The pandemic brought up a global acceleration in technology adoption as well as the needs of flexible but consistent integration schemes (integration between long- and short-term strategies, integration of business channels and acumens, global and local approaches).
The New Normal is about adjusting the future right now. It’s a temporary trend that pulls future outcomes on current needs. From now on, there will always be a new kind of “new normal,” with a different level of complexity, that both employees and companies will have to deal with.
How should companies support people’s future helping them gain the skills for the next scenario?
In order to embrace transformation and business evolution, people management should be about strategic skills-mapping and a careful workforce plan. The workforce assessment opens the opportunity to quantify long-term talent requirements by assessing successions needs and roles competencies. Particularly, development plans and talent management are part of the circular strategy ensuring company vitality.
How are companies facing transformation?
Replacing people or firing them is definitely not a long-term solution. Excellent companies are setting up dedicated Talent Development programs towards upskilling and reskilling projects. Running upskilling programs means to strive for people in the adoption of new skills for covering their current positions. Competitive companies that are focusing on re-building the organization frames are running reskilling programs for enabling people to pick up new skills for a completely different job. Reskilling and upskilling culture is successful if leadership promotes a learning culture and if HR processes, such as talent management and performance assessment, are aligned with the business company strategy. Competitive companies encourage employees to adopt a continuous-growth mindset.
Companies that have yet to revise or build their Talent Management strategy are leaving employees on a self-directed approach, holding more traditional options or random skills development solutions.
Nowadays, Talent or Employer value proposition is not only a matter of Why, “Why should an employee choose to work in your company instead of another one?”, but it is also a matter of “main features” in terms of What, “What should your company have for attracting employees?” Thinking about future situations in which people can maximize their performance could bring up the same advice from the most important Organizational Development Theories:
Company Culture: it creates the conditions to thrive Talent
Excellent Leaders: coaches and facilitators with strong ethic Values, with the abilities to motivate, enable, and integrate a group of people towards common goals.
Sustainability: global attention to the impact of the company.
Long-term Strategy: integrated with an agile approach.
Transparency: creating the environment for more fluid feedback conversations between leadership and employees.
Consistent Competencies Models: ensure meritocracy and trust.
Listed above are HR strategies and decisions that, of course, cannot solely run on Excel spreadsheets. People are not file records: they act and react, choose, think, feel and communicate. Employees’ behavior is not 100% predictable and leaders should take into consideration people’s unique qualities and mannerisms. HR foundation skills are about creating a big picture of the environment, consistently communicating, translating old procedures into on-line and digital tools, analyzing data, and thinking prospectively. It is also important to point out one of the most strategic HR features: a strong cross-functional collaboration.
The inspirational and visionary value that a new HR style could bring is collaborating with marketing in terms of reputation and communication: “One of the most important company customers are its own employees”. With HR being a business function, the operative value could be strictly collaborating with the finance department as well as interpreting reports and complex data towards the market needs.
Leaders, in general, should take into consideration their actions and responses. Poor decisions in people management could result in varied employee reactions that could cost reputation, trust and money. A weak HR vision could beget huge risks and costs for organizations.
Post-Vacation Stress or #Stresstember – How To Survive Returning To Work After Vacation
Returning to the office in September post-vacation may be a huge shock for many people. Relaxed after a summer rest, they cannot find themselves in their daily routine and are unable to work at full capacity; they have to catch up, meet new responsibilities and prepare for possible changes. Moreover, the weather changes and colder days keep coming! All of this causes enormous stress – employees are depressed, distracted, and deprived of energy and motivation. This year, an additional stress factor is also the ubiquitous coronavirus pandemicand related restrictions, which significantly affect the work environment and everyday life.
In order to overcome September stress, it is worth introducing a few small changes to your everyday life that will positively affect the quality of your work and well-being.
