Remote or In-Office? Nurturing Company Culture in a Hybrid World

Uzone.id — The way we work has completely changed. Nowadays, you’ve comberan people working from home, in offices, or even on the go. Thanks to the pandemic, this hybrid work style is here to stay.

Lots of companies, especially startups, are embracing this mix of remote and in-person work. Some people are always in the office, while others are working from home. And then some do a bit of both, which is what we call hybrid work. It’s a flexible way of working that lets employees choose where they get their work done.

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It’s a whole new vibe, and it’s the company’s job to make sure that vibe stays strong, supportive, and inclusive even though the work form is changing. 

So, how do you build a strong company culture including a sense of community and sense of belonging when your team isn’t always together in the same space? 

So, what is company culture?

Company culture is like the unique personality of a company. Culture in the company can make a workplace feel like a second home, instead of just a spot to toil from nine to five. 

In a physical office, culture develops naturally through everyday interactions.

For example, you bump into coworkers, share ideas during lunch, or join team outings. But it’s different with hybrid work, it’s harder to create those organic moments, so you need to be more intentional about building and maintaining that culture.

Why does a hybrid world still need a culture?

According to a 2021 McKinsey survey, 70 percent of employees said their sense of purpose is tied to their work. When employees feel connected to their company’s culture, they’re more likely to stay engaged, loyal, and productive. 

Company culture isn’t just about having fun Slack emojis or Zoom happy hours. It’s more than that, it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, connected, and motivated to do their best work.

So, even in a hybrid work environment, focusing on culture isn’t just nice to have—it’s a must. So, what should the company–or startup do?

Be intentional about communication

Communication is key everywhere–even in the company. Since you’re not all in the same room, companies need to be super intentional about how they communicate with each other.

Companies can use multiple platforms to communicate differently, so use a mix of tools like WhatsApp, Slack, Zoom, and email to reach your team. 

Create virtual spaces where employees can casually chat or share ideas, and most importantly, create a space for non-work-related convo so they can be a friends instead of a team. Face-to-face communication is also needed, like a weekly team meeting to make sure everyone has a chance to share what’s going on offline.

Lead by example

A strong company culture starts with the leaders and the CEO. Leaders and managers should be a models to apply the behaviors they want to see in their teams, whether that’s clear communication, inclusivity, or flexibility.

As a leader, your actions set the color and the vibes for the entire company. If you prioritize culture, so will your team.

“It’s no longer just about assigning tasks and measuring productivity; it’s about understanding, connecting, and inspiring a team that’s spread across different locations and time zones,” quoted from Activate Human Capital Group.

Focus on team bonding

Just because your team isn’t always together doesn’t mean you can’t bond. These moments can help build trust, foster relationships, and keep the company culture strong even in this hybrid era.

Companies can make virtual hangouts like game nights, coffee breaks, or even online escape rooms to get everyone involved, no matter where they’re working.

Do not forget to celebrate every milestone in your company. Whether it’s a big project milestone or someone’s work anniversary, make sure to celebrate team achievements.  You can do this through team meetings, a company newsletter, or even sending a care package.

Build inclusivity among the team

According to Gallup, remote workers who feel ignored are 50 percent more likely to quit. So, it’s crucial to create an environment where everyone feels valued, no matter where they are.

One of the challenges of hybrid work is making sure that everyone feels included—even though they’re in the office or working from home. The place is not a barrier to uniting all of your employees.

You don’t want the remote workers to feel left out or like they’re missing out on important opportunities.

“Striking a balance is key. This means ensuring that remote workers have equal access to opportunities and are included in decision-making processes,” quoted from Activate Human Capital Group.

As a company, make sure both in-office and remote workers have access to the same resources, opportunities, and recognition. If you’re making important decisions, get input from everyone, not just the people who are physically in the office.

If it’s possible, schedule regular in-office days for remote workers, so they can build connections with their coworkers face-to-face.

Focus on flexibility

Hybrid work is all about balance. Your company can give employees the flexibility they need while ensuring that everyone stays connected and aligned with company goals.

One of the perks of hybrid work is flexibility. But companies need to support that flexibility while also keeping things structured enough to maintain productivity.

Encourage your employees to take time off when they need it, and let them adjust their schedules to accommodate individual commitments. Most importantly, make them feel valued and respected.

Instead of worrying about when employees are working, focus on what they’re achieving. Set clear goals and let people figure out the best way to meet them.

Also, don’t forget to give employees the choice to work from home, the office, or both. Trust them to decide what works best for their situation.