Building a unified culture in a hybrid work environment in Australia

Organisations across industries are ramping up efforts to make their employees return to the office in Australia. But there’s a strong pushback from the workforce.

Organisational Behaviour Professor Libby Sander told ABC News that most people are pushing for hybrid work arrangements that will allow them to maintain work-life balance. A separate report from news.com.au showed that the cost of maintaining office facilities also works against the push to drive people back to the physical workplace.

And it’s not just in Australia. A PwC report that surveyed the workforce across the APAC region found that 58% of working professionals expect to continue with a hybrid work setup in years to come. In comparison, 8% prefer a purely remote arrangement, leaving only 38% of the labour force willing to return to the office.

The numbers don’t lie. Hybrid work is here to stay. However, with hybrid work arrangements come challenges in fostering a unified culture. The integration of virtual and physical spaces also necessitates a reevaluation of organisational policies and practices.

Flexibility becomes paramount, with a focus on outcomes rather than rigid schedules. Leaders should empower employees to manage their time effectively, emphasising results over micromanagement.

READ MORE | Redefining leadership in the hybrid work era

Strategies for unifying teams across distances

A hybrid work environment emphasises effective leadership to foster a cohesive team culture. From creating policies, tapping collaborative platforms, and leading by example, a unified culture in a hybrid environment can work as effectively as – or even better than – a pure onsite work model.

Here are some actionable strategies that will help you begin your campaign in fostering a solid culture in a hybrid work environment:

1. Embrace transparent communication

Prioritise clear, transparent communication to bridge the gap between remote and in-office team members. Utilise digital communication tools for regular updates, ensuring everyone stays informed and connected.

2. Facilitate virtual team-building activities

Organise virtual team-building activities that cater to both remote and on-site employees.

To strengthen team bonds, foster camaraderie through online games, collaborative projects, or virtual coffee breaks.

3. Encourage cross-functional collaboration

Promote cross-functional collaboration by breaking down silos and encouraging teams from different departments to work together. Create opportunities for diverse skill sets to complement each other, fostering innovation and problem-solving.

4. Invest in team training on hybrid work dynamics

Provide training and resources to help teams understand and navigate the dynamics of hybrid work.

Equip employees with the skills and knowledge to collaborate, communicate, and manage their tasks in a hybrid setting.

5. Establish a hybrid work policy collaboratively

Involve employees in developing hybrid work policies to ensure inclusivity and accommodate diverse needs. Seek feedback on scheduling flexibility, communication preferences, and other aspects of the hybrid work model to create policies that resonate with the entire team.

6. Create virtual spaces for social connections

Establish virtual spaces dedicated to social connection, such as online communities or discussion forums.

Encourage team members to share experiences, interests, and hobbies, fostering a sense of community beyond work-related tasks.

7. Facilitate onsite collaboration spaces

Design collaborative spaces within the physical office environment where team members can gather for in-person collaboration whenever necessary. Ensure these spaces have the essential technology and resources to facilitate seamless integration between onsite team members and their remote counterparts.

8. Host regular onsite team-building events

Organise periodic team-building events that specifically cater to onsite employees. These events could include in-office workshops, training sessions, or social activities that enhance interpersonal relationships and team cohesion within the physical workspace.

9. Design hybrid-friendly boardrooms

Create boardrooms with high internet connectivity and a virtual meeting to allow your onsite team to collaborate seamlessly with their remote counterparts. Provide internet allowance to ensure your remote team gets the best internet service provider for minimal disruptions, especially during hybrid meetings.

READ MORE | 5 workplace culture trends to boost employee productivity

Aligning remote and in-office teams with organisational goals

Organisational goals can become a driving force in cultivating a unified culture in a hybrid environment, and it starts with communicating them in the most straightforward way possible to both your onsite and remote teams. Having a standard “north star” to look upon for guidance can help foster a collaborative culture despite the distance.

It also helps to consistently demonstrate the value of these goals to everyone by aligning them to the personal or even departmental goals of both teams. This way, everyone sees their role in reaching the organisation's overarching goals, making them more eager to collaborate with one another.

Remember, the organisation's vision serves as the backbone of a company's identity, shaping how individuals work, collaborate, and engage with one another. The more they know about each other’s roles, the more they can help each other, and the more they can help the company grow further.