Designing Leadership in the Hybrid Workplace

A 2023 Gallup survey shared that hybrid work is becoming the most prevalent work arrangement in most offices, and approximately 40% of remote-capable employees have shifted from working entirely on-site to either a hybrid or exclusively remote work arrangement.

A few weeks ago, I toured the new Coastal Credit Union headquarters. It provided an interesting perspective on how companies are integrating design elements to help bring people back to office while having to compete with a person’s home. There was a focus on providing some of the comforts of home, with living room couches, cozy lighting features and natural elements throughout the space. 

Just like work environments are changing, so are the expectations of leadership. Another key part of the Coastal Credit Union office design was to make executive leaders more accessible. Glass walls allowed for more transparency and connection.

Hybrid environments and employees demand this type of accessibility and transparency from leaders today--from their communications, to their strategies, to how they execute business. Providing a more open, accessible environment in theory can translate to stronger relationships with team members, but the environment is only part of the solution. 

In a 2023 Leadership Development Report by Harvard Business Publishing, team effectiveness rose to become one of the most prominent goals for leaders in 2024. Leaders said that it's paramount to ensure that they have all the right mechanisms and the culture in place for employees’ well-being and to enable working together effectively, collaborating and getting the best out of everyone. And over two-thirds of respondents agreed that the leadership skills like high emotional intelligence and empathy in communication, feedback sharing, and listening are even more important today to meet business goals. This means opening up and being more vulnerable.

Consideration of the employee and team's perspective versus just meeting the bottom line is a must for leaders today, especially as employees are coming back to into work in hybrid workplaces. Many leaders will need to make shifts in their leadership style or approach.

For some people, this shift may feel unnatural; it can be uncomfortable to be transparent or vulnerable. Coaching can help you find the leadership style that is authentic to you, to help you forge productive and strong team cultures in a hybrid environment. Once we understand how you feel comfortable communicating and developing relationships, we can begin to shape your executive presence and balance your emotional intelligence skills to cement a style that works for you.

How has your leadership style had to shift in  the hybrid workplace? If you'd like to learn more about how coaching can help with this, please book a free clarity call.