When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional ways of working, Lunne was well-positioned with the structure and technology needed to adapt to remote work quickly. This adaptability allowed us to harness the unique talents of our team, ensuring we could continue delivering creative and strategic solutions to our diverse range of clients.
Since then, we have adopted a hybrid work model in which team members split their time between remote work and hours in our Dayton, Charlotte, or Columbus offices each week.
Managing thousands of projects and nearly 50 people in this hybrid model has presented challenges, but it has also allowed us to uncover key strategies for success.
Here are five lessons we’ve learned along the way:
1. An all-hands or operations call sets the tone for a successful week.
At Lunne, we begin every week with a 30-minute kickoff that ensures everyone is on the same page. This session offers a high-level overview of agency updates, marketing, culture, and workflow announcements, as well as each team’s top three priorities for the week. We keep workloads manageable, ensure clear communication, and identify areas where extra support may be needed. The meeting closes with the opportunity for any team to share creative wins and campaigns. This quick check-in has become a powerful tool that helps us stay connected, aligned, and focused for the week ahead.
2. With the right structure, effective brainstorming can happen anywhere.
Initially, we believed effective ideation could only happen in person. We relied heavily on face-to-face interactions, quick exchanges of ideas, and the momentum that comes from working side by side. That’s why we still encourage clients to meet with us in person whenever possible—we believe there’s real power in being together. At the same time, we’ve learned that virtual brainstorming, when supported by the right tools and structure, can lead to great outcomes. Having a core team of at least three people together in a central location, with others joining remotely, has proven to be a strong hybrid model. Tools like digital whiteboards and chat platforms help capture the energy of in-person sessions while allowing us to work efficiently across locations. This approach allows us to maintain high-quality collaboration while making space for flexibility.
3. A two-day in-office routine helps us stay connected while still giving us flexibility.
We’ve found that having everyone spend two days a week in the office creates a good balance between flexibility and face-to-face collaboration. Rather than enforcing strict schedules, team members choose the days that work best for them and their teams. This approach fosters stronger relationships by creating regular opportunities for connection, without making the in-office requirement feel like a burden. This flexibility also supports our work-life balance, letting us design routines that work for us while still enjoying the energy of in-person collaboration. This balance keeps us aligned, motivated, and connected, making our collaboration focused and meaningful.
4. A great operating system defines a meeting cadence that works for us.
As a company that follows the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), we’ve learned the value of clear communication, especially through weekly team meetings. These meetings follow a set agenda and help us stay focused, solve problems quickly, and keep Lunne processes moving forward. This system has been instrumental in ensuring that everyone, whether working remotely or in the office, has a voice and is aligned with the team’s goals.
Office culture exists in both physical and virtual environments.
We are deeply committed to fostering a strong company culture, which is supported by our dedicated Culture Committee. This group of employees is focused on creating opportunities for connection and relationship-building through a variety of events. From casual social gatherings to community support, the committee plans activities that bring the team together and reflect our values at Lunne. These efforts help strengthen our relationships, foster a sense of community, and promote a positive work environment.
While every company faces its own set of challenges, we’ve found these practices essential to our ability to serve our clients and grow, even during times of uncertainty. We hope that sharing these insights provides value as you navigate your own challenges, helping you create a balanced and productive environment for your team.
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