Agile in a hybrid working environment does call for some areas of focus to be placed on effective communication, an infrastructure for collaboration tools, and Agile principles despite the geographical distance. Some of the practices that can be implemented in such environments to ensure a smooth ride are as follows:
Work together with technology: All stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives should be conducted via online tools, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Slack. Tools such as Jira or Trello help track what is done and the progress made over time, keeping all stakeholders in line regardless of their location.
Communication Should be Keen: Hybrid teams need frequent and transparent communication. Video calls should maintain the personal touch in meetings, and clear channels for discussing blockers, dependencies, or priorities should also be established.
Set clear expectations and define roles for both remote and in-office team members so everyone knows their responsibilities. This way, despite the spatial distance, all tasks and accountabilities are understood and managed effectively.
Flexible meeting schedule: Schedule meetings at times that are accommodating to the remote and in-office team members. Consider time zone differences and adjust meeting times to ensure everyone can participate.
Team collaboration: Try to promote a collaborative culture by providing opportunities for open dialogue and team-building in remote and on-site work environments. This will create a uniform environment for people. For example, remote members can participate in virtual coffee chats or brainstorming sessions to establish relationships.
Modify Agile Ceremonies for Remote Work: Hybrid teams will have to adapt their sprint planning, retrospectives, and reviews to agile ceremonies. Tools like Miro or MURAL can enable collaboration among virtual teams and help remote team members contribute more seamlessly.