Here are a few of them: 1. Plan your time skillfully and set a priority list
Organize yourself in different areas of life – get an organizer, calendar or application for saving tasks and events and try to update them on regular basis. Prioritize your tasks and consider postponing or even cancelling events. Scheduling duties will help you avoid unnecessary stress and improve your quality of life. 2. Focus on one task
During your work, try to concentrate fully on one task and finish it before starting the next one. Many people consider multitasking to be a very desirable trait by which success can be achieved much easier and faster, however, this belief is wrong – many studies show that multitasking has more disadvantages than advantages. Multitaskers, while performing multiple tasks simultaneously, waste time on trivial things and the efficiency of their work decreases. Thus, they do not save their precious time – they distract faster and make mistakes more often. 3. Be assertive and do not take too much on yourself
Set your limits and do not be afraid to say no. Do not take on too many tasks and activities – try to maintain a balance between work and private life. You can also ask your colleagues for help at any time. You need to give yourself time to get back to your daily routine! 4. Think about the positive aspects of your job
Focus on the positive sides of your work – what values this job brings, what you learn, and which opportunities you have for personal self–development. You work in a great, well–coordinated team and you like what you do? Appreciate it and try to be positive! 5. Take care of your health
Taking care of your health will positively affect your productivity. Eat nutritionally rich meals, do not skip breakfast and avoid junk food! The better we eat, the more efficient and energetic we are. Be sure to get adequate rest, as well – try to sleep at least 7 hours and mantain the same daily bedtime. Also, remember to exercise – choose a sport you like and include it in your schedule. Physical activity releases endorphins that help fight stress and eliminate anxiety. 6. Take time to relax
You cannot forget about time for yourself! If your schedule is very tight, even a few minutes of meditation, a short walk, or a morning coffee within peace and quiet is enough to regenerate your body and mind and get away from your everyday life.
Emotional intelligence: what is it and why it can change your life
Emotional Intelligence is the common thread in every project promoted by Consea Human Capital Consulting: we firmly believe in the effectiveness of this skill, which is now internationally recognized, both in the field of psychology and in business organization. The term emotional intelligence was first used in the 1980s by psychologist Howard Gardner, who introduced the concepts of inter-personal intelligence (which allows one to understand others' intentions and emotions) and intra-personal intelligence (i.e., the ability to understand one's own emotions and motivations). However, the concept of emotional intelligence was popularized and made famous by U.S. psychologist, author and science journalist Daniel Goleman, with the book "Emotional Intelligence: What It Is and Why It Can Make Us Happy": in this essay, the author explains how a good IQ is not enough to achieve success at work and well-being in life, as a mix of self-control, perseverance, empathy and attention to others contribute to the basis of our choices. The power of emotional intelligence Emotional intelligence is thus the ability to recognize and understand one's own and others' emotions, but also the ability to use this awareness to better manage one's own behaviours. Why can this change our lives and, to quote Goleman's words, make us happy? The answer is simple: emotions often get the better of us, sabotaging our chances of success at work and in life. With emotional intelligence, however, it is possible to prevent this from happening by learning to make decisions guided by common sense and self-awareness, rather than impulsivity and fear. By recognizing and training one's emotional intelligence, one first achieves greater mental serenity and thus greater well-being. Emotional intelligence between reason and emotionality Underlying emotional intelligence, we can find neuroscientific explanations. In fact, we must consider that everything we perceive through our senses travels inside our body by means of electrical signals, which pass from cell to cell until they reach our brain and, specifically, the limbic system, where emotions are born, to arrive, only later, to the frontal lobe, the seat of logical and rational thought. Analyzing this process, we easily conclude: even before we can rationally evaluate reality, we perceive it emotionally and react to external stimuli, first with our emotional center and then with our logical center. That is why sometimes, in moments of anger, it is difficult to control one's emotions, risking saying things that one does not really mean. In fact, in such cases, reason is hindered by emotions, which do not allow us to evaluate the information and thus choose the most appropriate reaction. We can therefore say, in a grand summary, that emotional intelligence is the skill that enables us to narrow the gap between emotionality and reason. Follow us to find out what emotional intelligence skills are and how they can impact the workplace.
