The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of the hybrid work model, and today, this hybrid work culture is here to stay. It has become the most preferred choice, offering a balance between flexibility for employees and connectivity with the company. However, this new way of working does come with its challenges. This topic was central to discussions at the SHRM Talent Summit, where industry leaders gathered to address these issues and explore strategies for making hybrid work successful.
Raman Kumar Singh, Country HR Manager for India and Global HR Business Partner at ABB, led a panel discussion featuring industry leaders. The session included insights from Shaji Matthew, CHRO at Infosys, and Nupur Goenka, Executive Director at Tally Solutions. They explored important topics such as managing hybrid teams, fostering a strong workplace culture, and leveraging technology to enhance employee engagement.
Why Hybrid Work Needs a Plan
Hybrid work sounds great in theory—some days at the office, some days remote—but it takes careful planning. Shaji Matthew talked about how Infosys embraced hybrid work with deliberate effort. “It’s about blending the best of both worlds: giving employees the flexibility they need while ensuring they stay connected to the organization,” he explained.
Let’s be honest—no two employees are the same, and their professional needs also vary. That’s where technology can be relevant. At Infosys, AI-driven tools help personalize learning and development.
“With AI, we can create hyper-personalized learning paths. If someone learns better through storytelling, the system adapts to suit their style,” said Shaji. This approach ensures employees aren’t just learning but growing in ways that matter to them.
Embedding Organizational Values into Every Employee’s Journey
Building a cohesive culture in a hybrid environment isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible. Nupur Goenka shared how Tally Solutions took this challenge head-on by refreshing their company values.
They didn’t stop at writing them down—they brought them to life with 30-40 in-person workshops across their offices. Employees shared personal stories about how these values impacted their lives, making the sessions powerful and memorable. As Nupur said, “These workshops deeply embedded our values into the organization. It wasn’t just about words; it was about living them.”
Why These Insights Matter Today
Hybrid work isn’t just a trend—it’s here to stay. As organizations navigate this new normal, strategies like intentional culture building, personalized learning, and value-driven leadership are becoming must-haves.
The SHRM Talent Summit highlighted that while hybrid work presents challenges like maintaining team cohesion or aligning goals, it also offers opportunities to innovate. Organizations can thrive by focusing on what truly matters—people and purpose.
Takeaways for HR Leaders
Be Intentional About Culture: Don’t leave culture to chance. Take the time to define it and actively weave it into daily practices.
Leverage Technology for Personalization: Use AI and data-driven tools to create meaningful employee experiences, from learning to engagement.
Invest in Values: Make organizational values more than words on paper—embed them into every employee’s journey.
Engage Hybrid Teams Deliberately: Hybrid work requires balance. Give employees flexibility while fostering a sense of belonging.
Think Long-Term: Hybrid work is evolving—keep refining your strategies to meet the changing needs of your workforce.
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