The debate around hybrid working has been reignited recently by comments from Lord Rose, the former boss of Marks & Spencer and Asda, who warned that remote working is creating a generation “not doing proper work.” Speaking to BBC Panorama, he suggested that home working is part of the UK economy’s “general decline” and that employee productivity is suffering.
But is the issue really so clear-cut? At Call of the Wild, we see that the conversation about hybrid working is far more nuanced. While it has its challenges, hybrid working also offers undeniable benefits for flexibility and work-life balance. The real question isn’t whether hybrid working is good or bad—it’s about what works for your organisation and, most importantly, your people.
This is where we believe businesses should focus their attention: equipping leaders and managers with the tools they need to support their teams effectively, whether they’re working in the office, remotely, or in a hybrid setup.
The Challenge of Hybrid Working
Since the pandemic, many organisations have adopted hybrid working as the new normal. But with this shift comes a unique set of challenges. How do leaders maintain team motivation? How do they identify potential wellbeing concerns when day-to-day interactions are virtual? And how do they preserve a positive company culture without the spontaneous “water cooler moments” that office environments naturally provide?
Increasingly, we’re hearing from business leaders who are surprised by resignations, underperformance, or increased absenteeism in their teams. Without face-to-face interaction, it’s easy to miss the subtle signs—body language, tone of voice, or general demeanor—that something might be wrong.
In a hybrid working world, leaders risk becoming overly task-focused, neglecting the human element that drives team success. And while video calls and virtual break-out rooms have their place, they’re no substitute for the creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving that come from real-world interactions.
Introducing the Hybrid Working Team Wellness Programme
To help organisations navigate these challenges, Call of the Wild has created the Hybrid Working Team Wellness Programme, a comprehensive initiative designed to assess and enhance team dynamics in hybrid work settings.
Based in the stunning surroundings of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), our programme combines behavioural assessments with hands-on, in-person activities. It’s about reconnecting teams, understanding their current levels of motivation, and identifying what support they need to thrive. From mental health awareness to improving communication, we offer tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of your organisation.
Why Face-to-Face Interaction Matters
While hybrid working has its advantages, the value of face-to-face interaction cannot be overstated. Those unplanned conversations at the coffee machine or during lunch breaks are more than just social moments. They’re opportunities for problem-solving, sharing ideas, and building stronger working relationships.
As Call of the Wild Director Mark Soanes puts it: “We’ve underestimated how much we learned and connected during those informal office interactions. Without them, it’s easy for leaders to overlook issues that might be brewing within their teams. Hybrid working requires leaders to work smarter, not harder, to ensure their teams feel supported and connected.”
What Can Leaders Do?
If you’re managing a hybrid team, here are some key actions you can take to strengthen your team dynamic:
- Engage Regularly: Make time for face-to-face meetings where possible, even if it’s just a quarterly gathering.
- Communicate Openly: Create a culture of openness where team members feel comfortable sharing challenges.
- Invest in Wellbeing: Understand the emotional and mental health needs of your team and provide support accordingly.
- Focus on People, Not Just Tasks: Pay attention to the human side of your team—their motivations, concerns, and aspirations.
A Natural Classroom for Connection
At Call of the Wild, we believe that the natural world offers a unique space for teams to reconnect and thrive. The Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, with its rugged peaks, cascading waterfalls, and serene green valleys, provides the perfect environment to step away from the stresses of the day-to-day and focus on team development.
Through our Hybrid Working Team Wellness Programme, we’ll help your team rediscover the power of real-world interactions, build resilience, and create a positive working culture that supports both performance and wellbeing.
Let’s Work Together
Hybrid working isn’t going away, but it doesn’t have to hold your team back. By understanding the unique needs of your workforce and equipping your leaders with the skills to support them effectively, you can ensure your organisation thrives in this new era of work.
To find out more about the Hybrid Working Team Wellness Programme, contact us at Team@callofthewild.co.uk or call us on 01639 700 388 to create a bespoke plan for your organisation. Let’s make hybrid working work for you.