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Sustaining workplace culture in a remote work world requires employers to be intentional about how they demonstrate their culture in every aspect of the organization\u2019s environment. Cultivating a culture starts during the talent acquisition process and continues throughout the exit or offboarding of a worker. <\/p>\n
Sustaining workplace culture is more complex now than ever<\/strong> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The challenges associated with building and maintaining workplace culture have become even more complex now that the majority of knowledge workers are working remotely. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Conventional wisdom maintains that pay rate and salary are primary factors in determining whether someone accepts a contract or permanent position. The fact that 71% of contingent workforce program managers have increased pay rates over the past year to address talent shortages speaks to this statistic. However, today, it takes more than bigger checks to win and retain top talent. <\/p>\n Workplace culture is catching up to pay as a top talent priority<\/strong> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n As monetary compensation increases have spread across the market, however, cultural factors such as meaningful work, workplace respect, collaborative environments and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion have begun to show increased influence<\/strong> on talents\u2019 decisions to accept an assignment \u2013 or to end one early. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n For instance, a recent Procom survey of over 1, 740+ knowledge workers found 39% of respondents cited a company\u2019s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is very or extremely important to them when considering an opportunity. Similarly, 69% said meaningful work was most important when considering an assignment. <\/p>\n Challenges to remote and hybrid workplace culture <\/p>\n A recent Harvard Business Review article identified three critical challenges to fostering culture in a hybrid workplace<\/a>: <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n 1. Balancing culture, DEI and belonging practices <\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Harvard Business Review report observes, \u201ca culture that tries to be everything to everyone could easily become interesting to very few.\u201d One approach for achieving balance is to have a clear organizational identity and straightforward value propositions that appeal to diverse talent who are also optimal cultural fits for your organization. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2. Retaining work\u2019s social element in remote and hybrid environments <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Humans are social beings, and we need interpersonal interactions beyond Zoom meetings. For organizations that have converted to hybrid or fully remote work, it\u2019s crucial to maintain at least occasional social contact. This may be accomplished through several means that align with your organizational identity and values: <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n 3. Allowing culture to evolve <\/p>\n <\/p>\n In the wake of such seismic shifts in the workplace and workforce, many organizations have instinctively tried to make old practices fit into an environment with which they\u2019re no longer compatible. There are many lessons to be gleaned from the pandemic and Great Resignation, including that no one knows what the future holds. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Instead of trying to repeat cultural components that were successful in the past, let new ones emerge based on collaborative engagement with your leadership and workforce. This circles back to address challenge No. 1 by encouraging diversity, inclusion, and belonging while refining and sustaining your organizational culture. <\/p>\n The elements of maintaining workplace culture in a hybrid world <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n One of the most significant factors in building and maintaining strong interpersonal bonds and workplace culture is proximity. But proximity is obviously difficult to achieve when workers are either remote or not in the office at the same time. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/b>Modern talent \u2014 particularly younger workers<\/a> \u2014 desire diverse and inclusive workplace cultures in which employees feel valued and respected regardless of their differences. Organizations must also recognize that they can\u2019t indulge the individual preferences of everyone in their workforces. <\/p>\n
<\/b>Work is about more than the duties associated with given job roles. It presents an occasion to form personal connections and meaningful relationships that can enhance productivity, spark new ideas and improve well-being. <\/p>\n\n
<\/b>The pandemic and Great Resignation or Great Reshuffle forced changes to how we work collectively and how organizations recruit and retain talent. While companies must be intentional and direct about their identities and values, it\u2019s also essential to let culture develop organically. <\/p>\n