Embracing Hybrid Work Culture In 2025

In the year 2020, two buzzwords became very common for organizations and HRs globally – remote work and pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic completely altered the traditional office setting, and the effects are here to stay for years to come. While many organizations and employees adapted to remote working, many struggled in the process. Companies struggled with the cost of maintaining empty offices and employee logistics, while employees struggled to work continuously remote. They started showing multiple signs of mental and physical health issues. 

Also Read: Why Companies Should Embrace Emotional Vulnerability Among Employees

This year offices are reopening from their physical locations in some countries as things are becoming normal. But will they ever function like before? Will the complete workforce work out of the office? The answer is no! With the volatile state of businesses and changing nature of work, organizations must be agile and continuously adapt to what employees want. Employees want more flexibility at work, and must be able to choose from where they work; from a physical office, or remotely from anywhere around the globe. This has led to a new buzzword this year – a hybrid workplace or hybrid work model. While setting up a hybrid work model might sound daunting at first, but it is easy to design one.

Keep reading to know how it is easy to design a hybrid work model to increase effectiveness of the employees and the organization.

What Is a Hybrid Work Model? 

Hybrid Work Model Infographic

Hybrid work model or hybrid working is a flexible work model supported by organizations where employees work partly from office and partly remote, depending on their convenience. It gives them the option to choose from where they want to work and maintain work-life balance. Organizations with hybrid work models do not distinguish between their employees who decide to work remotely, or from the office, or both. They receive the same compensation, benefits, perks, and services irrespective of where they choose to work from.

P.S. Most large companies have been practising a hybrid approach for years now. (The phrase gained popularity this year with the pandemic still around.)

Here are a few tips which would help you build a better hybrid workplace.

  • Leadership Support and Cultural Shift

Leaders Support Change

Source: The Balance / Theresa Chiechi

Leadership support and a shift in the organizational culture are key to making the hybrid work model a success. As a leader, be open to the idea of transitioning to a hybrid working model and the challenges associated with it. Be understanding, empathetic, and transparent to all your employees, irrespective of where they work. Along with this, be ready to support or be flexible for a cultural shift in the organization.

In a hybrid working model, employees would be working from home, office, or both. Not only this, employees will be spread across geographies too! So, the need for a shift in the organizational culture is crucial. A culture that focuses on its employees and also aligns with the organization’s goals, ethics, and values will help organizations to thrive in the long run.

Also Read: Leadership In Times Of Crisis:How To Lead Efficiently
  • Inform, Communicate, and Update

Preparing your workforce for the change is essential, there are no second thoughts about that. Conduct one-on-one and group sessions to inform them about shifting to a new working model. Help them understand how it will affect them and their work. Inform them in advance and keep them updated about any changes. From time to time, send them tips and hacks on how to perform their best in the hybrid environment. This will help them prepare for the change.

  • Address Employee Burnout and Mental Health of ‘All’ Employees

Mental Health Issues And Illness

Source: Manhattan Medical Arts

Last year, when employees shifted from their physical work locations to remote working because of COVID-19, the transition impacted the employees. While the initial reactions were positive, with time, it proved to be challenging for many. They found themselves to be accommodating to new workspaces which were not ergonomically designed, as a result many complained of frequent headaches and eye problems. Additionally, many employees started showing signs of depression, anxiety, isolation, and other related mental health issues. A certain amount of disconnect existed between teams and their peers. But at the same time, many employees found themselves to be more productive and having a greater work-life balance while working remotely.

Also Read: Employee Wellbeing Trends for 2021

Now, with things becoming normal, many employees have started working from their physical workspaces. But things are not like before, they are part of empty or partially empty offices, new rules, new policies and protocols, everything has changed. This has created a case of severe performance anxiety among everyone. 

Supporting mental health and employee burnout issues should be amongst your top priorities for employers. Promote mental health awareness and initiatives for all your employees. Communicate with your team frequently and encourage them to come out with their issues. Promote workplace socialization where employees interact and take part in employee engagement and team-building activities. Mental wellbeing is essential for a productive and happy workforce.

