Not too long ago, workplace culture revolved around those casual chats at the watercooler, where people gathered to share ideas informally. But now, with the rise of remote and hybrid work, technology has taken over in shaping how we connect at work. Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Discord enable communication both inside and outside the office. Companies are also using ’employee engagement platforms’ such as Workvivo, Workleap, and BambooHR to create a top-down sense of workplace culture using news, rewards, and even custom TV channels.
As hybrid working continues to grow, the traditional 9-5, five-day workweek is fading away. However, some big companies are encouraging return-to-office (RTO) policies. A survey by Resume Builder found that 90% of companies with office space plan to have employees back in the office by the end of the year. Among those who have returned, 75% reported a better work culture and 81% noted increased productivity. Unfortunately, RTO has also led to worse worker retention in 19% of cases.
Barclays Bank and Boots are two companies requiring employees to be in the office five days a week, citing concerns about company culture. However, some organizations are taking a more flexible approach. For example, UK civil servants are expected to spend at least 60% of their workweek in the office, and Zoom, despite its own survey finding 70% of staff prefer flexibility, now requires two office days a week.
Even with these efforts to bring employees back, hybrid work is still widespread. A recent ONS survey revealed that 44% of UK workers operate outside the traditional office setting, with 28% being hybrid workers and 16% working from home exclusively.
One key challenge for organizations is creating strong connections among remote teams. It’s essential for people to feel like they belong to the company, not just work for it. Plus Docs suggests using fun icebreakers like "How many years of your life would you trade for $1 billion?" to help colleagues bond. Good leadership also plays a crucial role. CryptoOracle’s Collective Accelerator, led by AI veteran Eric Bravick, educates leaders on using technology to enhance workplace culture and connectivity.
To boost employee engagement, companies like Virgin have launched tech-driven initiatives. Virgin Family, for instance, uses Zoom’s Workvivo to connect its 60,000 staff across nearly 40 companies. Features include ‘brand central’ for learning to be a brand ambassador and ‘wiggle room’ for sharing fun pet photos. Unilever has embraced tech to improve staff well-being and productivity, with all key processes accessible online and an AI-driven talent marketplace called FLEX Experiences.
AI tools also drive productivity by creating internal job opportunities and helping track employee work hours with tools like TimeCamp. They even streamline tasks like presentation production with platforms such as PlusDocs, allowing employees to focus on more strategic work.
While concerns about remote work productivity exist, technology is undoubtedly transforming workplace culture and boosting productivity. By digitizing resource management, companies can manage their people, equipment, materials, and locations more effectively than with traditional tools like Excel.
Ultimately, technology has reshaped workplace culture. Conversations once held at the watercooler or boardroom now happen via Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom, offering businesses a chance to enhance productivity with AI tools. For employees, the flexibility to work anywhere and tackle creative tasks instead of mundane ones is a clear advantage. Despite its benefits, technology brings challenges too. Employees need to feel connected to their peers and company to be truly engaged. Managers must ensure regular face-to-face interactions to support physical and mental well-being, while leaders should blend online tools with in-person activities to forge a strong workplace culture. This balanced approach is key to achieving business success.
Chris Price, a freelance tech journalist since the 1990s, edits tech blogs TechDigest.tv and ShinyShiny.tv and contributes to publications like The Daily Telegraph and TechRadar. An avid outdoor swimmer, he’s also a certified lifeguard.
