A hybrid working model may be here to stay for many companies – and for good reason. An Accenture survey of 9,000 professionals found that 83% prefer a hybrid working environment. The survey also revealed that 63% of high-growth companies use a “productivity anywhere” model.  

Hybrid work can benefit employees and organizations, but how can leaders keep their teams engaged? It can feel like a big task when workers may be in the office at different times. A blog post from WorkProud asserts that employee engagement must be continuously cultivated. We outline some tips from WorkProud in this issue of PromoPro Daily.

Allow for flexibility. Employees value having control over their workday. The WorkProud post points out research that shows professionals overwhelmingly expect their work experience to be tailored to their specific needs. They crave autonomy over not just where they work, but also when, how much and with whom they work. Employees are more likely to feel disengaged at companies that enforce strict 9-to-5 work hours.

Create connection opportunities. Encouraging in-person interactions is highly beneficial for organizational culture, work performance and overall employee well-being, the post says. Many professionals enjoy and prefer a hybrid model because it gives them the benefits of remote work while still allowing for social interaction.

Strengthen your company’s employer value proposition. According to the WorkProud post, your company’s EVP is the unique branding and mix of benefits that attract employees. While the EVP can certainly help attract top talent, it also plays a role in helping current employees feel proud to work for your company. The post says that a clear and distinct EVP fosters high morale and unity within workforces, including those that are hybrid or remote.

Cultivate trust. Some managers worry that remote workers aren’t being productive. As a result, they may resort to micromanaging. This approach usually backfires, the post says, because what really fuels productivity is feeling empowered, motivated and trusted. Leaders can create clearly defined policies, but don’t immediately suspect noncompliance.

Celebrate your employees. Recognition is a basic human need, the WorkProud post says, and its absence is highly detrimental to workers. Use promo to recognize and praise employees’ hard work. This can go a long way in improving productivity, morale and engagement.

If your team uses a hybrid model, remember to keep things flexible and cultivate opportunities for team members to connect. You can also boost engagement by recognizing employees’ achievements and trusting them to do their best work, whether they’re in the office or remote.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: The WorkProud blog. WorkProud is a global employee engagement, recognition and reward platform.