How hybrid teams are reshaping work culture

"Hybrid working is no longer a pandemic-era experiment - it's now a defining feature of the workplace. But while the blend of remote and on-site work has opened new possibilities, it's also having ripple effects and forcing organisations to rethink how they maintain culture, foster collaboration, and meet both business goals and employee expectations. Here's why hybrid work is much more than just a scheduling change, and how you can embed a hybrid-friendly culture that balances flexibility and productivity."

"Return-to-office mandates meet with employee pushback Despite the popularity of hybrid work arrangements, there has been a tug-of-war over workplace flexibility. A recent British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) report found that 48% of companies want to scale back hybrid arrangements and get staff back onsite. Yet, it's clear that employees value flexibility - and removing it risks eroding morale and increasing turnover."

"From desks to dynamic spaces: The office as cultural hub Offices are no longer just a default work location, but a curated space that's specifically designed for innovation and social connection. In other words, a collaboration engine. Rather than get tied into traditional fixed leases, many businesses opt for rented office spaces that have been specifically designed for agile use, offering flexible layouts, meeting zones, and shared amenities that encourage interaction."

Hybrid working has transitioned into a lasting workplace model rather than a temporary experiment. Hybrid patterns stabilised at 28% of working adults in Q1 2025, with high adoption in knowledge-based sectors and lower uptake in on-site industries like manufacturing. Nearly half of companies want to scale back hybrid arrangements, creating tension as employees increasingly prioritise flexibility. Removing flexibility risks eroding morale and increasing turnover. Offices are being reframed as curated collaboration hubs, with many organisations choosing rented, agile spaces featuring flexible layouts, meeting zones, and shared amenities. Hybrid arrangements can boost productivity, health, and wellbeing and require careful balancing of flexibility and productivity.

Read at Business Matters