HR China: 5 steps to supporting employees during organizational changes
Geopolitical challenges, tightening of China-US relationship, and China’s Zero Covid Policy have disrupted the current economic environment, reshaping supply chain and driving changes on businesses. Indeed, many companies are rebuilding their organization structure on operational level – hybrid work model - and on structural level – mergers & acquisitions, split-off or closure of business. Changes in the business model have an impact on the overall operations of the company and on its employees, redesigning workflow, potentially affecting employees’ roles, scope of responsibilities, location, and in worst-case scenario, laying off people. In a scenario where disruptions and changes are the agenda, Human Resources are central and critical in designing internal organization restructures, developing, and implementing action plan, and ultimately but most importantly in supporting employees in adapting to changes. How to support employees in adapting to changes? We, Consea Group, have highlight 5 key elements for you. (add hyperlink of Consea homepage) Understand the change First and foremost, understanding changes is fundamental. Why are we changing, what needs to be done, how do we move from point A to point B, are key questions you need to have answers to. Without knowing the whys, it is difficult to believe and drive the changes. Effective communication Once identified the whys, action plan and how, take time to communicate and explain it to your employees. Consistency and clear communication are essential. Do not limit to simply informing them, rather make sure they understand the reasons behind and be present for their doubts and concerns. Remember the intangible Organization changes have impact on the personal level too! Remember the emotional and intangible elements. Have the leadership to speak first. Ask them to share with the team how they interpret the changes, what are their thoughts. Create connection and a support system where employees feel safe to share their own experiences, by letting leaders showing up first. Un-learn and Re-learn Often, changes are seen as threaten to an already established and functioning system. It is human to show resistance and refusal to changes as it is mining what is familiar to step into the unknown. Thus, it is important first to un-learn behaviors, patterns, and systems in order to re-learn during time of changes and building resilience. Involve, collaborate, co-create in times of changes To facilitate the transition, involving, collaborating, and co-creating with employees during and after the changes give employees ownership in the change, consequently becoming more likely to support said change. Moreover, it helps to find synergies and eliminate/limit complexities. Changes can be intimidating, but with the right combination of knowledge, communication, leadership and environment, HR and companies can support their employees and ensure a smoother transition during changes. Authors: Valentina Meng – Recruitment Consultant & China Social Media Manager Chiara Altomonte – General Manager and Head of the Fashion & Retail division
Sustainable Leadership: How Decisions Shape Long-Term Impact
Sustainability is ultimately a leadership issue. While policies and frameworks matter, it is the daily decisions made by leaders that determine whether sustainability principles translate into meaningful outcomes. Evidence increasingly supports this link. According to Accenture, companies with consistently high ESG performance—often driven by leadership decisions—achieve 2.6 times higher total shareholder returns and nearly 5 times higher operating margins than their peers with weaker ESG performance. These results highlight the strategic importance of leadership-led sustainability, not just in values, but in performance. Sustainable leadership begins with perspective. Leaders who balance short-term pressures with long-term consequences are better positioned to navigate complexity and trade-offs. This mindset aligns closely with findings from McKinsey, which show that organizations most successful at capturing sustainability value tend to take a long-term view of risk, capital allocation, and stakeholder expectations. Decision-making through a sustainability lens requires asking broader questions. Beyond “Is this profitable?” leaders increasingly ask, “Is this resilient?” and “What are the downstream effects?” This approach matters in a business environment where, according to the World Economic Forum, 85% of executives plan to continue advancing sustainability disclosures regardless of regulatory changes, recognizing sustainability data as strategically important as financial data. Consistency is another defining element of sustainable leadership. When decisions align with stated values—and when those values are embedded into governance and accountability—trust grows. Research frameworks in sustainable leadership literature consistently link participatory decision-making and transparency with higher levels of employee commitment and organizational stability over time. Finally, leadership shapes culture. By legitimizing long-term thinking and encouraging shared responsibility, leaders enable sustainability to diffuse across the organization. In this way, sustainability becomes not a top-down directive, but a collective discipline—guided by leadership choices and reinforced through everyday decisions. Author: Antonella Cerabona — Head of Americas, Consea Group
Mental Health Awareness Month: A Call for Empathy in the Workplace and Beyond
May is internationally recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. It is an opportunity to bring attention to the vital importance of psychological well being. But beyond the public messages and official awareness events, mental health is something deeply personal that affects many people every day. Many individuals around us are silently navigating emotional and psychological challenges that are neither visible nor easily expressed. In professional environments especially, the emphasis on performance, composure, and productivity can inadvertently mask the internal experiences of employees and leaders alike. Behind composed demeanors may lie the weight of job insecurity, the quiet pain of personal loss, the stress of unmet expectations, or the anxiety brought on by an uncertain future. These are the unspoken struggles that surround us. It is important to recognize that not everyone has a support system to lean on. Some individuals function as their own sole source of strength. They manage households, careers, or personal transitions without external reinforcement. While independence is admirable, it is not always sustainable, and isolation can have compounding effects on mental health. The familiar phrase “Be kind, you do not know what a person is going through” resonates now more than ever. In recent years, many of us have experienced transformative events. Global disruption, personal grief, and professional setbacks have become part of our shared yet often unspoken experience. These moments have reshaped the emotional landscape of our communities. In this reality, small gestures take on profound meaning. A thoughtful message, a door held open, a sincere “How are you” may seem trivial, yet they have the power to offer comfort and restore connection at crucial times. This month is not only a reminder to prioritize mental health. It is a call to action. We are encouraged to lead with empathy, to foster cultures of psychological safety, and to remain mindful that behind every title and role is a human being who deserves care and understanding. Let us remember that compassion, attentiveness, and human connection are not distractions from productivity. They are essential to sustaining it. Julia Galloway, HRBP- North America
