two different things.
Example: She works in a hybrid role, both in the office and at home.
Casual (adjective): Relaxed and informal.
Example: Casual chats can lead to great ideas.
Invisible (adjective): Not seen or noticed.
Example: Remote workers sometimes feel invisible during meetings.
Connected (adjective): Feeling included or part of a group.
Example: It’s important to help everyone feel connected on a team.
Struggling (verb): Having a hard time.
Example: Many managers are struggling to lead hybrid teams.
Fairly (adverb): In an equal or honest way.
Example: The team wants to treat remote workers fairly.
Trust (noun): Belief that someone is honest or reliable.
Example: Good communication builds trust.
Agenda (noun): A list of topics for a meeting.
Example: A clear agenda helps meetings stay focused.
Include (verb): To make someone part of something.
Example: Try to include everyone in the discussion.
Decision (noun): A choice or judgment.
Example: Some decisions are made quickly in the office.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Why do hybrid workers sometimes feel left out?
What problems do managers face in hybrid work settings?
How can teams improve communication with remote workers?
What are the risks of poor communication in hybrid teams?
What tools or habits would help your team communicate better?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Have you ever worked in a hybrid setting?
Do you prefer working remotely or in person? Why?
How do you build trust with coworkers you don’t see often?
What do you think makes a good online meeting?
How would you help a teammate who feels left out?

Related Idiom

“Out of the loop”
Meaning: Not informed or included in a group.
Example: “I missed the office meeting, so now I feel out of the loop.”

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