Creating a hybrid work culture is difficult. Here's how to do it right

Today's workplace is very different from that of a few years ago. The ability for employees to work remotely was not the norm, and many companies relied on in-person experiences to fuel their company culture.

We all probably share a common experience of remembering life before and after the pandemic. And if you're in a leadership position, chances are you've never seen such a monumental change in recent memory.

One of the biggest trends emerging from the pandemic is the concept of hybrid working, where companies and employees dictate a mix of in-office and remote working. One of the biggest challenges of adopting a hybrid approach is developing and maintaining a strong company culture.

Having a great culture is non-negotiable for good leaders, so how can you do it for hybrid workplaces? I recently sat down with two leaders for my podcast, Future of Work, to share some tips on how to create the best culture for your hybrid employees.

Why culture is more crucial than ever

Looking back decades, many viewed corporate culture as an afterthought. It turns out that, in fact, company culture is not only important, but has a measurable impact on bottom line results.

Companies on Fortune's 100 Best Places to Work list highlight the difference company culture can make.

Average annual excess return of an equally weighted portfolio.

Source: Barron's

Average annual excess return in crisis years.

Source: Barron's

It is useful to look at the evolution of labor demand in recent years. At the start of 2022, companies were grappling with the "big quit", where workers had all the power to find a new job if they weren't satisfied. For the first time, companies needed their employees, not the other way around.

A thoughtful and substantial culture goes a long way in keeping employees engaged and listening. Culture can be a driving force in motivating workers to perform, but also encouraging them to stay.

The Challenge of Fully Remote and Hybrid Environments

What has really changed is the way we think about work. Coming to the office every day was a universal experience, but working from home makes you take stock of how you prefer to work. People have found that working in person and remotely has benefits.

If you talk to almost any executive or HR professional, they can tell you that culture is crucial, but fostering one for a hybrid workplace is tricky. In-person experiences seem more common and socializing happens more naturally.

Just a few years ago, new hires could set foot in their new company to meet a few people and feel the energy and vibe of that environment. Fast forward to now and most new hires probably won't meet most of their co-workers if their company is hybrid or all-remote.

Hybrid working also raises new questions: How many days a week does a person have to work in the office? Who works entirely remotely and who makes that decision? How do you accommodate physical space requirements for footfall fluctuations? How do you also respect the wishes of those who prefer in-person or remote work?

Companies are turning to hybrid working to create an environment that offers flexibility, efficiency and increased productivity. The good news is that it is possible to develop a culture for hybrid workers that ultimately drives the business forward.

How to Design a Culture Built for a Hybrid Workforce

On my podcast, Future of Work, I chat with experts and industry leaders to understand and explore the implications of what the future holds, including impact on culture, changes in workspace design, product and technology innovations, and more.

In a recent episode, I sat down with Mike Gamson, CEO of Relativity, and