Leverage the Role of Talent Development for Overcoming Acceleration
The pandemic brought up a global acceleration in technology adoption as well as the needs of flexible but consistent integration schemes (integration between long- and short-term strategies, integration of business channels and acumens, global and local approaches). The New Normal is about adjusting the future right now. It’s a temporary trend that pulls future outcomes on current needs. From now on, there will always be a new kind of “new normal,” with a different level of complexity, that both employees and companies will have to deal with. How should companies support people’s future helping them gain the skills for the next scenario? In order to embrace transformation and business evolution, people management should be about strategic skills-mapping and a careful workforce plan. The workforce assessment opens the opportunity to quantify long-term talent requirements by assessing successions needs and roles competencies. Particularly, development plans and talent management are part of the circular strategy ensuring company vitality. How are companies facing transformation? Replacing people or firing them is definitely not a long-term solution. Excellent companies are setting up dedicated Talent Development programs towards upskilling and reskilling projects. Running upskilling programs means to strive for people in the adoption of new skills for covering their current positions. Competitive companies that are focusing on re-building the organization frames are running reskilling programs for enabling people to pick up new skills for a completely different job. Reskilling and upskilling culture is successful if leadership promotes a learning culture and if HR processes, such as talent management and performance assessment, are aligned with the business company strategy. Competitive companies encourage employees to adopt a continuous-growth mindset. Companies that have yet to revise or build their Talent Management strategy are leaving employees on a self-directed approach, holding more traditional options or random skills development solutions. Nowadays, Talent or Employer value proposition is not only a matter of Why, “Why should an employee choose to work in your company instead of another one?”, but it is also a matter of “main features” in terms of What, “What should your company have for attracting employees?” Thinking about future situations in which people can maximize their performance could bring up the same advice from the most important Organizational Development Theories: Company Culture: it creates the conditions to thrive Talent
Excellent Leaders: coaches and facilitators with strong ethic Values, with the abilities to motivate, enable, and integrate a group of people towards common goals.
Sustainability: global attention to the impact of the company.
Long-term Strategy: integrated with an agile approach.
Transparency: creating the environment for more fluid feedback conversations between leadership and employees.
Consistent Competencies Models: ensure meritocracy and trust. Listed above are HR strategies and decisions that, of course, cannot solely run on Excel spreadsheets. People are not file records: they act and react, choose, think, feel and communicate. Employees’ behavior is not 100% predictable and leaders should take into consideration people’s unique qualities and mannerisms. HR foundation skills are about creating a big picture of the environment, consistently communicating, translating old procedures into on-line and digital tools, analyzing data, and thinking prospectively. It is also important to point out one of the most strategic HR features: a strong cross-functional collaboration. The inspirational and visionary value that a new HR style could bring is collaborating with marketing in terms of reputation and communication: “One of the most important company customers are its own employees”. With HR being a business function, the operative value could be strictly collaborating with the finance department as well as interpreting reports and complex data towards the market needs. Leaders, in general, should take into consideration their actions and responses. Poor decisions in people management could result in varied employee reactions that could cost reputation, trust and money. A weak HR vision could beget huge risks and costs for organizations.
Inclusive Leadership: Towards Embracing Diversity and Collective Success
Inclusive leadership represents the core of a work environment that embraces and celebrates diversity as a driving force for collective success. Defined as the ability to manage and guide a group of people while respecting their diversities empathetically and without prejudice, Inclusive Leadership goes beyond mere team management, recognizing the intrinsic value of each individual and their uniqueness, encouraging active participation, and fostering a sense of belonging and community. Here are some points for reflection gathered by Consea Human Capital Consulting, through dialogues with numerous CEOs and human resources managers.
What are the distinctive traits of an inclusive leader?
An inclusive leader must employ skills such as empathy, effective communication, listening, flexibility, openness to change, awareness of diversities, and responsibility. These traits and skills are fundamental in creating a work environment where every person feels valued and respected as an integral part of collective success. An inclusive leader embodies these traits and skills, acting as a guiding beacon for the team and transforming differences into a springboard for innovation and creativity, crucial for the long-term success of an organization.
What impact can this leadership model have on the organization's business areas?
The beneficial effect of inclusive leadership is not limited to the organizational climate alone. It also extends to key business areas such as research and development, marketing, and external communication. The inclusive approach allows for gaining a competitive advantage, enabling companies to better understand the needs of an increasingly diverse and global market. The diversity within the organization reflects positively in the ability to adapt quickly to changing customer needs and to create innovative and meaningful solutions.
Is the presence of inclusive leaders sufficient to truly make an entire company inclusive?
