Every hybrid team needs a KPI for joy, says HR expert

Is everyone satisfied with their jobs right now? According to the State of the Global Workplace Report by management consulting firm Gallup, 21% of employees feel engaged at work while 33% said that their overall well-being is thriving. 

The reason for this? The extended remote and flexible working arrangements given to employees around the world. 

People loved the freedom of working at home and on their own time. In fact, most workers feel more productive away from the watchful eyes of their managers. 

And since productivity is proven to not be limited within the office, going back to on-site working can feel a lot less useful than churning out a workday in your home office. 

But despite embracing a better working model throughout 2020 and 2021, 44% of Gallup’s respondents shared they still went through a lot of stress just within the last day. 

Why? This may be rooted in the feeling of isolation while working at home. 

For all its benefits, remote working does not create bonds, relationships, connectivity, loyalty, trust, or a deeply-rooted social network within the organization.

So, how can managers and team leaders solve this? Megan Smith, head of HR for SAP North America, said that every hybrid team should include a KPI of joy at work.

According to Smith, it is becoming equally as important— or maybe even more important— for a team manager to foster greater belonging and purpose within the organization. 

Obviously, there is not going to be a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to employee engagement and well-being. But, the Gallup study emphasized that, above all else, employees just want to be treated fairly and understood. 

So, the HR expert advised managers to start by making sure everyone understands and embraces their role—and feeling like they’re a valuable part of the team.

Smith explained simply like this: People need to understand why they are being told what to do, and wherever possible, they would like to be empowered to have a say in it.

And maybe this KPI of joy could help build a hybrid working team that feels engaged, fulfilled, and empowered in their lines of work. 

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