6 Tips to Enhance Your Culture in a Hybrid Setting

Organizational culture has long been regarded as a key driver of talent attraction and retention, and business success. Culture, defined as a set of beliefs and behaviours that guide how an organization’s management and employees interact with one another and externally, has had to overcome unique challenges in work-from-home and hybrid work environments. Although many industries are starting to return to office, culture creation and promotion is still a hot topic, with many opting for a hybrid arrangement. 

How is culture created when you work in a hybrid setting? 

Value Alignment 

One vital aspect of culture lies in the alignment of values by employees and how these permeate through actions. Values can be stated on company websites, onboarding packages, etc. but if those values don’t shine through in practice through everyday decisions, interactions and behaviours, they aren’t worth much. 

Take community involvement as a value, for example – is the organization actually supporting its communities in terms of allocating financial resources, time and attention for the better? What actions have they taken? Are they offering paid days off to volunteer, do they attend or sponsor community events? Do the employees support each other as their own community and build each other up?

The leadership team plays a pivotal role in nurturing the commonly held “community” value, by empowering their teams to participate and be actively involved. Culture in general starts with the leadership team and it’s worth emphasizing that an organization’s culture takes cues from its leadership. If an organization promotes community, its leadership, from the board to senior management, must exemplify this value in their actions and attitudes.

Embracing Diversity of Thought & Collaboration

Organizations need a diverse workforce that can offer a variety of perspectives and solutions. However, this diversity will only bear fruit if the culture encourages open communication and dissenting opinions. Leaders must be comfortable with voices other than their own shaping the direction of the organization. Creativity and innovation are born out of collaboration, so let the ideas flow and empower your teams to give their thoughts and make an impact on the organizations growth. 

“Creating opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and providing the right digital tools for hybrid and remote work are essential.”

– James Baker, CEO, Keynote Search

Effective communication is the backbone of a successful hybrid work culture. Invest in robust communication tools that facilitate real-time collaboration and ensure that employees are informed about company news, updates, and initiatives. Encourage regular check-ins and team meetings to maintain a sense of connection.

People are at the Forefront of Culture

Culture is driven by people and can be shaped by the right individuals. Identifying leaders with the necessary traits to thrive in demanding environments is crucial. Especially in hybrid environments, accountability is key to success and finding leaders who are accountable and motivated will keep the team engaged even on their days away from the office. 

The importance of corporate culture has never been more apparent than in the post-pandemic world. It’s a powerful force that shapes an organization’s success.

Establish Remote Work Policies

Clear and well-defined remote work policies are crucial for maintaining consistency in a hybrid work environment. These policies should outline expectations regarding working hours, communication channels, and productivity standards. Having a set of guidelines ensures that everyone is on the same page and reduces ambiguity, especially in hybrid settings where employees alternate between working from the office and remotely. 

Recognize and Reward

In a hybrid work setting, recognizing and rewarding employees’ contributions is crucial. Implement a system of acknowledgment for achievements, whether big or small. Regularly celebrate milestones and provide opportunities for peer recognition to boost morale and motivation.

Measure and Adjust

Regularly assess your organization’s culture in the hybrid work environment through surveys, feedback sessions, and performance evaluations. Use these insights to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to align with your values and vision.

Creating and nurturing a strong organizational culture in a hybrid work environment is an ongoing journey. By defining your values, prioritizing communication, fostering inclusivity, and leading by example, you can build a culture that not only survives but thrives in this new work landscape. A vibrant culture in a hybrid workplace not only enhances employee engagement and satisfaction but also contributes to the long-term success of your organization.