How blended working boosts collaboration and mentorship

Added 09/12/24 - 4 min read

In a world where remote work has become the default for many industries, including mortgage broking, finding the right balance between face-to-face interactions and virtual working is essential. While remote working brings flexibility and convenience, it cannot fully replace the depth of connection and learning that comes from in-person interactions.

A blended approach combining the best of both worlds can foster collaboration, strengthen mentorship, and ultimately create a more resilient and connected team.

1. Mentorship That Thrives in a Hybrid Model

Mentorship is crucial for professional development, offering education via the likes of our Broker Talks podcast on creating training plans. However, it requires trust and rapport which is often easier to build in person.

Face-to-face meetings allow mentors and mentees to engage on a deeper level, pick up on non-verbal cues and have more organic conversations. Our recent blog explored the value of face-to-face working in a remote world, highlighting the importance of human connection.

However, remote tools play a crucial role in maintaining regular check-ins and enabling ongoing guidance between in-person sessions. Video calls, shared digital workspaces and messaging platforms keep the mentorship dynamic alive, even when physical meetings are not possible.

Tip: Schedule in-person mentoring sessions for big-picture planning or skill-building, and use virtual tools for day-to-day support or quick advice.

2. The Power of Collaboration in Shared Spaces

For brokers, shared spaces provide more than just collaboration—they create valuable opportunities for mentorship and knowledge-sharing. Whether it’s a junior broker shadowing an experienced colleague or team members exchanging insights on complex cases, face-to-face interactions foster deeper professional development. These moments are often harder to replicate in remote settings, where informal learning tends to take a backseat.

In-person time can be used to tackle challenges, share best practices and build confidence in less experienced brokers. This focus on mentorship not only strengthens individual skills but also contributes to the overall success and morale of the team.

Tip: Schedule regular in-office days for mentorship activities, such as case workshops or one-to-one coaching sessions, and pair these with virtual follow-ups to maintain consistent support and development.

3. Navigating Collaboration in a Hybrid Workplace

Blended working offers flexibility, but it also requires intentional strategies to foster collaboration and maintain productivity. In hybrid setups, balancing remote and in-office work can sometimes lead to communication gaps or misunderstandings.

Addressing this proactively helps to ensure the team remains aligned and engaged.Encourage a mix of synchronous and asynchronous communication methods to accommodate diverse working styles and preferences.

Synchronous Communication Methods

In-person Meetings: Real-time, face-to-face interactions that foster immediate collaboration and quick decision-making. Great for complex discussions, brainstorming, and building team rapport.
Video Conferences: Virtual meetings that replicate in-person interactions, allowing teams to connect regardless of physical location. Ideal for remote teams, team check-ins, and collaborative problem-solving.

Asynchronous Communication Methods

Email: Written communication that allows team members to respond at their convenience. Best for detailed, non-urgent information sharing and documentation.
Collaborative Documents: Platforms like Google Docs or Notion that enable team members to contribute and edit content at different times, supporting flexible work arrangements.
Project Management Tools: Platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Asana that allow ongoing communication and task tracking without requiring simultaneous participation.

Each communication method has unique benefits

Synchronous methods excel at immediate interaction, nuanced communication, and quick problem-solving
Asynchronous methods support flexibility, deep work, and accommodate different time zones and working schedules

By thoughtfully blending these approaches, teams can create a communication strategy that respects individual working styles while maintaining productivity and collaboration.

Regularly scheduled in-office days or virtual collaboration sessions can provide clarity, ensure alignment on key objectives and spark creativity. Meanwhile, using project management tools like ClickUp and Trello helps to keep everyone on track, regardless of their location.

Tip: Create dedicated collaboration spaces in the office for brainstorming or team discussions and set clear expectations around how and when remote and in-person communication should take place. This approach fosters efficiency while keeping the team connected.

4. Flexible learning and development

A blended approach is ideal for professional development. While in-person training allows for hands-on learning and better engagement, virtual sessions provide the convenience of self-paced or on-demand content. Combining both methods ensures team members can continually develop their skills without disrupting their workflow.

For brokers, this could mean attending in-person workshops to refine client communication skills while using webinars or online courses to stay updated on the latest market trends.

Tip: Create a blended learning plan for your team, alternating between in-person training and online resources to cater to different learning styles.

5. adapting to individual and team needs

A one-size-fits-all approach does not work when balancing face-to-face and remote interactions. Each team member’s preferences, roles, and circumstances will influence how they collaborate best. For example, a junior broker may thrive with more face-to-face mentoring, while an experienced team member may prefer flexibility with remote tools.

Similarly, we all work differently and where one person might thrive from more in-person meetings, the next person might feel more comfortable and productive working at home.

Tip: Regularly check in with your team to understand their preferred ways of working and adjust your approach to suit both your business and their needs.

finding the right balance

Blended working is not just about splitting time between the office and remote environments, it’s about strategically using each setting to maximise collaboration, mentorship and engagement.

By embracing the strengths of both face-to-face and virtual tools, mortgage brokers can foster stronger connections, drive professional growth, and create a culture of teamwork that thrives in any environment.