The Future of Work: How Hybrid Models Are Reshaping Productivity, Talent Management, and Culture

  • Published May 29, 2025
  • / By Jacqueline Lewis

The workplace has undergone a radical transformation in recent years, with hybrid work emerging as the new standard for many organizations. What was once an emergency response to a global pandemic has now become a strategic shift—one that organizations are fine-tuning to balance productivity, culture, and employee well-being. 

A recent Marts&Lundy Special Report, Fundraising in the Flex Era, offers a deep dive into how nonprofit advancement offices have adapted to this shift. From policy changes to technology investments, the findings reveal key insights into the future of work. 

Hybrid Work: The New Normal 

Before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, 81% of advancement teams worked entirely on-site. Today, only 10% remain fully in-office, while 55% of organizations have transitioned to a hybrid model, allowing employees to split their time between home and office. The rest have adopted various flexible models, with only 2% operating fully remotely. 

This shift isn’t just about convenience—it’s a deliberate effort to give employees greater control and flexibility over their work environments, while ensuring that organizations can recruit and retain the best talent. Organizations are setting designated in-office days to maintain team cohesion and productivity. 

How Organizations Are Adapting 

Organizations aren’t just letting hybrid work happen; they’re actively shaping it through strategic investments in technology, office design, and policy updates: 

  • Technology Integration: Platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, and Asana have become essential for seamless communication and project management. 
  • Office Space Reconfiguration: Traditional office setups are giving way to hoteling desks, shared workspaces, and flexible layouts to accommodate fluctuating in-office attendance. 
  • Intentional In-Person Engagement: Organizations are scheduling team retreats, town halls, and social gatherings to maintain culture and collaboration. 
  • New Work Policies: Clear hybrid work policies and performance accountability measures can help teams navigate expectations and responsibilities. 

The Recruitment & Retention Advantage 

The ability to offer hybrid work is proving to be a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top talent. Candidates increasingly expect flexibility, and many ask about remote options during interviews. 

For existing employees, hybrid work has improved work-life balance, morale, and overall job satisfaction. Organizations that offer flexible work arrangements report higher retention rates, while those requiring full in-office attendance note challenges to fill roles. However, challenges remain, particularly in onboarding new employees and ensuring entry-level staff receive adequate mentorship and supervision. 

Does Hybrid Work Impact Productivity? 

One of the biggest concerns about hybrid work is whether it affects productivity—particularly in fundraising, where relationship-building is key. The findings suggest that a well-structured hybrid model can actually enhance productivity: 

  • Organizations with hybrid policies have seen record fundraising years, with frontline fundraisers benefiting from increased flexibility. 
  • Reduced commute times allow employees to spend more time on donor outreach and strategic initiatives. 
  • Virtual meetings have made it easier to connect with more donors, more frequently, while in-person meetings remain a priority for deeper relationship-building. 

While some challenges exist, such as maintaining team cohesion and creativity, many organizations have found ways to overcome them through intentional communication and structured in-office time. 

The Future of Hybrid Work 

As hybrid work continues to evolve, organizations must strike a balance between flexibility and collaboration. The most successful models are those that are intentional, structured, and responsive to employee and organizational needs. By embracing technology, refining policies, and fostering in-person connections, organizations can harness the best of both worlds. 

The takeaway? Hybrid work isn’t just a trend—it’s a long-term shift in how we define productivity, engagement, and workplace culture. Organizations that adapt thoughtfully will not only attract top talent but also drive innovation and success in the years to come. 

Download the report by filling out the form below to see the full analysis.