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.