The answer to this question is no: to foster a truly inclusive corporate culture, the presence of inclusive leaders alone is not enough. It is also necessary to invest in training and the development of key skills at all levels of the organization. Promoting open communication and dialogue, awareness of implicit biases, and constructive conflict management are just some of the fundamental elements in building and maintaining an inclusive and stimulating work environment. In conclusion, Inclusive Leadership represents an essential pillar for guiding future business strategies. Through the promotion of diversity and inclusion, ambitious goals such as improving productivity, retaining talents, promoting innovation, and building a strong reputation can be achieved. Investing in the training and development of inclusive skills is a fundamental step towards creating a fair, inclusive, and prosperous work environment for all. Authors
Gabriella Carello – General Manager Consea Human Capital Consulting
Sara Ruffinatti – Senior Consultant Consea Human Capital Consulting
It is very difficult for people working remotely to maintain a work-life balance. As many as 39% of employees admitted that their mental health has suffered as a result of the pandemic (research conducted by Devire). The biggest problems for employees are the feeling of isolation, monotony, uncertainty, stress. A big shock was the complete change in the mode of work – suddenly we stopped going to offices and were locked in houses (often in a small space that had to become our workplace).
Problems related to remote work
What bothered us most often? Definitely, the lack of work-life balance. It was difficult for the employees to organize their day in an effective way. The responsibilities related to the house took up our time and as a result there were tasks that we had to catch up after "leaving work" (in this case, leaving the room where we put the desk). Communication between employees was also difficult. As many as 35% did not have the opportunity to exchange knowledge with a colleague. There is also disinformation (35%), and 20% of respondents point to the lack of efficient flow of information with the boss.
Isolation and loneliness
A sense of seclusion is another important aspect. Locked in the house, we were not able to change the environment. The only way was to go for a walk with the dog (which at one point was the ONLY LEGAL possibility to leave the apartment). Nor can we forget that workers have been isolated from the rest of society together with their families, and this has also been tiring in the long run. Constant attempts to adapt their schedules (meetings) to children's online classes gave rise to conflicts – especially during the first weeks of lockdown. All this caused a lot of emotions that were difficult to cope with. Each of us faced uncertainty. Every day we asked ourselves questions: What's next? How long will it take? Will my position not be abolished? 2 out of 5 employees admitted that their mental health had been significantly affected – 49% of women and 32% of men. They were mainly young people (18-25 years old). Employees over 55 years of age, thanks to their many years of experience, have coped much better with the effects of the pandemic.
How to take care of employees’ motivation?
The most important thing is to pay attention to the differences between employees. Each of us has different needs, and this is often due to our age range. Generational difference is an important aspect that managers need to pay attention to. For example, younger people pay attention to the company's profile. For baby boomers and X generation stability is the most important.
Employees’ mental health
The productivity of each employee is largely due to mental balance, which as a result of the pandemic has unfortunately been severely disturbed. The task of the team leader is to detect the problem, build a strategy and try to eliminate it. For each of us, discipline and clearly set goals are important at work. On the other hand, it is important to have freedom in action and the trust of our boss. In a tricky situation, the employee should know who to go to for help and advice. The organization should also create a culture that emphasizes the preservation of the already mentioned work-life balance. It is important that employees are taught to organize their work well – as a result, they will not have to spend the night to finish an important project. Each stage of the task will have its own deadline. Motivation means also benefits – not only financial ones. The attractiveness of a given position and company itself is influenced by the possibility of development (interesting offers of trainings and workshops). Employees are always looking for a way to gain knowledge, and a good leader should provide them with the best possible access to acquire new skills. Another important aspect is building an integrated community and this is possible – even when working remotely. "Virtual coffees" are a good way to get to know your team members better and a nice way to spend time while working.
What is going to happen next?
The restrictions have long been lifted – even though the virus is still in the air. Many companies have not returned to the traditional mode of work and there are many indications that remote work will stay with us for good. Saving on renting office space is one thing. The second reason is the lack of enthusiasm of employees at the news of the return to stationary mode of work. As many as 61% of respondents want to work from home! We got used to not rushing in the morning to make it to the bus. We do not have to deal with the traffic. Consea and its Consulting Department aim to lead companies and help them implement a culture of attention to issues such as work-life balance or promoting DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) policies. We strongly believe that this goal has such a positive impact on the high level of motivation and productivity of employees working for organizations that have trusted us. Authors: Iga Paszkiewicz - Recruitment Consultant w Consea Executive Search
Beyond Gen Z: Designing Intergenerational Organizations
In recent years, the discussion about the future of work has been increasingly focused on generations. Millennials, Gen Z, Baby Boomers: each group has been assigned its own expectations, vulnerabilities, and demands. But perhaps we’re looking at the topic from a wrong perspective. Gen Z is not a problem to manage. It is a strategic cue. An indicator that many organizational models, as we’ve known them, are no longer sustainable.
