Solving the Back to Office Struggle

The shift to remote work has been one of the most significant changes in the workplace since the industrial revolution. As organisations continue to grapple with the idea of returning to the office, they're encountering a host of challenges. Balancing productivity, trust, and employee preferences requires a delicate touch and a willingness to rethink long-standing practices.

In this episode I cover:

• Why organisations need a culture reset for hybrid to be successful
• The six considerations of Hybrid Work (taken from the Hybrid Handbook)
• Rethinking the skills managers need to be successful in a hybrid scenario
• Setting new standards for communication and collaboration
• The different ways we talk about how we work and experiences from organisations

The post-pandemic work environment isn't just about where we work; it's about how we work. Leaders must be at the forefront of driving this change, fostering a culture that embraces flexibility, collaboration, and, most importantly, trust. Useful links 🔗 Read: Why 'Culture First' leaders will always succeed

Related episodes:

10 reasons organisations will abandon hybridHow organisations are doing hybrid Connect with Colin on LinkedIn

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Timestamps

The Struggle of Returning to the Office (00:00:01)

Colin discusses the challenges faced by organisations in managing the transition to hybrid work and the struggle of returning to the office.

Building a Successful Hybrid Work Culture (00:03:25)

Colin discusses the importance of trust and team culture in successfully implementing remote work and hybrid working models.

Challenges Faced by Remote-First Organisations (00:05:36)

Colin addresses the challenges faced by remote-first organisations in maintaining a strong working culture and productivity.

Measuring and Redefining Culture in a Hybrid Work Environment (00:07:44)

Colin emphasises the importance of measuring and redefining culture in a post-pandemic hybrid work environment.

Implementing True Hybrid and Remote Work Models (00:11:42)

Colin discusses the importance of trust and choice in true hybrid and remote work environments and the need for employee involvement in decision-making.

Mandating Office Return and Employee Disengagement (00:14:45)

Colin highlights the importance of handling office return sensitively and the need to avoid mandating specific office days to prevent employee disengagement.

Managing the Return to the Office and Enhancing Inclusion (00:17:40)

Colin emphasises the need to involve diverse voices and create a mode of working that enhances inclusion in the return to office planning.

Consequences of Mandating Office Return (00:18:34)

Colin discusses the consequences faced by organisations like Amazon, Disney, and Apple when mandating office return, emphasising the importance of retaining the right employees.

Retraining Managers (00:20:24)

Discussion on retraining managers for a deliberate change in culture and the effectiveness of equity groups.

Mandating Return Dates (00:21:11)

The disengagement generated by mandating specific return days and the importance of employee groups in planning the return to the office.

Providing Managerial Skills (00:21:59)

The need for organisations to equip managers with updated skills fit for the changing work environment, including setting expectations and building vibrant subcultures.

Setting Expectations and Boundaries (00:24:16)

The importance of setting expectations, maintaining relationships, and introducing new standards for online communication and collaboration in the success of hybrid work.

Struggle of Return to Office (00:25:33)

The challenges faced in managing the return to the office and the need for better planning, time, and dedication to solve the puzzle effectively.