It’s no secret that a hybrid work culture is key to the success of the modern workplace. A thriving hybrid culture allows for different perspectives and experiences to come together and create something new and innovative. But how do you go about creating this type of environment, and what dos and don’ts should you be aware of?
In this article, we talk about the differences between hybrid and in-office work cultures and the dos and don’ts of creating a hybrid workplace.
Defining a Hybrid Work Culture
The main thrust of a hybrid work environment is to allow employees to work where they can be most productive, whether it’s at a regular office, at a coworking space, at home, or anywhere they prefer. Some employees opt to work two to three days in the office and spend the rest of the workweek somewhere else.
Even before the pandemic, employers and HR managers recognized the value of a work environment that focuses on output and productivity, instead of where and when work is done. The trend has only gone upwards since then, according to an Accenture survey, with 63% of high-revenue growth firms now embracing the hybrid model. Employees are also seeing its value, with them choosing this new combined setup 83% of the time.
In a similar study titled Pulse of the American Worker, 68% of workers agree that a combination of on-site and off-site environments works best, with 87% wanting to work from home at least once a week. In fact, only 8% are willing to go back to the office eventually.
Differences Between the In-Office and Hybrid Workplace Culture
There are three key differences between the in-office and hybrid workplace culture:
1. The focus on work/life balance changes.
In an in-office culture, the focus is on balancing work and home life. However, in a hybrid culture, the focus is on work/life blend instead. This means that employees should be able to shift their focus between work and home as needs arise.
2. The way employees communicate changes.
In an in-office culture, communication is often top-down. However, in a hybrid workplace, communication is more lateral, with employees sharing information and ideas more freely.
3. The way work is done changes.
In an in-office culture, work is often done in set increments, whereas in a hybrid culture work is often performed in shorter bursts with more flexibility.
Companies Adopting Hybrid Work Cultures
There are many companies that have made this modern shift. Here are a few hybrid culture examples.
HubSpot
HubSpot is a company that focuses on inbound marketing. They have a remote sales team, which allows them to sell their products all over the world. To make this work, they have a strong culture anchored on trust and transparency. This ensures that employees feel comfortable working remotely and that they are able to share information with ease.
Apple
Apple has also embraced the hybrid workplace culture. They allow their employees to work where they are the most productive, whether it’s at an office, at home, or at a coworking space. This flexibility enables staff to balance their work and personal lives more easily.
Twitter allows their staff the freedom to work from anywhere and on their own schedule. This flexibility affords employees the time and resources to take care of their personal responsibilities without having to worry about taking time off from work.
Dos and Don’ts of Creating a Thriving Hybrid Workplace
How can a company adapt to a hybrid workplace culture? Here are some essential tips:
- DO maintain a strong team culture. A hybrid workplace can be successful if the company has a solid and aligned workforce. This means that employees feel like they are part of the team and that they are working towards a common goal.
- DO focus on upskilling and helping employees enhance their digital skills. In a hybrid workplace, it’s important for employees to be able to work in a variety of settings. They need to be comfortable working in an office, at home, or on the go. Companies can help their employees by providing the tools, training, and other resources that will help them be better at their roles and beyond.
- DO promote transparency and trust. It’s important for employees to feel comfortable working remotely and not feel guilty about being away from the office. This can be done by sharing information openly and trusting employees to do their job without micromanaging them.
- DO support work/life balance. In an in-office culture, the focus is often on working long hours. However, in a hybrid workplace culture, the focus should be on employees working the hours that are best for them. This means that employees should not feel guilty about taking a break for personal reasons.
- DO have a clear mission and vision. A company’s mission and vision can help employees to succeed in a hybrid workplace culture. Having a clear goal and path helps employees understand what the company needs and how they fit in.
- DON’T let work life affect home life. Companies need to be careful not to overwork their employees or to make them feel like they have to choose between work and their personal lives.
- DON’T focus on traditional office settings. Employers should allow staff to work from wherever they are the most productive and not feel limited by the four corners of the office.
- DON’T micromanage employees. Similar to fostering transparency, managers should refrain from micromanaging and tracking every single thing the employee does. Instead, they should trust their staff to do their job without constant supervision.
Create a Thriving Hybrid Workplace With Recruiterie
A hybrid workplace culture can be successful if companies understand what it takes for employees to always perform at their best. By creating a flexible work environment that focuses on work/life balance, transparency, and trust, companies can encourage their employees to be more productive and accountable for their work in a positive way.
If you’re looking to hire employees for a hybrid workplace, contact Recruiterie today. Whether you need to find new leaders or additional talent to help strengthen your teams, Recruiterie can help you find the right people who will fit into your company’s culture and thrive in this modern environment.