  • Leverage tools and technology 

To make everyone feel connected and make collaboration seamless in the hybrid workplace, it is essential to leverage the tools and technology available in the market. This will make them feel that all are working from the same workplace in spite of being across different geographies and work locations. 

  • Give them access to simple communication tools such as Zoom, Slack, Google Hangouts, to make the team meetings and collaboration easy and seamless.
  • Digitize HR and performance management related processes using tools such as Engagedly, Lattice, Reflektive, etc.
  • Arrange online knowledge-sharing sessions by experts and by the leadership
  • Give them access to online learning academies such as Udemy, Coursera, edX, Udacity, that will help them improve their skills and gain knowledge
  • Use tools to conduct team-building activities
  • Offer Them Flexible Work Hours

“We think, mistakenly, that success is the result of the amount of time we put in at work, instead of the quality of time we put in.” Arianna Huffington, co-founder of Huffington Post.

Gone are the days of 9-5 working hours, when employees used to work continuously from office for eight to nine hours. Instead, introduce flexible working hours. It will give your employees a sense of control and help them identify their highly productive hours and schedule their most important work during those hours. It will help them maintain their work with their personal commitments as they get to choose when, where, and how to work.

COVID-19 has forever altered the old definition of office and work, and the changes are here to stay. From remote work, offices are slowly transitioning to hybrid work now, and more and more emphasis is on employee wellbeing and health. Employers and organizations that focus on their employees and are agile will sustain themselves in the post-pandemic world.

Let us know in comments how your organization is transitioning to hybrid work.


Do you want to know how Engagedly can help you manage your employees better? Then request for a live demo.

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Navigating Remote & Hybrid Work: A Guide for Employers

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work and hybrid work models have become more common. While these models have many benefits, they also come with unique challenges for employers.

For example, how can you manage a distributed workforce effectively? How can you build a high performance remote work culture that fosters collaboration and productivity? And what are the legal considerations when it comes to remote and hybrid work policies and compensation?

This guide will explore the ins and outs of remote and hybrid work for employers. We’ll look at the advantages and challenges of these models.

We’ll also provide practical tips and best practices for managing a distributed workforce, leveraging technology and tools, hiring and onboarding remote workers, and much more. Whether you’re new to remote and hybrid work or looking to optimize your current practices, this guide has everything you need to succeed in the new world of work.

Advantages and Challenges of Remote and Hybrid Work

Remote and hybrid work models have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks in part to advancements in technology that make it easier to stay connected with team members from anywhere in the world. Some of the key advantages of these models include the following:

  • Greater flexibility: Remote and hybrid work allow employees to work from anywhere, anytime, making balancing work and personal commitments easier. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, better work-life balance, and higher employee retention rates.
  • Cost savings: Remote and hybrid work can reduce overhead costs associated with maintaining a physical office space. This can include savings on rent, utilities, and other expenses.
  • Access to a broader talent pool: With remote and hybrid work, employers can hire from anywhere in the world, giving them access to a larger pool of talent with diverse skill sets and backgrounds.
  • Increased productivity: Some studies have found that remote workers are more productive than those who work in a traditional office setting. This may be due to factors such as fewer distractions, greater autonomy, and the ability to work during their most productive hours.

While there are many advantages to remote and hybrid work, these models also come with unique challenges, including:

  • Communication and collaboration challenges: When team members work remotely or in different locations, communication and collaboration can be more challenging. Employers must find new ways to facilitate collaboration, such as through video conferencing, chat tools, and project management software.
  • Technology and security concerns: With remote and hybrid work, new technology and security considerations must be kept in mind. Employers must ensure that their employees have access to the tools and software to do their jobs effectively while also implementing security measures to protect sensitive data and systems.
  • Employee engagement and isolation: Remote and hybrid work can be isolating, which can lead to feelings of disengagement and burnout. Employers need to foster a sense of community and connection among team members through virtual team-building activities and regular check-ins.