When the issue isn’t age, but the system
Gen Z brings clear expectations into the workplace: balance, purpose, flexibility, well-being, and coherence. These requests are often interpreted as “entitlement” or a lack of willingness to make sacrifices. In reality, Gen Z is simply shedding lights on contradictions that already existed within organizations: stated values that are not reflected in everyday practices
leaders who talk about autonomy and ownership but struggle to truly grant it
performance systems still focused on being present rather on how someone contributed It’s not Gen Z that breaks the system. It is the system that is revealing its cracks.
Moving beyond a generational lens
Continuing to interpret change solely through a generational lens risks becoming a shortcut. It shifts attention away from organizational choices and onto individual characteristics, reinforcing stereotypes: “unstable” young people, “resistant” seniors, “squeezed” middle managers. Designing intergenerational organizations requires a shift in perspective:
not asking how to adapt people to the system, but how to redesign the system to include differences in age, experience, and life stage. In these type of organizations: flexibility is not a perk, but a core operating principle
careers are not linear or one-size-fits-all
value is measured in impact, not hours
Rethinking the psychological contract
One of the key challenges lies in the psychological contract between individuals and organizations. For years, it was based on an implicit agreement: loyalty and availability in return for stability and growth. Today, this contract is under strain. Gen Z makes it explicit yet the discomfort cuts across all ages: senior professionals who no longer recognize themselves in hyper-performance models
middle managers under constant pressure
Millennials are expected to act as a bridge between different perspectives. Intergenerational organizations need a psychological contract that is clearer, more explicit and plural; one that can accommodate diverse needs and expectations.
Leadership for complexity, not for age groups
In this context, leadership must evolve deeply. This is not about “understanding Gen Z” or adopting a more accommodating style. What’s needed is leadership capable of: holding the tension between autonomy and accountability
balancing flexibility with results
creating spaces for dialogue without avoiding decision-making Intergenerational organizations need leaders who can design frameworks, not just control behaviors; leaders who can create meaning, not just alignment.
Beyond Generation Z: a strategic choice
Moving away from the centric focus of Gen Z does not mean ignoring its demands rather it means placing them within a broader vision. Companies that work well for Gen Z are often the ones that work better for everyone: they are clearer, more coherent, and more sustainable. The real challenge is not retaining a generation, but building organizations capable of evolving over time, able to integrate different experiences, skills, and perspectives. Beyond Gen Z lies a strategic choice: either continue adapting people to outdated systems, or redesigning systems to embrace human complexity. The future of work depends on this choice. At Consea, we support organizations in designing leadership and collaborative models that value the contribution of all generations. Because the future of worAnteprima (si apre in una nuova scheda)k is not built by setting differences against each other, but by integrating them consciously and strategically.
Maintaining a consistent organizational culture in hybrid and remote work settings
Maintaining a consistent organizational culture in hybrid or remote work is currently one of the biggest challenges faced by leaders and HR departments. When the daily presence in the office disappears, spontaneous interactions, relationships, and the natural transmission of values become more difficult. However, it is possible – it has to be provided by conscious and planned action. 3 out of 4 surveyed HR leaders believe that in the era of remote work, the biggest challenge for HR departments is engaging employees in the company’s culture. Another study involving remote and hybrid employees shows that only 1 in 4 workers feels connected to their organization’s culture – a concerning statistic. It turns out that values and organizational culture are key to employees. 76% say that culture is important or very important for them to perform their work effectively. Additionally, 61% of HR leaders declare that organizational culture is even more important in a hybrid work model than in traditional office settings. Some organizations are trying to return to pre-pandemic conditions by forcing employees back into the office. However, considering the shift in how employees perceive work, this may not be the best idea. People will leave: organizations that mandate a return to the office may lose up to 33% of their workforce! Employees' new expectations include flexibility in terms of workplace and working hours, as well as a greater need for autonomy and influence over what happens in the organization. Employers who aim to build a lasting organizational culture must keep that in mind.
How to nurture organizational culture while embracing the hybrid model?
1. Redefine culture and values Don’t assume that culture will “survive on its own.” In a distributed work model, values and norms must be clearly defined, communicated, and visible in day-to-day operations. 2. Introduce rituals and consistency Regular meetings (e.g., Monday briefings, Thursday open spaces) help maintain rhythm and a sense of community.
Online integration events – virtual coffee breaks, team quizzes, group challenges – are not just “extras,” but ways to sustain team identity. 3. Promote transparency and leader accessibility Culture grows through example. Leaders should be visible, communicate clearly, frequently, and openly. 4. Communication = culture Choose communication channels that reinforce your values – for example, using MS Teams with space for more casual conversations.
