The way we work has changed, and marketing teams are feeling the impact more than most. Some businesses are bringing everyone back to the office, while others have fully embraced hybrid or remote setups. But which model actually supports creativity, collaboration, and productivity the best?
The answer isn’t straightforward, it depends on the nature of the work, the team dynamic, and what helps people perform at their best. However, a recent poll run by our recruitment partner, Ben, revealed that work-life balance is the biggest priority for marketing professionals right now, with 63% of respondents selecting it as their top motivator. This far outweighed overall job satisfaction (17%), salary (13%), and job security (7%).
This data highlights a key shift: while salary and security remain important, many marketers are making career decisions based on how a role fits into their life, rather than the other way around. So, how does that play into remote, hybrid, and office-based working models?
Remote Work: Expanding Possibilities or Losing Connection?
A fully remote setup opens up access to a wider talent pool and can support deep-focus tasks without office distractions. It also offers greater flexibility, which many marketers value. However, without in-person interaction, teams can sometimes struggle with spontaneous idea generation and maintaining a strong company culture. While remote working provides a sense of autonomy, businesses must have strong communication strategies and a culture of trust to make it work.
Hybrid Work: A Balance Between Focus and Collaboration
For many marketing teams, hybrid working offers the best of both worlds. It allows focused work at home while still creating space for collaboration in the office. However, true flexibility is key, if hybrid models come with rigid expectations that aren’t aligned with employees’ needs, they can feel just as restrictive as full-time office work. Companies that offer a genuinely adaptable approach, rather than a one-size-fits-all policy, are likely to see greater engagement and retention.
Office-Based Work: Driving Creativity or Limiting Flexibility?
Being in the same space makes it easier to collaborate, problem-solve, and build a strong team culture. But for many marketers, strict office-based roles can feel outdated. A rigid approach to office attendance may limit access to talent and potentially impact retention, particularly as candidates prioritise roles that allow them to balance work with personal commitments. If businesses expect a full return to the office, they need to clearly communicate the benefits—whether that’s enhanced learning, team culture, or opportunities for mentorship.
Work-Life Balance: More Than Just a Buzzword
Ben’s LinkedIn poll results reinforced what we’re seeing in conversations with candidates - work-life balance isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’ anymore; it’s a deciding factor in career moves. And it looks different for everyone. For some, it’s about flexible hours and the ability to pick up their children from school. For others, it’s about having the option to take a break when inspiration strikes (or when the surf is looking good).
Here are some of the key elements of work-life balance that marketers are prioritising:
Truly flexible working arrangements
Clear boundaries
A culture that respects personal time
What’s the Best Model for Marketing Teams?
For most marketing teams, hybrid tends to be the most effective model, it allows for deep work, flexibility, and in-person collaboration where it matters most. But ultimately, success comes down to giving teams both structure and autonomy to work in a way that drives results.
If businesses want to attract and retain top marketing talent, they need to acknowledge the priorities that candidates have right now. Offering a competitive salary and job security is important, but it’s clear that flexibility, balance, and job satisfaction are what truly make a difference.
What’s your experience? Has your team adapted its working model, or are you sticking with a more traditional setup? If you're looking for advice on this subject, we're always here to answer any questions you might have.