Three secrets to a successful working culture

As employees gradually step back into the office, managers may find it challenging to find new ways to keep their teams motivated, especially after experiencing remote work. Is it possible to effortlessly switch from one work environment to another or juggle a mixture of both, known as ‘hybrid’ working? How can businesses and employees get a new work approach right? How can companies meet individual needs? More importantly, what do employees and businesses have to win or lose, and how would that affect their work culture, well-being, and efficiency?

There are no simple explanations for these questions. However, one of our recent studies – Recruit, Retain, & Grow, unveiled some insightful findings on hybrid working and its repercussions on the team.

One of the key takeaways of Covid-19 was that 72 per cent of the companies that adopted hybrid working models reported an increase in productivity levels. Despite, employees finding it challenging at first, given that they had no other options but to adapt to the situation, employee productivity improved over time. In fact, a study by Owl Labs showed that remote working increases productivity by 47 per cent.

Smiles trigger smiles
With remote working, not having to commute to work or jump from one place to another, in and out of meetings, gave employees more time for thoughtful collaborations with coworkers and clients, to strategise and execute projects. Moreover, since employees don’t feel the need to rush to the office in the mornings, they get more time to focus on their well-being, for example, by taking their dogs out for a walk or exercising to start the day, and so on. Having a happy and calm mindset brings out more creative ideas and instigates productivity. Although being surrounded by happy people makes employees work more efficiently, the question is, how can companies maintain a work culture that satisfies every single employee? Even though remote working has shown its benefits, research shows that roughly 49 per cent of employees still dislike the work from home concept and feel overloaded and less motivated to do their tasks. Building the ‘perfect’ hybrid work environment can be challenging, as it needs awareness and transparency. However, if things don’t go as planned, it can result in employees feeling overworked.

Despite companies having openly spoken about unhealthy work cultures overwhelming employees, only 51 per cent of companies have consciously tried to avoid employee burnout. Employers push employees not to check or respond to work emails beyond working hours as coping mechanisms. Others recommend regular breaks throughout the working day. 13 per cent of employers have even gone to the extent of asking employees to time track themselves to avoid overworking.

Making smarter decisions
Most organisations are looking towards building a future of potentially never being able to work together in the way it used to be before the pandemic. The work culture of the future is expected to follow a non-hierarchical structure, where everyone is responsible for the company’s decision-making process. Roughly over 75 per cent of management-level employees agree that the pandemic compelled them to modify their working methods, resulting in the more innovative use of IT and a smarter approach to people management. HR, IT, and facilities management departments are now working together to create the most advantageous hybrid working approach to encourage employees to stay productive.

The human element
Building better employee experiences help organisations connect culture, well-being, and efficiency. Businesses have tried other forms of wellness, and their idea of corporate culture has changed. Employees want flexible working hours that harmonise with their personal lives. It’s essential to connect and cooperate with coworkers from anywhere without interruption from poor connections and devices. When managers encourage employees to voice their opinions and do their best, it fosters more profound esteem in strategising, inclusion, and collaboration. Moreover, when people feel appreciated, their loyalty to the company increases, making them more sincere and responsible.

Moving forward, there is no doubt that employers will have an important role to play in humanising work experiences. The fact that everyone has been through a personal and professional roller coaster through the pandemic brings out the human element everyone shares – fears, concerns, hopes and expectations. The way coworkers modify their work culture will be crucial in bringing an engaging employee experience that maintains business values and loyalty.

Bob Aoun is the regional sales director at Poly

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