A new Gallup poll shows that hybrid workers feel the most connected to their workplace’s culture.

The data shows that 23% of hybrid workers in the U.S. “strongly agree” that they feel bonded to their company compared to 20% of overall employees, negating the worry among leaders that flexible policies hinder workplace culture.

As a result of healthy engagement levels, employees are 5.2 times more likely to suggest their employer as a place to work, while 68% are less likely to experience burnout.

This indicates that the office is not directly correlated with healthy company culture. But what is it about hybrid arrangements that actually improve the employee experience?

Hybrid work policies make the workplace more purposeful.

When employees are in the office, it’s a necessity. When employees decide to work from home, they are still entrusted to get their work done.

However, Gallup’s poll shows that leaders struggle with the shift to hybrid work as it requires an adjustment in their management style. Instead of having direct oversight into projects and individual tasks, managers have to ensure operations remain equitable and streamlined.

In order to make the transition easier, managers will need more support and training to adequately lead their teams in a distributed work environment. By improving communication lines and incorporating the right tools, hybrid workplace leadership becomes more effective and supportive.