Snack 19: Hybrid Work is Hard, But This Trick Will Make Office Returns Smooth

Workday Playdate

In today’s Workday Playdate Snack, we’re tackling the hybrid work headache—and no, we’re not talking about the flickering office lights or the ancient coffee machine no one remembers how to clean.

We’re talking about the emotional fog that creeps in when your team is half-on-Zoom, half-in-person, and 100% disconnected.

The Problem: You’ve asked your team to return to the office a few days a week.

Some show up with smiles. Others show up with...resentment. And some just show up for the snacks.

Hybrid work isn’t just a scheduling issue—it’s a culture shift. And if you’re the one coordinating who’s in, who’s out, and whether “Taco Tuesday” counts as strategy… we see you.

Why It Matters:

According to Gallup, only 28% of employees feel connected in hybrid environments. Connection isn’t a luxury—it’s the glue. Without it, collaboration and morale fall flat.

The Improv Hack to Try: The Wrong Name Game

In your next meeting, have everyone make up a goofy name and fake job title.

• “Hi, I’m Tater McSnazzle, Chief Glitter Strategist.”
• “I’m Rufus Bucket, Senior Cloud Fluffer.”

Yes, it’s weird. But it works. Play cuts through awkwardness and builds connection fast—whether you’re face-to-face or floating in the Zoomverse.

Why it works:

• Breaks the ice in a low-stakes, high-fun way
• Sparks laughter and lowers tension
• Creates a sense of shared experience—even virtually

Coming up Wednesday: Ready to go deeper? Don’t miss Episode 296: Hybrid Headaches? Here’s How to Make the Office Return Less Awkward & More Awesome. You’ll get practical tools to rehumanize your hybrid culture, one joyful moment at a time. Because rebuilding connection isn’t about forcing people back to desks—it’s about helping them find each other again.

Feeling overwhelmed in high-stakes moments? Download our latest free resource—The Clarity Under Pressure Toolkit—a concise guide to navigating uncertainty with poise. In just five minutes, you'll learn how to center yourself, assess the situation, and respond with confidence. This actionable toolkit equips you with the tools to stay grounded and make clear decisions when it matters most.

No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)

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