Webinar Recap: Tips for Managing a Hybrid Workforce and Redefining Company Culture

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic forever changed the face of work for millions of employers across the country. Now, companies are simultaneously weighing the pros and cons of a return to the office, while others have committed to a permanent hybrid work environment.

The challenges afforded by the adoption of hybrid working environments, however, can be difficult to navigate. In fact, according to new research, 64% of hybrid workers fear work-from-home discrimination while 57% have concerns that working from home could leave them excluded from key meetings.

What’s more, recent studies and data overwhelmingly point to employees’ desire for flexibility and interest in working for companies with hybrid workplace policies. With all this to consider, how can employers strike the right balance?

During the webinar event, speakers Kari Beam, Founder of Kari Beam Consulting and a Certified Executive Coach, and Rebecca Williams, Founder and Chief Dream Officer of Unleashed Potential Executive Coaching and Advising, spoke in-depth about the new challenges and opportunities with the transition to hybrid workplaces and provided strategic tips to nurture an authentic company culture in a hybrid environment.

Below are a few key takeaways from the event.

The Importance of Culture in the Hybrid Workplace

Williams and Beam began the webinar by underscoring the dramatic shift to hybrid work, specifically citing data from Gartner’s 2020 “Future of Work Trends Post COVID-19" survey. In that research, Gartner found that 30% of employees worked remotely at least some of the time pre-pandemic. Another 48% of workers said they would likely work remotely at least some of the time post-pandemic as well.  

The speakers then compared Garner’s data to Accenture’s “The Future of Work” report that was published in May 2021, roughly a year later. Numbers rose dramatically in a relatively short period, with 58% of respondents reporting they were currently working in a hybrid model during COVID-19 and another 83% identifying the hybrid model as being optimal in the future.

Be Intentional About Driving Connection

With burnout rates hitting record highs and millions citing increased feelings of anxiety and isolation since the pandemic began, WIlliams explained that employers must be intentional about driving connection in a hybrid workforce.

For instance, research from Dimensional Research and Webex found that employees would want to go in the office more for team building (51%), collaborating with peers (47%), and connection with peers (46%).

Finding the balance between in-office work and work-from-home days will prove challenging to employers across industries and workforce sizes. However, our speakers spurred webinar attendees to consider how to add increased value to employees when they do come into the office.  

Eager to hear the full webinar presentation?

Click here to watch the free, on-demand webinar, “Tips for Managing a Hybrid Workforce and Redefining Company Culture.”

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