Hybrid work has become a popular option for many U.S. companies, with 74% transitioning to this model. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to hybrid work, and success metrics can vary depending on a company's culture and working style. Unfortunately, many companies fail to measure important aspects of their hybrid work transition, such as productivity improvements. It is important for the entire C-suite to be actively involved in establishing clear success metrics, and for the board to approve them.
Retention and recruitment are important hard and soft success metrics, respectively. Offering more remote work facilitates both, according to surveys of HR leaders and employees. A key metric, performance, may be harder or easier to measure depending on the nature of the work. Collaboration and innovation are critical metrics that rely on qualitative assessments. Other important metrics include morale, engagement, well-being, diversity, equity, inclusion, and professional and leadership development. Measuring these metrics requires qualitative and subjective approaches, such as surveys and focus groups.
Once the baseline data for these metrics are established, the C-suite can weigh their importance relative to each other and decide on a course of action for their permanent hybrid model. It is important to note that each company has its own culture, systems, and processes, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to hybrid work success metrics.