Five years of a new normal - should remote teams be here to stay?

COVID fundamentally changed how we work. Remote work is now standard, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for teams. As we commemorate five years of this new normal, it is essential to explore how remote work, productivity, and culture intersect - and what we can be doing differently. It's vital to strike a balance that encourages creativity and innovation, fosters psychological safety, and places employee wellbeing at the centre.

The Rapid Shift to Remote Work

When the pandemic hit, companies transitioned to remote work - some quicker than others. Individuals needed to set up home offices in spaces that were not created for remote work. Organisations and teams rapidly shifted from BAU to crisis - implementing and learning new technologies and ways of working when everyone was not in the room - I hope we never forget that Texan attorney. This sudden shift revealed that traditional productivity metrics, like hours worked, could no longer apply in the same way.

Home Office - circa March 2020

As someone passionate about team dynamics, I noticed how the initial excitement about remote work eventually gave way to some real challenges. For example, Gallup's 2022 State of the Global Workplace survey found that 25% of remote workers reported feeling lonely—highlighting the importance of a strong team culture that breaks down barriers and distance. Since 2020, we have started seeing more misunderstandings and a lack of cohesion, reminding us that productivity isn’t just about getting tasks done. It’s deeply tied to the culture we create within our teams.

What Does Productivity Mean in a Remote Setting?

Productivity isn’t just about completing tasks—it’s about producing high-quality results through collaboration, engagement, and creativity, all while staying motivated.

This is where culture comes in. A strong team culture builds trust, supports open communication, and makes everyone feel valued. When culture is off, disengagement and burnout can follow. According to a 2022 Deloitte study, teams with a strong culture had 30% higher productivity than those with a weak one. This is but one argument for cultivating a positive culture in hybrid and remote teams.

The Challenge of Maintaining Culture in a Remote World

Many leaders worry that remote work could reduce productivity, and dont always consider the impact on company culture. It’s understandable—without face-to-face interactions, it’s harder to replicate those spontaneous moments at the coffee machine or in the hallway - giving confidence that work is moving forward, and reminding teams that we're all in this together. These interactions are critical in shaping a strong workplace culture and providing context for those who are on the fringe of transformations and transitions.

That said, I believe we can still foster strong connections even when we're apart. Simple things like scheduling bi-weekly virtual coffee meetings or monthly team-building exercises can go a long way in creating a sense of belonging. Carving out time to build relationships with your colleagues and broader team make al the difference to openness, understanding, and a psychologically safe workplace.

Home office - circa 2022

Striking the Right Balance Between Productivity and Culture

As remote work continues to evolve, finding the right balance between productivity and culture should be top of mind for leaders. I will never forget the manger who yelled at me for handing out a Christmas gift to our colleagues - because in her mind we didnt have time to "chat". Here are a few strategies that can make a difference:

• Embrace Flexible Work Hours: Gartner found that that 43% of employees are more productive when they can work during the hours they choose - offering flexibility allows team members to work when they’re most focused, improving overall productivity.

• Foster Open Communication: Creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts is key. You can encourage this with a variety of communication tools, whether it’s quick messages or deeper conversations via a video call - with the camera on.

• Encourage Regular Check-ins: Regular one-on-ones and team meetings are essential for staying aligned and engaged. These meetings are a space for discussing workloads, challenges, and offering support. It is imperative that these meetings do not move - teaching individuals and team that they are valued.

• Celebrate Wins Together: Recognising both big and small wins helps keep morale high. Using platforms to share a “kudos” for achievements fosters a culture of appreciation - which is invaluable in organisations of all sizes.

• Invest in Team Development: Supporting your team’s growth through training, workshops, or online courses shows you value their development. "When companies shift their cultures to be development-focused, employees tend to feel more productive ... helping with attraction and retention rates over the long term".

Home office - circa 2024

Looking Toward the Future

As some companies start to bring employees back to the office full-time, it’s important to ask whether that’s the right move for everyone. For some, in-person work may foster better collaboration and creativity. But for many others, remote work has proven to enhance job satisfaction, work-life balance, and productivity - and these team members dont want to give up what they have become accustom to.

Leaders should consider what works best for their unique teams. A hybrid model with specific touch points could provide the flexibility people need while still maintaining a strong company culture.

Reflecting on the Past and Moving Forward

Looking back over the last five years, it’s clear that COVID has changed our understanding of productivity and culture in ways we never expected. Throughout the pandemic, our teams have shown incredible adaptability and innovation. To ensure we continue linking productivity with a positive culture, we’ll need to keep adjusting our approaches as circumstances evolve. Whether we’re working remotely or in-person, let’s focus on creating environments that nurture collaboration and prioritize well-being.

The conversation around remote teams shouldn’t only be about productivity or office space. It should be about creating a culture that values flexibility, understanding, and teamwork. When we do this, we’ll thrive, no matter where we work.

So, I invite you to reflect: How are you nurturing your team’s culture? What steps can you take to boost productivity in this ever-evolving work environment? and if you are making a change to the way your teams work - ensure you engage an experienced firm to map, manage, and embed the process.