This article was originally published in 2021 and updated in 2025 to keep our readers up-to-date with the latest in organisational performance and team dynamics.
What is hybrid working, and why does it matter?
Hybrid working blends remote and in-office work, giving team members the autonomy to choose their work environment. For some, this means working from home a few days a week; for others, it might involve choosing the location that best suits their tasks on any given day. It has emerged as the preferred model for forward-thinking organisations and has become essential for attracting top talent, as many people now prioritise flexibility when evaluating job opportunities.
But the hybrid workplace isn’t just about meeting employee preferences—it’s about creating an environment where employees can perform their best work.
Navigating this hybrid working model requires intentionality. From maintaining productivity and innovation to fostering social connections, organisations must be deliberate in how they implement hybrid strategies. Success in this space hinges on understanding how employees think, work, and thrive in flexible environments.
If we could get inside the minds of and ‘see’ how our colleagues prefer to think, then perhaps we could better understand how they work best and support them to get the most from their career. At Herrmann, we do this using Whole Brain® Thinking.
Understanding your team with Whole Brain® Thinking
In order to thrive in a changing world we can use the lenses of Whole Brain® Thinking to understand what motivates certain people, and how we can help them do their best work.
The HBDI® is based on the Whole Brain® Model, a metaphor for how people tend to use their brains and how their thinking works. In the Whole Brain® Model, thinking falls into four preferences of equal importance that everyone can access:
- Upper Left (Blue A Quadrant) specialises in logical, analytical, quantitative, fact-based thinking.
- Lower Left (Green B Quadrant) focuses on details and specialises in planning, organising, and sequencing information.
- Lower Right (Red C Quadrant) places a priority on feelings and the interpersonal, emotional and kinesthetic aspects of a situation.
- Upper Right (Yellow D Quadrant) synthesises and integrates information and is more intuitive and holistic in its thinking.
The four-colour quadrant graphic and Whole Brain® are registered trademarks of Herrmann Global, LLC. ©2021 Herrmann Global, LLC
By identifying these thinking styles, managers can tailor tasks, environments, and workflows to maximise employee engagement and productivity in a hybrid working setup.
Why hybrid working is here to stay
Several factors have solidified the hybrid working model as the new standard for modern businesses:
- Employee Expectations: Flexible work options are now a top priority for job seekers, especially among younger generations who value work-life balance and autonomy.
- Technological Advancements: Tools like video conferencing, cloud collaboration platforms, and project management software make it easier than ever to work effectively from anywhere.
- Increased Productivity: Studies show that employees who can choose their work environment often achieve higher levels of focus and efficiency.
This shift aligns with broader workplace trends, such as a focus on mental health, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a push for more sustainable business practices.
Practical strategies for managing a hybrid workplace
Here are actionable steps to effectively manage a hybrid workplace
- Prioritise communication
Use clear and consistent communication channels to keep everyone aligned.
- Invest in technology
Equip employees with the tools they need to succeed, such as high-quality video conferencing equipment, secure cloud platforms, and ergonomic home office setups.
- Promote flexibility
Empower employees to choose the environment that best suits their tasks, while maintaining core collaboration hours to ensure team cohesion.
- Measure outcomes, not hours
Focus on results rather than time spent at a desk. Establish clear goals and track progress to ensure accountability.
- Foster inclusion
Regularly assess whether all employees—remote and in-office—feel equally valued and supported.
Whole Brain® Thinking and flexible work
Hybrid working has blurred the lines between home and office, turning family members or housemates into unexpected “colleagues”—and sometimes our biggest distractions. By using Whole Brain® Thinking and understanding your HBDI® profile, you can harness your natural strengths to work smarter and more effectively.
Start your day with tasks outside your comfort zone to preserve energy for later. As a manager, align team schedules and assignments with each member’s thinking style. This thoughtful approach can boost productivity, reduce stress, and create harmony in today’s flexible work environment.
Using the HBDI® to find your balance
Team members and managers can use the HBDI® to understand how to get the best out of themselves and others in a hybrid working model. The HBDI® also gives your people the tools to recognise that they’re not going to be great at everything (and that’s okay).
How to Support Different Thinkers in a Hybrid Working Model
Upper Left (Blue A Quadrant)
- Characteristics: Focus on logic, accuracy, and facts.
- Support Tips: Assign analytical tasks during remote workdays and reserve office time for collaborative problem-solving. Provide clear data and measurable goals.
Lower Left (Green B Quadrant)
- Characteristics: Thrive on structure, planning, and routine.
- Support Tips: Offer detailed task guidelines and consistent schedules. While they may prefer remote work, occasional in-office days can boost teamwork.
Lower Right (Red C Quadrant)
- Characteristics: Value connection, collaboration, and empathy.
- Support Tips: Ensure opportunities for social interaction, whether in-person or virtual. Help them navigate quieter office days by providing tools for virtual collaboration.
Upper Right (Yellow D Quadrant)
- Characteristics: Seek flexibility, creativity, and the big picture.
- Support Tips: Encourage a mix of remote and in-office work to balance brainstorming and focused execution. Foster an environment where experimentation is celebrated.
The bottom line: The future of work is hybrid
The hybrid working model represents a profound shift; it’s a transformation in how businesses operate and succeed.
By combining the flexibility employees crave with the structure organisations need, the hybrid workplace offers a win-win solution.
To excel in this space, businesses must go beyond implementing hybrid policies—they need to optimise them. Whole Brain® Thinking provides the framework to understand diverse employee preferences, foster collaboration, and drive innovation.
Interested in learning more about Whole Brain® Thinking and how it can help your team and business reach its full potential? Get in touch with Herrmann today.
