By Liv Sampair
Many companies are transitioning from their pandemic-era remote work environments to hybrid or in-person settings. The debate over which is best for productivity is important, but it’s just one part of a much larger challenge: developing cultures that cultivate happiness.
Happier people get more done.
In a 2019 study, Oxford University found that happy workers are 13% more productive. When COVID led to a widespread move away from working in the office, many people discovered they were happier working from home, leading to an increase in productivity.
Are remote workers more productive?
Most companies I work with now hire almost exclusively for in-person work. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) examined 61 industries and found that the increase in remote work had a (mostly) positive effect on total factor productivity (TFP). Some industries even saw this effect before the pandemic. Despite this data, we are seeing companies move away from remote work in 2025.
Wouldn’t we all be better off working from home?
While BLS found an increase in remote productivity across many industries, the data show a decrease in others. And what about people who can’t work from home, like waitstaff and retail workers? While remote and hybrid work may boost happiness and productivity at some companies in some industries, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
There are some things we just can’t do remotely.
Early every morning before I start my day as a recruiter, I coach a fitness class. Everyone in the class brings energy and motivation: we lift each other up and create a positive atmosphere. When the pandemic lockdown began, I found myself alone in the fitness center coaching a camera. When we couldn’t show up together, the collective energy was gone. For many teams, finding motivation starts with being there for each other, in person.
There’s no need to rush back to or away from the office.
Some teams, like ours, thrive in an energetic culture based on daily in-person collaboration. Others are most successful when connecting remotely. If your company is considering a shift from one mode to another, it’s important to consult your team and account for how the change would affect them when making your decision.
Work culture goes beyond the setting.
Deciding between in-person and remote work is a significant part of culture, but it’s not everything. From in-office perks like free food and drinks to gym membership reimbursements that promote wellness no matter where you are, there are countless ways for companies to support their teams on and off the job.
Small changes with big impact.
If you start by focusing on small changes, you might be surprised to see how much of a positive effect they have on both happiness and productivity. Something as simple as offering PTO for birthdays can be a great first step in developing a culture based on appreciation.
Keep the whole team involved.
The in-office vs remote vs hybrid work debate is just one piece of the puzzle of how we prioritize happiness in our workplaces. By developing and nurturing a workplace culture based on shared values, high productivity will naturally follow. This can only be achieved by strong communication between leadership and teams to understand what those shared values are.
We can help.
Hiring people who will thrive in your organization’s culture is a key part of upholding your values. If your team is growing, SRG Stillwater can help you find the right leader or candidate, whether your team works in-person, remotely, or hybrid. Learn about our Direct Hire and Executive Recruiting services, or contact us.