We recently launched our 2nd Annual Give and Receive Salary Survey, and while we're still digging into the data (stay tuned - new salary snapshots are coming!), one early trend is already standing out: the return to office.
As hybrid work cements itself as the new normal, many companies are navigating how to strike the right balance between remote flexibility and in-person collaboration. Our clients have been asking, "What does the ideal hybrid model look like? How can it foster a more engaged, productive, and connected team?".
Here are some key insights on building a successful hybrid strategy, featuring the expertise of our very own Celina Deosaran, Senior People + Culture Strategist.
The motivations for Return to Office vary but what we’ve heard most often from our clients is, collaboration and connectivity, employee engagement & burnout prevention, strengthening psychological safety, and greater access to resources and tools. Whatever your “why” is (even if it’s a combination of reasons) ensure you communicate this to the team. Understanding the big picture and how return to office fits into the long term strategy will help set expectations.
Define hybrid work policies early and align them with your company’s values. Leaders should be setting the tone: show up, host team days, and reinforce collaboration. Be upfront about how often you expect people in the office and make sure the messaging is clear.
Find the natural influencers within your team. These people help shape your company culture and will be your best advocates for getting teams excited about being in the office. They’ll drive the enthusiasm for in-person work and make it feel less like a mandate and more like a choice.
Equip your office spaces with hybrid-friendly tools: think Zoom-enabled rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, and spaces that encourage collaboration. Tailor your approach to each location’s needs. Some offices will need more support than others, so adjust accordingly.
Instead of forcing office attendance, incentivize it. Create opportunities that make in-person time valuable: whether it’s team-building events, brainstorming sessions, or casual meetups. Make it clear that office time isn’t just a requirement but an opportunity to collaborate and engage.
Feedback is key. Regularly check in with your team about their preferences for hybrid work and adjust based on what you hear. Let employees shape the office experience so it’s not just a top-down decision. The more you listen, the more engaged they’ll be.
Leaders need to be visible in the office. A senior leader’s presence sets the tone and shows that in-person collaboration is a priority. Employees are more likely to follow suit when they see leadership committed to the same values.
By following these steps and avoiding the common pitfalls, you can create a hybrid work environment that promotes collaboration, increases engagement, and aligns with your long-term goals. Simple, flexible, and human-centred.
Read more insights from our team.
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Founded by Kristina McDougall in 2013, Artemis has grown to become Canada’s most trusted boutique executive search firm for startups.
We recognize that our work takes place on the traditional lands of the Attawandaron, Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Mississaugas of the Credit. We honour Indigenous stewardship and commit to embedding reconciliation into our work, holding ourselves and our clients accountable.