It’s worth creating dedicated areas for: celebrating success, expressing gratitude, sharing feedback, posting company memes, and welcoming new team members. 5. Involve people in shaping the culture Ask what works and what doesn’t. Conduct pulse surveys, employee panels, and feedback groups.
Employees who help co-create the culture feel a stronger connection to it – especially in remote settings. 6. Wellbeing and empathy are part of culture too Companies that actively care about employee wellbeing (flexibility, offline time, psychological support) strengthen a culture based on trust and respect. Organizational culture matters from the recruitment stage!
Organizational culture is also one of the elements that can attract potential candidates. Research conducted by HAYS shows that as many as 2/3 of professionals place great importance on how a company's culture is presented at the very start of the recruitment process, i.e., when reading a job offer. Another 23% say their interest in organizational culture is moderate at this stage, while only 8% do not consider it important at all.
Conclusions
A consistent culture in a hybrid model doesn’t develop “by accident.” It requires proactive effort, value-driven leadership, communication-supporting technology, and an empathetic approach to people. Organizational culture is of key importance to employees, as it directly affects their motivation, engagement, efficiency, job satisfaction, and even their decision to stay with or leave the company. It is the foundation that influences every aspect of an employee’s experience within the company. A well-designed and genuinely implemented culture can be an organization's greatest asset! At Consea Group, we focus on building and nurturing our organizational culture – no matter where in the world we are. Although we are a globally distributed team, we stay closely connected and make a conscious effort to maintain strong relationships. We celebrate birthdays and key company milestones together, and once a year we meet online to reflect on our achievements and look ahead. During this annual event, we also take part in virtual games, fun activities, and contests that strengthen our collaboration and foster a true sense of community. Our Team Leaders are in constant contact with us, and whenever any problems or questions arise, we can count on them. The company fosters full transparency and a smooth flow of information. Thanks to this, we feel safe and confident in carrying out our responsibilities. Each of us has access to up-to-date information, which enables us to make informed decisions and collaborate effectively across departments. This kind of organizational culture builds trust, strengthens employee engagement, and makes every day work more rewarding. With an open approach and strong support from our Team Leaders, we feel like part of a team that is working together toward a shared goal. Utrzymanie spójnej kultury organizacyjnej w warunkach hybrydowych i zdalnych
Utrzymanie spójnej kultury organizacyjnej w pracy hybrydowej lub zdalnej to dziś jedno z największych wyzwań dla liderów i działów HR. Gdy znika codzienna obecność w biurze, trudniej o spontaniczne interakcje, więzi i naturalne przenikanie wartości. Ale to możliwe — pod warunkiem świadomego i zaplanowanego działania. 3 na 4 pytanych liderów działów personalnych uważa, że w dobie pracy zdalnej największym wyzwaniem stojącym przed działami HR jest zaangażowanie pracowników w kulturę organizacyjną. Z innego badania, obejmującego pracowników zdalnych i hybrydowych, dowiadujemy się, że tylko 1 na 4 pracowników czuje się związany z kulturą organizacyjną swojej firmy – to niepokojące dane. Okazuje się, że to właśnie wartości i kultura organizacyjna są kluczowe dla pracowników. 76% z nich twierdzi, że kultura jest dla nich ważna lub bardzo ważna, aby mogli skutecznie wykonywać swoją pracę. 61% liderów HR deklaruje, że kultura organizacyjna jest nawet ważniejsza w hybrydowym modelu pracy niż w pracy w biurze. Niektóre organizacje starają się wrócić do sytuacji sprzed pandemii, wymuszając na pracownikach powrót do biura. W obliczu zmiany, jaka zaszła w pracownikach i ich spojrzeniu na pracę, może być to nie najlepszy pomysł. Ludzie będą odchodzić: te organizacje, które będą zmuszały swoich pracowników do powrotu do biur, mogą stracić nawet 33 % swojej załogi! Nowe oczekiwania pracowników z jednej strony związane są z elastycznością dotyczącą miejsca i godzin pracy, a z drugiej, z większą potrzebą samodzielności i wpływu na to, co dzieje się w organizacji. Pracodawcy, którym zależy na stworzeniu trwałej kultury organizacyjnej, powinni mieć to na uwadze.
Jak zadbać o kulturę organizacyjną przy jednoczesnej akceptacji trybu hybrydowego?
