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Hybrid working: how to maintain your company culture
Moving to flexible working doesn’t have to mean the end of a cohesive workplace identity. These simple tips could help keep your company culture thriving.
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For many employees the pandemic offered a taste of a different work-life balance, and new ways of working are widely expected to continue after restrictions have been lifted.
Going forward, 92% of U.S. staff expect to work from home at least once a week.1 It’s a similar story in the UK, too, with around 4 in 5 of the country’s biggest employers anticipating hybrid working post-Covid.2
But what does this mean for company culture? This can be vital to the success of a business and the happiness of its employees.
85%
of UK workers say culture matters more to them than salary3
90%
of UK professionals have researched company culture before accepting a role4
But honing your workplace culture when you’re not actually in the workplace presents a challenge. How do you create a sense of togetherness when your team is not together? These simple steps could help to inspire a strong company culture no matter where your employees are located.
5 ways to maintain company culture
1
Clearly define your business’s mission statement and culture
Share this with team members and reference regularly to keep your purpose and values front of mind. Historic research from Deloitte points to a long-standing correlation between employees who are “happy at work” and those who describe their company as having a clearly defined culture.5
83%
of employees appreciate receiving feedback, regardless of whether it’s positive or negative.6
2
Don’t let distance reduce accountability
Pushing for a happy workplace culture doesn’t mean being a pushover. If an employee hasn’t followed through satisfactorily on a project, they need to know. According to research compiled by engagement platform Officevibe, 83% of employees appreciate receiving feedback, regardless of whether it’s positive or negative.6
"Employees who feel fairly treated are more dedicated and more willing to stick by an organisation through tough times.7"
3
Ensure a sense of fairness among all staff
If team members begin to feel that they’re not getting the same opportunities at work because of where they are working, it could build resentment. It’s important to have policies in place to ensure that no-one gets preferential treatment, such as transparency around how decisions are made or giving all staff frequent, constructive feedback to support their professional development.7 And it’s good for the business, too: according to knowledge-sharing platform The Human Capital Hub, employees who feel fairly treated are more dedicated and more willing to stick by an organisation through tough times.7
82%
of employees believe recognition is an important part of their happiness at work.9
4
Never underestimate the power of appreciation
Thanking your staff when they do a good job is vital to carving out a happy culture at work, according to a Harvard Business Review (HBR) article which says how cultivating a culture of gratitude boosts both well-being and performance.8 Another recent survey found that 82% of employees believe recognition is an important part of their happiness at work.9
5
Get regular in-person meet-ups and social events in the diary
Another key factor in building a strong workplace culture is face-to-face meetings. According to HBR, among many other benefits – including increased innovation and collaboration – in-person meetings create “emotional connections that lead to trust, support and openness among participants”.10
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page does not constitute legal, tax, finance, accounting, or trade advice, but is designed to provide general information relating to business and commerce. The FedEx Small Business Hub content, information, and services are not a substitute for obtaining the advice of a competent professional, for example a licensed attorney, law firm, accountant, or financial adviser.
Sources
1. State of Remote Work Covid Edition | Owl Labs
2. No full-time return to the office for over a million | BBC
3. Company culture more important than money for UK workers | Berwick Partners
4. The Role of Workplace Culture in Recruiting Top Talent | Robert Walters
5. Core beliefs and culture: Chairman’s survey findings | Deloitte
6. Employee engagement statistics from across the globe | Officevibe
7. 11 reasons why workplace fairness matters for every employer | The Human Capital Hub
8. Building a better workplace starts with saying thanks | Harvard Business Review
9. Can employee recognition help you keep them longer? | Survey Monkey
10. When do we really need face-to-face interactions | Harvard Business Review
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