By: Adam Torkildson
After the precautions of COVID-19, many businesses have maintained hybrid or remote work models. While some bosses express concerns about decreased productivity or sunk costs in office space, there remains a growing need for managers to adapt to hybrid work and its unique demands.
Lucas Birdsall, a Vancouver businessman known for his leadership and client relations skills, has guided many companies into this new work era. Birdsall’s advice on remote leadership offers insights for leaders aiming to sustain productivity and culture in this evolving business landscape.
“In 2025, remote leadership isn’t just about managing from afar ‒ it’s about creating an environment where people thrive, whether in the office or working from home,” Birdsall explains.
While remote and mixed work models appear to have staying power, companies worldwide are experimenting with flexible work settings, letting employees choose work locations based on needs and tasks. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring leaders to rethink team management, communication, and productivity.
“The mixed model encourages leaders to think strategically about balancing company needs with employees’ desired flexibility,” Birdsall notes.
The mixed model has found success in Vancouver, where innovation and flexibility keep businesses competitive. But leadership must evolve as well. Managers accustomed to overseeing daily tasks in person must now focus on building trust, encouraging teamwork, and maintaining a cohesive culture across locations and time zones.
Technology provides vital tools for remote leadership, offering leaders resources to manage teams effectively from anywhere. Tools like video calls, project management platforms, and instant messaging systems help teams stay connected and monitor progress.
For Birdsall, successful remote leadership involves selecting the right tech platform for the company and fully integrating it into the workflow. Leaders benefit from using diverse tools that foster collaboration, creativity, and engagement, rather than relying solely on video calls.
One of the most significant challenges leaders face today in a mixed work environment is maintaining a strong company culture. In traditional offices, culture grows through casual chats and shared moments. In a mixed model, leaders must find innovative ways to foster belonging and unity among employees split between office and home.
“Company culture thrives on relationships. In a mixed model, leaders should create opportunities for connection. Virtual team activities or regular check-ins can help teams feel valued, involved, and part of something bigger,” says Birdsall.
Leaders who excel in remote settings prioritize personal interactions, whether through virtual coffee breaks or informal chats during meetings. They emphasize trust, open communication, and ensuring every employee feels included and empowered.
Another important aspect of leadership is focusing on employee well-being. As remote work continues to gain traction, leaders face the dual challenge of driving performance while supporting employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. While remote work offers flexibility, it can blur the lines between work and personal life, sometimes leading to burnout.
“Leaders must proactively promote well-being and work-life balance in a mixed model. This includes enabling employees to manage their responsibilities while supporting their professional growth,” Birdsall concludes.
In Vancouver, a city renowned for innovation and work-life balance, many companies incorporate mental health support, flexible schedules, and wellness programs into their hybrid work strategies. By focusing on these elements, leaders can help build a more resilient and engaged workforce, prepared to navigate a shifting business landscape.
As businesses continue adapting to remote and mixed work, leadership roles will grow in significance. Leaders who manage remote teams effectively, build inclusive and supportive cultures, and prioritize employee well-being will thrive in this new era. The most successful leaders will be those who embrace empathy, flexibility, and vision, enabling their organizations to stay innovative, resilient, and ready for future challenges.
Published by Tom W.