1. Zdefiniuj kulturę i wartości – na nowo Nie zakładaj, że kultura „przetrwa sama”. W trybie rozproszonym wartości i normy muszą być jasno zdefiniowane, zakomunikowane i widoczne w codziennych działaniach. 2. Wprowadź rytuały i systematyczność Regularne spotkania (np. poniedziałkowe odprawy, czwartkowe open space’y) pomagają utrzymać rytm i poczucie wspólnoty.
Wydarzenia integracyjne online – wirtualne kawy, wspólne quizy, wyzwania zespołowe – to nie „dodatki”, ale sposób na podtrzymanie tożsamości zespołu. 3. Promuj transparentność i dostępność liderów Kultura rozwija się przez przykład. Liderzy powinni być widoczni, komunikować się jasno, często i otwarcie. 4. Komunikacja = kultura Zadbaj o kanały komunikacji, które wspierają wartości – np. MS Teams z miejscem na „lżejsze” rozmowy.
Warto wydzielić przestrzeń na: sukcesy, wdzięczność, feedback, memy firmowe, powitania nowych osób. 5. Angażuj ludzi w tworzenie kultury Pytaj, co działa, a co nie. Organizuj badania pulsowe, panele pracownicze, grupy feedbackowe.
Pracownicy, którzy współtworzą kulturę, silniej się z nią identyfikują – szczególnie w pracy zdalnej. 6. Wellbeing i empatia to też kultura Firmy, które aktywnie dbają o dobrostan (elastyczność, czas offline, wsparcie psychologiczne), wzmacniają kulturę opartą na zaufaniu i szacunku.
Warto wiedzieć, że kultura organizacyjna jest istotna już na etapie rekrutacji!
Kultura organizacyjna jest także jednym z elementów, które mogą zachęcić lub zniechęcić kandydatów do pracy w danej organizacji. Wyniki przeprowadzone przez HAYS badania pokazują, że aż 2/3 specjalistek i specjalistów przywiązuje dużą wagę do jej opisu już na początkowym etapie rekrutacji, czyli zapoznając się z ofertą potencjalnego pracodawcy. Kolejne 23 proc. deklaruje, że ich zainteresowanie kulturą organizacyjną jest na tym etapie średnie, a tylko 8 proc. nie przywiązuje do niej wówczas żadnej wagi.
Wnioski
Spójna kultura w trybie hybrydowym nie tworzy się „przy okazji”. Wymaga proaktywnych działań, liderów jako nośników wartości, technologii wspierającej komunikację, empatycznego podejścia do ludzi. Kultura organizacyjna firmy ma kluczowe znaczenie dla pracowników, ponieważ bezpośrednio wpływa na ich motywację, zaangażowanie, efektywność, satysfakcję z pracy, a nawet decyzję o pozostaniu lub odejściu z firmy. Jest to fundament, który wpływa na wszystkie aspekty funkcjonowania pracownika w firmie. Dobrze zaprojektowana i autentycznie realizowana kultura może być największym atutem organizacji! W Consea Group przykładamy dużą wagę do budowania i pielęgnowania naszej kultury organizacyjnej – niezależnie od tego, gdzie aktualnie się znajdujemy. Choć jesteśmy zespołem rozproszonym po całym świecie, pozostajemy w stałym kontakcie i dbamy o wzajemne relacje. Świętujemy wspólnie urodziny, ważne wydarzenia firmowe, a raz w roku spotykamy się online, by podsumować nasze osiągnięcia i spojrzeć w przyszłość. Organizujemy wtedy zdalne gry, zabawy i konkursy, które wzmacniają naszą współpracę i budują poczucie wspólnoty. Nasi Team Leaderzy są z nami w stałym kontakcie i w razie jakichkolwiek problemów/ pytań – możemy na nich liczyć. W firmie istnieje pełna transparentność i przepływ informacji. Dzięki temu czujemy się bezpiecznie i pewnie w wykonywaniu naszych obowiązków. Każdy z nas ma dostęp do aktualnych informacji, co pozwala na podejmowanie świadomych decyzji i skuteczną współpracę między działami. Taka kultura organizacyjna buduje zaufanie, wzmacnia zaangażowanie pracowników i sprawia, że codzienna praca staje się bardziej satysfakcjonująca. Dzięki otwartemu podejściu i wsparciu ze strony Team Leaderów, czujemy się częścią zespołu, który razem dąży do wspólnego celu. Author: IgaPaszkiewicz - Recruitment Consultant
We and third parties have selected cookies or similar technologies for technical purposes and, with your consent, also for other purposes ("experience improvement" and "measurement") as specified in the Privacy policy and Cookie policy. You can freely give, refuse or withdraw your consent at any time.You can consent to the use of these technologies by using the "Accept all" button. By closing this information, you continue without accepting.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
