A new workplace study highlights how managers play a pivotal role in shaping organizational culture and driving employee engagement. By acting as culture catalysts, managers influence trust, belonging, and motivation, especially in hybrid environments. The findings emphasize leadership behavior as central to sustaining morale and performance in evolving workplaces.
Shaping Culture Through Leadership
Workplace culture in 2026 is increasingly being shaped by managers who act as everyday leaders rather than relying solely on HR programs or corporate slogans. Infosys HR leader Ragini Rabindra noted that managers who consciously foster trust, values alignment, and psychological safety are seeing stronger engagement outcomes.
Engagement In Hybrid Workplaces
The study illustrates how hybrid work challenges, such as dispersed teams and declining engagement scores, can be addressed when managers reimagine their role as culture shapers. By focusing on authentic communication, fairness, and adaptability, managers are able to rebuild morale and retain talent.
Key Highlights
Managers are emerging as culture catalysts in hybrid workplaces
Leadership behavior directly impacts trust, belonging, and engagement
Hybrid work challenges require authentic communication and fairness
Values alignment and psychological safety are critical for retention
Employee surveys show improved engagement when managers lead cultural change
Impact And Reflection
The findings underscore that culture is not built through perks or policies alone but through everyday leadership moments. Managers who embrace this responsibility can transform workplaces into resilient, inclusive, and future-ready ecosystems.
Final Takeaway
When managers actively shape culture, engagement follows, creating workplaces that thrive on trust, adaptability, and purpose.
Sources: BW People, LinkedIn, Economic Times