Advantages & Challenges of Remote & Hybrid Work

Also Read: 10 Remote Working Tools You Need in 2023

Establishing Remote and Hybrid Work Policies

Now that you’ve decided to adopt a remote or hybrid work model, it’s essential to establish policies that support a successful distributed workforce. Clear and concise guidelines can help to prevent misunderstandings, ensure accountability, and keep employees engaged and productive. Here are some recommendations you may find helpful:

Communication and Collaboration Tools

Effective communication and collaboration are crucial to the success of a remote or hybrid work model. To ensure that your team can work together seamlessly, you’ll need to establish policies around the use of communication and collaboration tools. Here are some of the key considerations to keep in mind:

  • Which tools will your team use for video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management?
  • What are the expectations around response times and availability during working hours?
  • How will you ensure that all team members are up-to-date and informed about project progress?

Performance Management and Goal Setting

With a distributed workforce, it’s crucial to establish clear expectations around performance management and goal setting. This helps ensure that everyone is working towards the same objectives and allows you to identify areas for improvement. Some key considerations include the following:

  • How will you get feedback, measure and track performance for remote or hybrid employees?
  • What are the expectations around goal setting and progress reporting?
  • How will you ensure that all team members have the support they need to meet their objectives?

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and benefits can be more complex in a remote or hybrid work environment. That said, it’s important to establish policies that are fair and equitable. Some key considerations you will want to look at include the following:

  • How will you determine compensation for remote or hybrid employees?
  • What benefits will you offer, and how will you ensure they are accessible to all team members?
  • How will you address issues related to taxes and employment regulations in different locations?

Equipment and Technology Requirements

To be successful in a remote or hybrid work environment, your team members will need access to the right equipment and technology. It’s important to establish policies around equipment and technology requirements to ensure that all team members have what they need to work effectively. Some key considerations include:

  • What equipment will your team members need, such as laptops or monitors?
  • What software or technology will be required for communication and collaboration?
  • How will you provide technical support to remote or hybrid employees?

Security Considerations

Remote and hybrid work arrangements can expose companies to increased security risks, and it is crucial to have proper security measures in place. Here are some security considerations to keep in mind when establishing remote and hybrid work policies:

  • Secure access to company systems and data using VPNs and multifactor authentication.
  • Implement strong password policies and educate employees on safe password practices.
  • Regularly update and patch software and use antivirus and antimalware solutions to protect against cyber threats.
  • Establish clear guidelines for handling sensitive data and ensure it is properly encrypted and stored.
  • Always browse secured websites equipped with an SSL certificate like single domain, multi-domain, and wildcard SSL certificate. There are many SSL certs available at the lowest price like cheap single domain or cheap wildcard SSL and many others, providing a layer of encryption and protection for online communication.

Also Read: How to Collaborate Remotely

Hiring and Onboarding for Remote and Hybrid Work

Hiring And Onboarding for Remote Work

Hiring employees working remotely or in a hybrid work environment requires a different approach than traditional hiring. It would be best if you looked for candidates with not just the necessary skills and experience but also the ability to work independently, manage their time effectively, and communicate well online. He are some recommendations to help you get started:

Adapt your Hiring Process

You need to adapt your hiring process to find the right remote or hybrid candidates. You can do this by:

  1. Clearly define the role, expectations, and communication channels in job postings.
  2. Using video interviews to evaluate candidates’ remote communication and collaboration skills.
  3. Using assessments to assess candidates’ ability to work independently and manage their time effectively.

