The hybrid hustle of building trust and transparency

You need both to make hybrid work effective.

Orsi Korman is the Account Director for Content at HAVAS Red.

As hybrid work models take center stage, organizations face a challenge that’s as tricky as it is vital: fostering transparency and trust. With employees split between home and office, companies must ensure that communication flows seamlessly and everyone feels connected. While some might wrestle with issues like isolation, information gaps and the struggle to balance a return-to-office mandate with the flexibility of remote work, it’s no surprise that internal communicators are the unsung heroes of this evolving workplace, tasked with knitting together a workforce that’s more dispersed and disconnected than ever.

The importance of transparency

In a hybrid work environment, transparency is no longer an option; it’s a must. Being transparent means more than just sharing updates—it’s about giving employees the full picture and allowing them to authentically engage with their company to build trust. When done well, transparency leads to higher employee satisfaction, increased productivity and a stronger sense of belonging.

Simply put, a well-informed employee is a more engaged employee.

Challenges of hybrid work

Transparency at work is challenging enough, but hybrid work makes transparency more complex. Information silos can crop up when remote employees miss out on in-person conversations, other events like team lunches or outings may make those not in the office feel like they don’t belong, while reduced face-to-face interactions can make it easy for misunderstandings to fester. Over time, this can lead to disengagement and a breakdown in trust.

Employees need to have the same access to information and opportunities, regardless of where they’re based.

Strategies for building transparency

So, how can communicators foster transparency in a hybrid setting? It starts with creating centralized, accessible information hubs. Think of it as your one-stop shop where employees can find the latest updates and resources. Regular, open communications from leadership also go a long way — nothing says “we care” like a candid message on organizational goals and challenges.

Orsi Korman

Additionally, encouraging meaningful dialogue through formal and informal feedback channels shows employees that their voices matter, bridging the gap between those at home and in the office.

When employees feel heard, they become invested in the journey.

Technology and tools

From instant messaging to virtual town halls, technology can make or break transparency and trust. A well-designed intranet keeps employees informed and connected, while collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams enable real-time communication. Virtual events like town halls, coffee chats or ask-me-anything sessions offer a platform for leaders to speak directly to employees, putting remote and in-office team members on equal ground.

It’s all about using the right tools to ensure that everyone feels like part of the conversation.

Overcoming resistance

Embracing transparency isn’t always a smooth ride. Some employees might be wary of new tools, while some leaders may question the need for such open communication or informal channels. But by focusing on the long-term benefits — including stronger organizational culture and improved employee well-being — communicators can overcome resistance and foster inclusion and belonging.

Leaders must prioritize transparent communications to build a resilient, engaged and connected workforce — and communicators can help them get there.

This time last year, an Atlassian survey found that low productivity was a top concern for executives. At the same time, only 1 in 3 leaders with a return-to-work mandate felt convinced that their policies have had a positive effect on productivity. Fast forward to today, when rather than where work happens, how work gets done is becoming the key cultural touchpoint, hybrid teams are indeed the new normal. Even though 2024 did not turn out to be the year when CEOs admit that return-to-work mandates didn’t move the productivity needle, workers keep proving they don’t need to be in the office to be productive — but they do need to be engaged and supported.

Creating a transparent and trusted work environment isn’t just about keeping everyone in the office or in the loop. It’s about forging a culture where employees feel valued, included and empowered, no matter where they work. By doubling down on authenticity, openness and inclusion, communicators can help turn hybrid work into an opportunity to build stronger, more cohesive teams. When employees trust their leaders and feel connected to their colleagues, everyone wins.

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