30 August, 2023
5 ways to Amplify a ‘Hybrid’ Company Culture
Hybrid?
In recent years, the concept of workplace culture has evolved. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, all our worlds came together and eventually gave rise to a popular work culture that we continue to operate in today: the hybrid work culture. Certain organizations used a hybrid work culture before the COVID era, but it wasn’t until after the pandemic that its popularity and effectiveness became apparent. Organizations inevitably faced challenges in adapting to the hybrid work model because it called for a lot of experimentation and novel thinking. Working from home meant that organizations saved a lot on infrastructure costs, but it also made monitoring production and fostering efficient communication difficult.
Today, most industries have embraced the hybrid or remote working model, and it seems to work for employees. According to a report by Gartner, 76% of newly remote and hybrid employees report a positive perception of the ‘workplace’. The definition of the ‘workplace’ itself, of course, has evolved to mean ‘anywhere that work happens’. For HR, this means hybrid is the only way forward. In this blog, we’ll discuss how HR can redefine and amplify their corporate culture within the ‘hybrid’ or ‘digital’ workplace.
The operationalized shift
The key to operationalizing culture is to ensure that employees, whether remote or located close by, feel a connection to it. Some managers may feel that the physical workplace is the primary driver of cultural connectedness, yet culture is driven by how people interact and collaborate. In this sense, the challenges remain the same as they were in physical workspaces. Some useful questions to ask at this point are-
- 1. Are my company’s cultural values known to all employees?
- 2. Are my employees, particularly leaders, aligned with these cultural values?
- 3. Is the company culture reflected in the way people interact, collaborate, and make decisions on a daily basis?
- 4. Do I have the tools to help unify the company’s cultural experience for remote as well as onsite employees?
Culture must not only be consciously crafted but also remain dynamic so that it is adapted by employees across hierarchies and geographies. Let’s look at 5 ways to amplify your company’s culture in a ‘hybrid’ setting-
5 tips to amplify your hybrid work culture:
- Clear Communication Channels: Establish transparent and efficient communication tools that enable seamless interaction between remote and in-office employees. Regular updates, virtual town halls, and open forums can foster a sense of belonging and keep everyone informed about company goals and developments
- Flexibility with Schedules: Embrace flexible work hours that accommodate individual preferences and responsibilities. This empowers employees to balance work and personal life, leading to higher job satisfaction and increased engagement
- Virtual Team-Building Activities: Organize engaging virtual team-building activities that encourage camaraderie and collaboration. Online games, workshops, and virtual coffee breaks can help bridge the gap between remote and in-person team members. Pro tip: With a reward and recognition platform like Gratifi, virtual employee engagement such as quizzes, surveys, contests and more can make it easier to introduce team-building activities
- Performance Recognition and Feedback: Implement a robust performance recognition system that acknowledges employees’ efforts, regardless of their location. Both manager-based recognition and peer-to-peer recognition are important to create a well-rounded perception of performance and motivate employees. Regular feedback sessions and one-on-one meetings can provide guidance, growth opportunities, and a feeling of being valued
- Invest in Professional Development: Offer virtual learning opportunities, workshops, and skill development sessions to help employees enhance their skills and grow in their roles. Providing access to resources that aid professional growth demonstrates the organization’s commitment to its employees’ success, which is especially relevant in the context of Generation Z, which places a high value on professional growth
Conclusion
By implementing these strategies, you can create a hybrid work culture that prioritizes employee engagement, collaboration, and personal development, resulting in a motivated and productive workforce. With the recognition culture evolving and the hybrid work culture becoming the new norm, it’s important to stay updated and grow with the trends and evolving definitions, learning and re-learning as we go! Looking to digitally transform and amplify your reward and recognition practices? Get in touch with us!