Create a Comprehensive Onboarding Program

Onboarding is a critical process for new remote or hybrid employees. It is essential to ensure that new hires feel welcome, get up to speed quickly, and have the tools and information they need to succeed. Here are some tips for developing a comprehensive onboarding program:

  1. Prepare a detailed onboarding plan, including training materials, checklists, and timelines.
  2. Assign a mentor or buddy to help new hires get familiar with the company culture and connect with their colleagues.
  3. Provide access to necessary tools, software, and documentation, such as a virtual private network (VPN), project management software, and shared folders.

Make the Transition Easier for Employees

Transitioning to remote or hybrid work can be a challenging experience for employees, especially if they are used to working in a traditional office setting. Here are some ways to make the transition easier for your employees:

  1. Communicate frequently and openly to address concerns, answer questions, and provide feedback.
  2. Provide support and resources for employees to set up their home office and ensure access to a comfortable and ergonomically designed workspace.
  3. Create opportunities for remote employees to connect and build relationships with their colleagues through virtual team-building activities and events.

Emphasize Company Culture

Company culture is a critical aspect of remote and hybrid work. It is essential to maintain a strong and positive company culture, even in a distributed work environment. Here are some ways to emphasize company culture:

  1. Clearly define and communicate your company’s mission, values, and goals.
  2. Encourage and facilitate virtual team-building activities to promote a sense of camaraderie and connection among remote and hybrid employees.
  3. Celebrate successes and recognize achievements of remote and hybrid employees to reinforce a sense of belonging to the company.

Set Clear Expectations

Remote and hybrid work can blur the lines between work and personal life. Setting clear expectations around work hours, communication, and productivity is essential to avoid burnout and promote work-life balance. Here are some ways to set clear expectations:

  1. Clearly define and communicate policies around work hours, availability, and communication channels.
  2. Provide regular feedback and coaching to help remote and hybrid employees stay on track and meet performance expectations.
  3. Encourage and model healthy work habits, such as taking breaks, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Also Read: Engagedly Developing Culture in the Remote Workforce

Final Thoughts

Navigating remote and hybrid work requires a deliberate approach that accounts for the unique challenges and opportunities that come with this mode of work. Engagedly can help by providing a platform for seamless goal setting and tracking, continuous feedback, performance evaluations, and employee recognition and rewards.

Also, Engagedly’s learning and development features can support ongoing employee growth and development, which is especially important in remote and hybrid work environments. By implementing the right policies, technology infrastructure, and communication strategies with the help of Engagedly, employers can create a conducive environment that supports high productivity, collaboration, and employee engagement, regardless of location.

So, if you’re looking to effectively navigate remote and hybrid work, consider leveraging Engagedly’s performance management software platform. Start your journey to success today!



Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the difference between work from home and remote?

Ans. “Work from home” usually means an employee is working from their own home, while “remote” work can refer to working from any location outside of a traditional office, including coffee shops, co-working spaces, or other places. Remote work may also involve working for a company in a different location, with more flexibility in working hours and equipment use.

Q2. What is the difference between remote and in person work?

Ans. The main difference between remote and in-person work is the physical location where work is performed. In-person work typically takes place in a traditional office setting, where employees are expected to be present during specific hours and work closely with colleagues. Working remotely provides employees with the opportunity to work from various locations, such as their home or other places outside of the office. Remote workers have more flexibility with their schedule and often work independently, utilizing technology to communicate and collaborate with their team. This type of work can enhance work-life balance and eliminate the need for a daily commute, however, it also demands greater self-discipline and communication skills to remain productive and connected with colleagues.

Q3. What is an example of a remote employee?

Ans. An example of a remote employee would be a software developer who works from home for a company based in a different state or country. The developer communicates with their team and managers through email, messaging apps, and video calls. They have access to the necessary software and tools to do their job remotely, and are responsible for managing their own work schedule and productivity. Remote employees can work in a variety of industries and roles, including marketing, customer service, and project management, as long as their job can be performed outside of a traditional office setting.


Author: Grace Smith

Grace Smith is a content writer and social media specialist with six years of experience of working in start-ups, digital marketing and SEO. He can help you with your next business venture or social media campaign.