Remote work and organisational culture: 4 insights into keeping employee connection alive.

A new study published by software comparison platform GetApp provides advice on ways to maintain a healthy corporate culture during this new era of remote working.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exponentially accelerated the shift to remote and hybrid working, significantly impacting business operations and working life. GetApp’s newest report analyses the impacts of remote working on the working environment, whilst highlighting 4 key insights to help boost company culture. 

Since the beginning of the pandemic, GetApp’s mental health study found that 23% of UK respondents’ connection to company culture had deteriorated. This was partly due to the lack of online and offline events hosted by companies, with 27% of employees claiming their company never organised team events. Even though 22% believe work-related social events are a very effective way of connecting them with their colleagues.

But despite this, research by Gartner reveals that hybrid work models don’t necessarily weaken corporate culture. The study indicates that 32% of workers that moved to remote/ hybrid working models stated that their businesses’ company culture had improved a lot as a result of this. In addition, GetApp’s research showed that around one-third of employees reported an improvement in their work-life balance and flexible working hours over the pandemic.

Companies should rework their company culture to reflect the changing business world towards hybrid working. GetApp’s study highlights some of the ways in which companies should approach adapting their company culture. 

How to approach changing company culture

Firstly, managers should start encouraging employees to have a healthy work-life balance. GetApp’s mental health study revealed that mental well-being is among the five most significant stress causes, impacting 19% of the UK workforce. 

Companies must also start prioritising fostering a sense of company connection and belonging among employees. This involves nurturing relationships between workers by organising social activities and events. 

Managers should develop clear company goals which can be done by establishing specific ways of working. This will demonstrate to employees how their work and efforts are helping achieve an overall company goal, therefore, in turn, motivating them. 

Employers should also work to create an environment that accommodates and engages their staff, facilitating an organic company culture designed with people in mind. 

David Jani, Content Analyst at GetApp UK, comments:

There have been many lessons learned about the world of hybrid and remote working since the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, for many, maintaining and projecting healthy company culture remains a struggle. It is therefore vital for businesses to consider the practical and technological steps necessary to help staff feel connected to a company and positively engage with it even if they work from home.