Building a culture of trust, productivity, and collaboration in a changing workplace.
As more companies call their employees back to the office, the conversation around workplace flexibility has never been more relevant. At Pigler Automation, we’ve embraced a hybrid work model that balances flexibility with in-person collaboration, creating an environment where employees can do their best work.
Rather than focusing on where work happens, we prioritize how it happens. Our hybrid model is designed to foster trust, productivity, and strong relationships—both within our team and with our customers.
Trust Over Surveillance: A Different Approach to Productivity
Many companies require in-office attendance out of concern for productivity. We see it differently. “If productivity is measured by whether someone is at their desk, there may be a better approach,” says President Chris Balster.
Instead of relying on physical oversight, we focus on setting clear expectations and giving employees the support they need to succeed. Over the years, we’ve learned that when people feel trusted, they take more ownership of their work. Since adopting a flexible work model, our productivity has significantly increased—not because of micromanagement, but because our team is engaged, motivated, and accountable.
Expanding the Talent Pool: Hiring the Best Fit, Not Just the Closest
One major benefit of a hybrid approach is access to a broader talent pool. Rather than limiting hiring to a specific metro area, we can bring in the best talent, no matter where they live.
“We’ve been able to find people who truly fit our team,” Balster explains. “That’s been invaluable—not just for technical expertise, but for building a strong, cohesive culture.”
For certain roles, location does matter; when that’s the case, we’re upfront about it. But for most positions, what matters more than geography is a candidate’s skills, values, and ability to collaborate effectively.
Collaboration Without Borders
One of the biggest concerns about remote and hybrid work is the potential loss of organic collaboration. That’s something we’ve worked to address by intentionally creating opportunities for in-person connection.
We hold full-team summits twice a year and leadership gatherings four times a year, giving our teams the chance to build relationships beyond virtual meetings. These in-person events are about more than just business updates—they help reinforce our culture, create a sense of camaraderie, and ensure that when we do collaborate remotely, it feels natural and effective.
Day to day, we rely on tools like Microsoft Teams to keep everyone connected. “Video calls, document sharing, and real-time collaboration have become second nature to us,” says Balster. “In some cases, it’s actually easier than being in an office.”
A Culture That Puts People First
For us, hybrid work isn’t just about policies—it’s about culture. We make a conscious effort to ensure that our team members, no matter where they are, feel included and valued. Weekly check-ins, mentorship programs, and a culture of peer recognition all play a role in making sure that no one feels like they’re working in isolation.
This focus on culture extends to our customer relationships, too. “One of our clients recently told us, ‘You guys just have a really cool team,’” Balster recalls. “That kind of feedback matters—it means that our internal culture is visible in the way we work with customers.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Work Is Flexible
While some companies are still figuring out their post-pandemic work strategies, we’ve found that offering flexibility has helped us attract and retain great people. It’s also strengthened our ability to support customers across different locations and time zones.
For leaders who are hesitant about embracing hybrid or remote work, Balster offers this perspective: “Challenge your assumptions. If your only reason for bringing people back is ‘that’s how we’ve always done it,’ that’s not a good enough reason. The world is changing, and companies that embrace flexibility will be the ones that thrive.”
At Pigler Automation, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. What we do believe in is empowering people to do their best work—wherever that may be.
The conversation about hybrid work is evolving, and we’d love to hear your thoughts! Join the discussion and stay updated by following Pigler Automation on LinkedIn. Let’s shape the future of work together!
