Insights From Forbes Human Resources Council
As workforces become increasingly distributed, human resources teams play a pivotal role in building and maintaining company culture. In a recent Forbes Human Resources Council article, 17 top HR experts—including Crawford Thomas Recruiting President, William Stonehouse III—shared how HR professionals can act as cultural architects and community builders in hybrid and remote work environments.
The article emphasizes that with fewer organic, in-person interactions, it’s up to HR to create intentional systems and experiences that keep employees engaged, connected, and aligned with organizational values.
Here are some of the standout strategies explored by the experts:
- Intentional Connection: HR can cultivate culture by designing systems, rituals, and spaces that foster human connection, whether through virtual onboarding, in-person meetups, or recognition programs.
- Empowering Managers: Managers become the “face” of the company in hybrid settings, and HR must equip them to deliver a consistent, positive employee experience.
- Strategic Communication: Clear, purpose-driven communication is key to reinforcing culture, ensuring everyone understands and embodies company values.
- Inclusive Design: By listening to employees and prioritizing empathy, HR leaders can create inclusive cultures that thrive regardless of where team members are based.
- Embedding Values: HR needs to codify culture into processes, systems, and daily behaviors to prevent cultural drift in remote settings.
William Stonehouse’s Advice:
Our President, William Stonehouse III, highlighted HR’s role as the glue that holds a distributed culture together. He shared that HR must lead engagement, communication, and well-being initiatives across all locations. By championing flexibility, inclusivity, and innovation, HR can create a workplace where employees thrive—no matter where they work.
“HR drives engagement and well-being initiatives that reinforce values across teams, championing flexibility and innovation so people can thrive anywhere,” Stonehouse explained in the Forbes feature.
A Shoutout:
A big thank you to the Forbes Human Resources Council and the 17 outstanding experts who contributed their insights to this essential discussion on how HR can shape culture in today’s evolving workplace.
About Crawford Thomas Recruiting
At Crawford Thomas Recruiting, we help employers across industries find and hire exceptional talent to strengthen their teams and drive results. As an award-winning national recruiting firm, we offer contingency-based recruiting solutions designed to make hiring stress-free, efficient, and effective. From sourcing top candidates to ensuring cultural alignment, your next great hire is only a click away.