Enhancing Digital Entrepreneurship of Rural Micro Enterprises in a Post Pandemic World 2022

www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu Hybrid Work Teams for Rural Micro Enterprises Author partner: IRL MICRO2 MICRO2 Enhancing Digital Entrepreneurship of Micro Enterprises Enhancing Digital Entrepreneurship of Micro Enterprises in Rural Areas in a Post Pandemic World in Rural Areas in a Post Pandemic World 2022 2022- -1 1- -IE01 IE01- -KA220 KA220- -VET VET- -000088074 000088074 The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.

www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu Aims Aims That participants appreciate the challenges and opportunities of hybrid work for rural micro enterprises That participants are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop a rural micro enterprise hybrid work team model The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.

www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu Objectives and Goals Objectives and Goals At the end of this module, you will be able to: At the end of this module, you will be able to: Identify and value the potential rewards and opportunities offered by the rural micro -enterprises Hybrid workplace Understand the challenges and possible solutions of managing small hybrid teams Compare and Contrast different digital tools for Hybrid Team Management Foster an appreciation of the value of reflective practice Have an awareness of the legal responsibilities of rural micro enterprise employers in relation to hybrid working Understand how motivation can be enhanced in rural micro enterprise hybrid work teams. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.

www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu Index Index UNIT 2: ICT Tools for Hybrid Management UNIT 1: Promoting Effective Teamwork in a Hybrid Work Model for Rural Micro Enterprises Section 2.1. ICT tools for Hybrid Management Section 2.2. Reflective Practice for ICT Tool Selection and Use in Hybrid Teams Section 1.1. Introduction: Hybrid Teamwork The Future of Work Section 1.2. Creating High Performing Hybrid Teams The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.

www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu Index Index UNIT 4: Keeping Hybrid Teams Motivated Section 4.1. Keeping Hybrid Teams Motivated UNIT 3: Hybrid Work Employer Obligations Section 3.1. Health & Safety Section 3.2 The Right to Disconnect The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.

Unit Unit 1 1 - - Promoting Effective Teamwork in a Hybrid Work Model for Rural Micro Enterprises 1.1. 1.1. Introduction: Hybrid Teamwork The Future of Work www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu Hybrid working is a form of flexible working where workers spend some of their time working remotely (usually, but not always, from home) and some in the employer's workspace. The Pandemic has transformed Hybrid work possibility Virtual work structures and post pandemic Hybrid work structures has worked very well. For the rural micro-enterprise it has opened up the national, and global labour market. Rural Micro Enterprises are no longer disadvantaged in attracting and retaining the best staff. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.

Unit Unit 1 1 - - Leadership for Rural Micro Enterprises Advantages of Hybrid work include; www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu Improved productivity More scheduling flexibility A stronger work-life balance Time money and most especially personal energy savings on commuting Dramatically improved access to skills Money saved on office space The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.

Unit Unit 1 1 - - Leadership for Rural Micro Enterprises Disadvantages or Fears of Hybrid work include; www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu Staff feeling less connected to the organization's culture Impaired collaboration Disrupted work processes Less recognition of job performance Productivity fears Resentment among the workforce obliged to attend the workplace in person more frequently Imbalanced role development/performance Fair transparent leadership, reliance on ever-improving technologies and understanding that more effort is required to ensure the natural communications channels and coordination in the physical workplace are substituted for, go a long way in addressing any difficulties. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.

Unit Unit 1 1 - - Leadership for Rural Micro Enterprises 1.2. Creating High Performing Hybrid Teams www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu Face-to-Face Meeting and Office attendance regular scheduled get togethers - Anchor Days Clear rules about workplace attendance Ensuring that those who attend the office more frequently aren t diadvantaged Clearly explain and map out tasks and processes In a hybrid work setting patterns of task completion may not be established More scope for confusion which can be managed by closer attention to detail Establish Clearcut Rules of engagement for Communication Hybrid/Virtual teams communicate less frequently Communication Norms need to be clearly established. E.g. Agreement on when to use different modes of communication Establish Workplace Rhythm In a traditional workplace, the rhythm of the working day come naturally. This should be aspired to in the hybrid workplace. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.

Unit Unit 1 1 - - Leadership for Rural Micro Enterprises 1.2. Creating High Performing Hybrid Teams www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu Consciously Target Isolation Combatting isolation is very necessary to enjoyable rewarding work. Building in time for social contact Use of collaborative software that allow for easy real-time discussion should be prioritised. Encourage Boundaries In rural micro-enterprises with more familiar relationships disengagement from work this is more difficult. Clear written guidelines to ensure all staff can disengage at the appropriate time without guilt or disadvantage. Track Commitment and Results no easy way to observe engagement and productivity. structures which track progress are very necessary. Methodologies such as Objectives and Key Results (OKR) where targets are quantified One-to-One Engagement One-to-one performance management and mentorship interactions very important The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.

Unit Unit 2 2 ICT Tools for Hybrid Management 2.1. 2.1. ICT Tools for Hybrid Management www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu Dropbox cloud based file holding service which can be synched across devices. Users can control access on Dropbox and work both online and offline. Monday.com Helps teams streamline their workflow, collaborate seamlessly, and manage complex projects. CRM, marketing, design, human resource etc. Zoom Online video conferencing platform Microsoft Teams In addition to video conferencing, Teams offers extensive virtual collaboration features, including Office 365 integration. Google Drive A cloud-based storage service that enables users to store and access files online as well as share files and work collaboratively online. Files created similar to Microsoft Office programs, WORD, Excel and Powerpoint. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.

