How to build a corporate culture for hybrid working?

The popularity of the hybrid working model makes it increasingly important for managers to strengthen the corporate culture. With employees working from different locations, maintaining cohesion and fostering a sense of belonging can be a difficult challenge. But with the right tools and strategies, it's easy to create the right company culture, which is essential for long-term success, writes hrnews.

Steelcase research shows that employees return to the office because of a sense of connection to company goals, a sense of community and increased support for productivity. However, the study also reveals that 87% of business leaders expect to gain more flexibility. Furthermore, while 23% see the office as their primary workplace, 72% plan to adopt a hybrid working model. Workers still want to telework to some extent, with 54% expecting to work from home up to one day a week and 26% two to three days a week. A recent study from the University of Chicago found that returning to work could mean spending up to 22% of work days from home.

This means businesses need to learn to create and nurture a culture of hybrid work schedules. So let's explore what actionable steps and best practices can be taken to create a thriving company culture in the changing environment of hybrid working, and why your organisation needs to cultivate that culture.

Let's define the core values and purpose!

Start by clearly defining your company's core values and purpose. These underpin the culture, guide decision-making and shape behaviour within the company. Ensure that these values are effectively communicated to all employees, regardless of their location.

Promote communication and transparency:

Effective communication is key to building trust and fostering a sense of connection between remote and on-site employees alike. Leverage digital tools and platforms, such as powerful HR software like Activ People HR, to facilitate seamless communication, encourage open dialogue and ensure transparency between teams. Regular updates and informal check-ins can help bridge the gap and strengthen relationships across the organisation.

Encourage collaboration and team building!

In spite of physical distance, we prioritise opportunities for collaboration and team building. Plan virtual meetings, brainstorming sessions and joint projects to encourage teamwork and foster a sense of belonging among employees. Consider organizing virtual social events, team-building activities and networking opportunities to foster bonding and strengthen relationships outside of work.

Promote flexibility and work-life balance

Let's embrace the flexibility inherent in hybrid work schedules and prioritise work-life balance. Let's allow workers to set their own schedules, adapt to their personal commitments and create a supportive environment where well-being is prioritised. We encourage managers to lead by example and promote a culture of flexibility, trust and respect for individual needs.

Recognise and reward results!

Recognizing employee performance is essential for morale and motivation, especially in a hybrid work environment. Implement a system to recognize achievements, milestones and exceptional performance, including through reward programs. Foster a culture of appreciation and recognition to foster a sense of pride and engagement among employees.

Give employees branded merchandise!

Branded products can do a lot for company culture. Office travel bags or mugs and laptop holders can prove useful for transporting laptops to and from the office, while eco-friendly coffee cups and water bottles are likely to become cherished additions to home offices.

Consider putting together new starter kits that include essentials for new employees, and don't hesitate to include a little fun in the process. Who wouldn't love a branded mini desktop vacuum cleaner to keep their workspace free of crumbs? Gestures like this not only show the human side of our business, but also reinforce our workplace culture.

Example

Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping company culture. Lead by example, embodying the values and behaviours you want to instil in your organisation. Show empathy, resilience and adaptability in dealing with challenges and uncertainties, and put employee well-being and inclusion at the forefront of decision-making processes. By promoting a culture of trust, collaboration and continuous learning, leaders can inspire and empower employees to thrive in a hybrid work environment.

Getting to grips with the complexities of hybrid working requires effort and the right tools, alongside cultivating a thriving company culture. As the flexible working model becomes more prevalent, companies need to prioritise strategies that foster connection, collaboration and inclusion across teams working from different locations. Build a workplace where employees feel valued, connected and empowered to succeed, no matter where they are.

hrnews

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