According to the Office for National Statistics, more than a quarter of working adults in Great Britain were hybrid working in autumn 2024. This shift presents a significant opportunity for high-growth businesses to enhance engagement, boost productivity, and foster a more inclusive workplace.
Today’s workforce values flexibility, well-being, and a strong work-life balance. A well-structured hybrid model improves employee satisfaction and retention and supports diversity and inclusion. It provides greater accessibility for employees with disabilities, enables caregivers to balance responsibilities, and accommodates religious observances—all while creating a more agile and resilient workforce.
Since 6 April 2024, flexible working has been a ‘day one’ employment right, giving employees greater freedom to request hybrid arrangements. To stay ahead, businesses must proactively integrate hybrid strategies that drive engagement, support employee needs, and position their organisations for long-term success.
Here are our top tips for managing hybrid working effectively:
Five key strategies for boosting engagement in hybrid teams
- Build a strong hybrid culture
- Lead by example
- Invest in the right technology
- Prioritise learning and development
- Support employee wellbeing
A thriving hybrid workforce starts with a culture built on trust, flexibility, and clear communication. Leaders must actively promote hybrid working as a positive approach and ensure remote employees feel equally valued. Any negative attitudes or dismissive remarks about flexible working should be challenged to foster an inclusive and supportive environment.
Employees take cues from leadership. If you want your team to embrace hybrid working and stay engaged, you need to demonstrate its benefits yourself. Structure your schedule to reflect a healthy balance of in-office and remote work to show that flexible working is not just permitted but encouraged.
Hybrid working requires more than just a laptop and a smartphone. Businesses must ensure employees have access to secure, high-performing technology, collaboration tools, and communication platforms that enable seamless workflow. Investing in the right systems will drive efficiency, prevent frustration, and keep teams connected.
With fewer informal learning opportunities in a hybrid setting, businesses must proactively support employee growth. Provide remote training, mentorship, and real-time feedback to ensure team members continue to develop their skills. Recognising achievements and offering clear career progression pathways will also help maintain motivation.
A successful hybrid model should prioritise employee well-being. Offering benefits such as an Employee Assistance Programme, gym memberships, or Mental Health First Aiders can enhance overall job satisfaction. By actively promoting these resources, businesses can ensure employees feel supported no matter where they work.
Embracing hybrid working is a strategic advantage for attracting and retaining top talent while staying competitive in a rapidly evolving business landscape. By actively supporting employees and cultivating a positive team culture that prioritises flexibility and work-life balance, your organisation can unlock the full potential of a hybrid workforce, boosting engagement, productivity, and long-term success.
Further reading: Expert resources on hybrid working
Explore the resources from Acas, the CIPD, for further insights and guidance on hybrid working.
Tailored support: AGP coaching for hybrid success
The Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP) is here to support your business in making hybrid working a success. Tailored coaching packages are available to help you develop a hybrid working policy, manage flexible working requests, and build an inclusive, high-performing culture. Contact your AGP Relationship Manager today to explore how we can help you optimise your hybrid strategy and drive long-term success.
Upcoming event: Master hybrid working at our AGP in-person masterclass
Join our AGP masterclass, “People, Processes, and Considerations to get the Best Out of Hybrid Working,” on Tuesday, 6th May 2025 in Swansea. Gain practical insights on optimising hybrid work for engagement, productivity, and inclusivity.
Register now!
https://go.newable.co.uk/agpeventregistration/People_and_Processes_060525