Unit Unit 2 2 ICT Tools for Hybrid Management 2.1. 2.1. ICT Tools for Hybrid Management www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu Initial investment and training in Applications for the rural micro-enterprise is relatively inexpensive and modest. Greater challenges lie in understanding when and how to use these tools and to ensure that their use is consistent across the organisation. EG clarifying when a Zoom meeting is required as against an email, the specifics of how to manage the production of a document in Google drive? This is specific to each organisation needs. Trial and Error measured through structured analysis and reflection is very necessary. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.

Unit Unit 2 2 - - Leadership Styles for Rural Micro Leadership Styles for Rural Micro- -enterprises enterprises 2.2. 2.2. Teams Reflective Practice for ICT Tool Selection and Use in Hybrid www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu Essential to ensure that insight gained informs practice. For new processes such as the embedding of ICT tools in support of Hybrid work it is especially useful. It involves self-awareness, and continuous learning and growth Elements of successful reflection include: Time to reflect Something to reflect upon Medium for capturing reflection Skills in reflection Honesty Feedback Capturing reflection in written format in a Reflective Journal is essential. E.g. What? So What? Now What? In this scenario might be of best use in group format. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.

Unit Unit 3 3 - - Hybrid Working - Employer Obligations 3.1 3.1 Health & Safety www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu While there are differences in detail between jurisdictions in the European Union employers have a legal duty of care to their employees regardless of the location of their work. Health and Safety Employers are legally bound to ensure that employees are not at risk from long term Health and Safety dangers regardless of where they work. Here this may require; Setting up and Virtual supervision of Ergonomic workspaces Visual Display Unit Assessments Balanced agreement between Employer and Employee to agree on the resources and equipment required Employers should be expected to contribute significantly to any costs incurred The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.

Unit Unit 3 3 - - Hybrid Working - Employer Obligations 3.2 3.2 The Right to Disconnect www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu The Right to Disconnect. the right to disengage from work and not engage in work-related electronic communications during non-work hours. Important that the rural micro enterprise is fully aware of legislation in their own jurisdiction. In a rural micro enterprise this can be complicated by; Organisational Culture There may be established patterns of behaviour considered acceptable. Requires leadership from the top to be changed. Immediate Work pressures occasions where deadlines and customer/client needs necessitate unexpected extra work needed detailed renumeration or time off in lieu policy The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.

Unit Unit 4 4 Keeping Hybrid Teams Motivated 4.1. 4.1. Keeping Hybrid Teams Motivated www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu In a workplace where employees may attend the office on a different basis motivation is complicated. Fairness and all-inclusiveness for all staff play a key role in effective hybrid team management. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.

Unit Unit 4 4 Keeping Hybrid Teams Motivated 4.1. 4.1. Keeping Hybrid Teams Motivated www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu Proximity Disadvantage Close proximity to the central workplace should not dictate decisions on hybrid work possibility Where job function requires daily attendance, the employee should be fairly incentivized Reward and recognition More difficult to recognize achievement Effective teamwork structure including a degree of mentorship and consciously taking time for recognition Organised Work Schedules Hybrid can easily become chaotic. Uncertainly demotivating and a perception of unfairness can develop. Shared daily work calendar and regular scheduled events or meetings Shared Decision Making In a rural micro enterprise staff appreciate opportunity to take part in decision making. In many cases a shared decision is the only right decision. Ensuring that Staff working on a hybrid or virtual basis are not excluded The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.

www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu Self Self- -assessment questions assessment questions 1) What is a perceived disadvantage of Hybrid work structures? 2) What does Workplace rhythm relate to? 3) ICT tools for management for the rural micro enterprise are; 4) In Reflective practise what is considered essential? 5) What is the Right to disconnect ? a) Staff may not have strong enough broadband b) It is very expensive to equip a workspace at home c) Staff feeling less connected to the organization's culture and sense of team d) There is a bigger risk of data breaches a) The chosen background music of the office b) The daily routine of the working day c) The time the workday begins and ends each day d) The schedule of full team meatings. a) prohibitively expensive b) Relatively inexpensive c) very difficult to learn how to use d) Only available for use with IT systems using Windows 10 or above a) It is essential to write in reflective practise. b) It is essential that reflective practise be carried out privately. c) It is essential that reflective practice be carried out in a team. d) It is essential that reflective practise leads to immediate action. a) the right to turn off your home computer at weekends b) the right to work outside of the employers premises c) the right to disengage from work and not engage in work- related electronic communications during non work hours d) The right to work individually and not as part of a team The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.

Summing Summing up up www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu work practices have grown in popularity since the pandemic and will continue to grow into the future Hybrid work structures bring a lot of obvious Hybrid advantages but also some disadvantages which need to be carefully managed understanding that more effort is required to ensure the natural communications channels and coordination in the physical workplace are substituted for is vital. Unit 1 Today a wide range of affordable and easy to use ICT tools to improve business and team management in hybrid/virtual work settings are available. The greater challenges lie in understanding when and how to use these tools and to ensure that their use is consistent across the organisation. Unit 2 While there are differences in detail between jurisdictions in the European Union employers have a legal duty of care to their employees regardless of the location of their work. Health and Safety and Right to Disconnect are important considerations Unit 3 Motivation in a complex hybrid work environment can be very challenging in ensuring all employees regardless of work location are treated fairly. Unit 4 The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.

www.digitalmicro2.eu www.digitalmicro2.eu Thank you! Thank you! path at at https://www.digitalmicro2.eu/ https://www.digitalmicro2.eu/ Continue Continue your your training training path The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannotbeheldresponsibleforanyusewhichmaybemadeoftheinformationcontainedtherein. Legal description Creative Commons licensing: Thematerials published on the Micro2 project website are classified as Open Educational Resources' (OER) and can be freely (without permission of their creators): downloaded, used, reused,copied,adapted,andsharedbyusers,withinformationaboutthesourceoftheirorigin.