As we step into 2026, the world of work is evolving fast with hybrid models, AI adoption, and skills-based learning all top of the agenda. But in the midst of this change, one constant remains: the need for great leadership.
At Grow Remote, we understand through our meaningful employer conversations with 100+ employers last year that strong, inclusive leadership is what makes hybrid work truly effective. That’s why we’ve launched our new training course, Lead From Anywhere built specifically to equip today’s leaders with the skills to guide distributed teams of any type with a focus on collaboration, connection and culture.
The leadership gap in hybrid work
Hybrid and remote working is no longer just a trend, it’s now a critical part of how many organisations operate. Yet the RTÉ Brainstorm article on 2026 workplace trends highlights a clear issue: while some research points to improved productivity and retention from hybrid working, other studies show risks to innovation, learning, and connection.
So what’s the missing link?
Often, it’s leadership. Managers are being asked to balance competing demands supporting autonomy and flexibility while also maintaining cohesion, trust, and performance. But many leaders haven’t been trained for this new world of work.
At the end of 2025, global workplace thought leaders and industry experts Brian Elliott, Nicholas (Nick) Bloom, and Prithwiraj (Raj) Choudhury published an article in MIT Sloan Review diving into the statement “Hybrid Work Is Not the Problem — Poor Leadership Is”. The expert advice is to learn from companies that are succeeding with hybrid work models — by building teams that are rewarded for performance, not appearances!
Gallup’s 2025 workplace report confirms this: just three in ten hybrid managers had received any formal training on how to lead in hybrid settings. And when managers are trained, engagement rises by up to 28%.
Learning to lead differently
We can no longer rely on outdated leadership models. Today’s workplace needs leaders who can:
- Build connection and inclusion, even from a distance
- Facilitate informal learning and peer support across locations
- Make space for flexibility while maintaining clarity and accountability
- Navigate the impact of AI and digital tools while keeping work human
That’s where Lead From Anywhere comes in.
This fully-funded, short-course training gives leaders in Ireland practical tools to lead effectively in remote or hybrid teams and onsite.
Fully funded through Skills to Advance
Even better, the programme is fully funded through the Skills to Advance initiative.
As posed in RTE’s recent article “Want a new job? Here’s how to upskill or reskill for free in 2026”:
“What do you want to do to improve your skills and job prospects in 2026? Are you poised to take advantage of this new world of work?”
“Do you want to upskill or reskill to allow you to take another step on the career ladder?”
Skills to Advance supports employees in vulnerable sectors or roles undergoing change, offering subsidised upskilling and reskilling opportunities to help them move forward in their careers. Programmes are designed in a flexible way to fit around work and life commitments.
Whether you want to grow in your current role or take a step into something new, this training is here to help.
Why now?
According to Eurofound, flexible work is key to wellbeing and retention. And Grow Remote’s own research shows that 68% of workers say flexibility supports their wellbeing, while 35% would even leave a high-paying job for more hybrid options.
But workplace flexibility without structure and support can be bad for business and people.
When managers aren’t equipped, challenges like isolation, poor communication, and burnout can emerge especially in remote environments. The solution isn’t to roll back flexibility, but to lead it better.
That’s why we designed this course. To help Irish organisations thrive no matter where their teams work from
– Onsite
– Hybrid
– Remote
The Lead From Anywhere Programme
Grow Remote provides guidance and support at every stage of your remote working journey. Over 8 weeks, we’ll partner with you in a blended learning environment to share best practices, tools, and insights on what works in distributed team leadership.
You’ll learn from experienced remote leaders, operations experts, and guest speakers while also connecting with peers facing similar challenges. The course blends:
- Self-paced eLearning modules
- Live, weekly 90-minute online sessions
- Industry-expert facilitation
- Digital certification on completion
The next cohort starts 27th January, and spaces are limited so register your interest now for this or the next group here.
Here’s what you’ll cover:
- Module 1: Foundations of Distributed Team Leadership
- Module 2: Communication and Collaboration
- Module 3: Performance Management
- Module 4: AI in the Workplace
- Module 5: Supporting Well-being
- Module 6: Team Culture
- Module 7: Learning and Development
Impact & Testimonials
From our 2025 training programmes the impact from hundreds of graduates was clear:
- ✅ 90%+ have implemented or plan to implement new remote leadership initiatives.
- ✅ 80%+ feel more confident addressing the challenges of remote work.
- ✅ 70%+ gained new skills and knowledge to help them thrive.
What did participants from the pilot group of “Lead From Anywhere” have to say?
“Some key takeaways from the live sessions, including hearing how other people are managing remote teams, was a great asset to get from the course.” – Pilot group 2025 participant
“The course was exactly the right balance of theory, practical tips and solutions, peer learnings. Content from every week was useful to me in my day job managing a remote team.” – Pilot group 2025 participant
“The module content was superb. What also elevated this programme was the exceptional group of professionals brought together for this cohort. The diversity of experience, perspective, and industry backgrounds created an extraordinarily rich learning environment.” – Pilot group 2025 participant
Are You ready to lead with impact?
If you’re a team leader, aspiring team manager, HR professional, or business leader navigating or exploring how to transition into hybrid or remote models, this course is for you.
👉 Explore the Lead From Anywhere course and register your interest today.
Let’s build a future of work where individuals and business can thrive – from anywhere.
www.growremote.ie
Featured image by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash