In this episode of The Team Around the Table, Steven Zatta, Global Lead for Total Workplace Research & Innovation, gets a global perspective on the complexity of hybrid work environments with Total Workplace colleagues Kim Yong, Associate Director, in Singapore, and Gerda Stelpstra, Partner, in the Netherlands. Together, they explore the multifaceted challenges—and opportunities—presented by hybrid work environments, focusing on the interplay between human experience, workplace design and technology, and recognizing the importance of social capital.
Five Lessons Learned from Hybrid Working: From Transition to Transformation
- Intentionality and data-driven approaches are key. To make hybrid work programs successful, they need to be thoughtfully designed and continually improved based on robust data. By combining insights from organizational psychology and workplace strategy, companies can create effective, adaptable programs that meet changing needs and remain effective over time.
- Balance individual and organizational needs in a hybrid work environment. This can be tricky, but finding a middle ground between what employees want and what a company wants is the key to keeping a workforce productive and engaged. While individual preferences and productivity matter, they should align with overall organizational goals. Companies should support both solo, and team, work styles, recognizing that one approach might not fit everyone.
- Use technology to boost collaboration. Technology plays a huge role in making hybrid work successful. Diagnostic tools, like Cushman & Wakefield’s Experience Per Square Foot can provide valuable insight into employee experiences, and tools like Microsoft Viva Insights can identify areas for improvement by qualitatively analyzing communication patterns to better arrange teams and improve workplace planning.
- Social capital is more important than you think. Relationships are vital for organizational success. While hybrid work challenges traditional notions of workplace culture, it also offers opportunities to strengthen relationships. Tools like Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) can reveal how people collaborate and communicate in various setups. This helps companies design environments that enhance social capital and drive innovation.
- Create spaces that match your company culture. Think of workplace design like a mirror for your company’s culture. When you design workspaces that reflect your company values, it sets the stage for behaviors that drive your company forward. It’s not just about aesthetics—it's about creating an environment that resonates with your team, mission and goals.
