In this video, Holly explains how to run a mentoring program in a hybrid workplace, where the old habit of picking up a mentor over coffee or by sitting next to someone no longer works. Her first piece of advice is to give people a choice at sign-up: would they rather have a mentor in the same office or city, or the best-fit mentor wherever they’re based? When offered the option, most people go for the best match over proximity, because that’s what leads to real help and strong rapport.
Holly then turns to rapport itself, which comes more naturally face to face through body language and casual chat about weekends and interests. In a hybrid setup, programs need to add structure to make up for that, using ice breakers and meeting prompts. She even suggests that the whole first meeting could be devoted to getting to know each other, so the relationship has a solid foundation.