How will the "hushed hybrid" trend impact company culture?

The "hushed hybrid" trend is gaining traction, with recent research revealing that 70% of UK managers are quietly permitting work-from-home arrangements despite official back-to-office mandates. While this flexibility may appear accommodating, it raises concerns such as creating a divide between remote and in-office workers, losing trust in leadership, more burnout, and creating environments where employees feel unheard. Clear communication about remote work policies is crucial to avoid these issues.

When companies are upfront about what's allowed and expected when working remotely, it avoids any confusion. Here are some ways the trend will impact company culture: 

1. Communication gaps: When remote work policies are not openly communicated, it can lead to misunderstandings and confusion among employees. Lack of clarity can create a sense of disconnect and reduce overall transparency.

2. Inequality and division: Employees working remotely versus those in-office may be treated differently and have different access to opportunities. This can create a two-tiered workforce and reduce team cohesion.

3. Trust issues: Employees may feel mistrust towards leadership if they feel that remote work policies are being quietly allowed contrary to official in-office policies. This can undermine morale and hinder collaboration.

4. Cultural disconnect: Without open communications about remote work, company values and culture may not be effectively communicated and upheld across all teams. This can weaken the sense of belonging and shared purpose.

5. Impact on innovation and creativity: A closed culture where remote workers feel excluded or unheard can stifle creativity and innovation. It's important for all employees to feel valued and included in order to contribute their best ideas.

Addressing these challenges requires clear communication, equitable policies, and proactive efforts to create a strong company culture regardless of remote or in-office work arrangements.

Why you need to embed flexible working into your EVP

So how exactly should companies handle this balancing act? And how can they be honest and authentic about flexible working requirements?

The first place to start doing this is by looking at your Employee Value Proposition (EVP). This is a crucial part of attracting and retaining talent. Here's why flexible working should be a key part of it:

1. Attract diverse talent: Flexible work options appeal to a wide range of candidates, including those with caregiving responsibilities or health needs.

2. Boost employee satisfaction: When flexible working is part of your EVP, it shows that you value work-life balance.

3. Increase productivity: Many employees report being more productive when they have the flexibility to work in environments that suit them best

4. Builds trust: By including flexible work in your EVP, you're showing that you trust your employees to manage their time and workload effectively.

Remember, your EVP should reflect your actual practices. If you claim to offer flexible work but doesn't follow through, it can damage your employer brand and employee trust.

Understanding what your employees want

To create a flexible working policy that works, you need to understand your employees' preferences. Here's what our data shows:

• 50% of workers want "fully remote" roles with no required office attendance
• 42% prefer "remote-first" jobs with optional office attendance and monthly team meet-ups

But preferences can vary. Some employees, particularly those who are neurodivergent, may find working from home better for their productivity. Others may need remote work to balance caregiving responsibilities or health needs.

The key is to engage with your employees. Conduct surveys, hold focus groups, and have open discussions about work preferences. This information can help you craft a policy that truly meets your team's needs.

The benefits of being honest and authentic 

Being transparent about your remote work policy offers a number of benefits:

1. Clear expectations: Employees know exactly what to expect, reducing anxiety and confusion.

2. Better talent matching: Job seekers can find roles that align with their preferred working style.

3. Improved trust: Open communication about work arrangements fosters trust between employees and leadership.

4. Strong company culture: When policies are clear and fair, it promotes a positive and inclusive work environment.

5. Increased engagement: Employees who feel their needs are understood and respected are more likely to be engaged and productive.

Remember, the goal is to create a work environment where everyone can thrive. By being honest about your remote work policy and embedding flexibility into your EVP, you're setting the stage for a more engaged, productive, and satisfied workforce.