Effect of hybrid working models in the Swiss financial industry

Purpose This empirical research explores the consequences of shifting from traditional work to hybrid working in the Swiss financial industry and its impact on employee engagement as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers and their team members of four different Swiss financial services companies. The interviews took place between January and April 2023. A thematic analysis was adopted to review the interview transcripts. Findings The findings reveal that hybrid working models have influenced employee engagement, highlighting two major shifts: growing significance of social engagement and personal satisfaction. Originality/value This article offers new insights into the effect of the transition from traditional office-based work to hybrid working models on employee engagement in the Swiss financial industry. It contributes to the literature by extending Kahn's framework of employee engagement. The results may help practitioners better understand employee expectations and respond to them by balancing autonomy with opportunities for social interaction.