How hybrid are they really?

Now that we are back to a relatively normal operating rhythm I’m having increased conversations around expectations, flexibility and the definition of hybrid.

Whether that’s a client professing that they are back in 3 days a week or a candidate requesting a fully work from home organisation. But what does hybrid going forward actually mean? The definition may vary depending on who you ask. That is because our lives and requirements shape our perspective. How do we handle these uncomfortable conversations upfront to ensure we get some clarity around expectations?

The challenge we face now is that companies are grappling with a desire to retain, nourish and embed their company culture which often requires an element of face to face but when does the carrot become a stick?

How much is ideal to secure top talent? What does the ideal amount of WFH/Work in Office look like? My observations during conversations with both organisations and professionals is that people have started to need to revert to questioning, communicating and ensuring comfort around expectations. Our lives have shifted during COVID – we acquired pets, picked up school drop ups/pick offs, set up new non negotiables at home, learned new hobbies and built boundaries.

Lets not be grey about our non negotiables because if anything it contradicts the progression we have achieved. If you’re a hiring manager that is seeking to get your team together to create dynamic ideation meetings, culture building days and team exercises- frame it that way. If you’re a candidate that has to start early and finish early because you have home commitments- speak up.

Set parameters and requests upfront. If your requirements are deal breakers then don’t be coerced by recruiters or friends telling you to keep your flexible requests for once you’ve started. Equally, as hiring managers don’t speak of hybrid mechanisms without outlining your expectations such as when you require your team to be in, how you like to work and whether your stakeholders require you in the office.

Lastly if you are going through a recruiter make sure you’re upfront with them about your expectations and deal breakers too. Recruiters are there to be your ally in finding the right match to a harmonious working environment and high performing team.