Exploring Hybrid Leadership: Experiences of Remote Leadership in Healthcare.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe leaders' experiences of remote leadership during the 1st year of the COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated remote work. However, there is little research on the experience of remote leadership in the healthcare setting. METHODS: Data were collected using focus group interviews and analyzed by thematic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 8 leaders from a psychiatric care setting participated. The following themes were identified increased work efficiency, work well-being, lack of organizational support, the need to be present, and the desire for a hybrid leadership model for the future. CONCLUSIONS: Remote leadership includes both benefits and challenges for healthcare leaders and organizations. Leaders in this study emphasized the need to be present for the clinical personnel and proposed a hybrid leadership model. To succeed in combining remote and face-to-face work and leadership in a new model, organizations need to provide clear guidelines and training for remote work and leadership.