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One of the toughest calls for nonprofit leaders right now is which staff members get remote flexibility… and which don’t.

You’re juggling programs, fundraising, and staff wellbeing — all while trying to create policies that balance fairness, equity, and mission delivery.

But when different departments play by different rules, silos can deepen.

Here’s a common example:
💼 The Development team’s working hybrid.
👥 The Program team’s in the field.
💬 And soon, staff are whispering about fairness instead of collaborating on impact.

In today’s episode, we’re unpacking real, actionable strategies to turn hybrid work from a source of tension into a tool for trust and connection.

Let’s make your hybrid culture one where everyone feels seen, supported, and set up to thrive.

Picture a nonprofit called “Bright Futures.” Their Development team negotiated hybrid schedules: two office days, three remote. Reports and grant writing can be done from home office.

Meanwhile, the Program team — the ones running after-school programs — are expected to be on-site five days a week. Their roles really do demand presence.

On paper, it makes sense.

But In reality, it sparks division:
- Program staff ask, “Why are we stuck here while Development gets flexibility?”
- Development staff quietly wonder, “Do people think we’re not pulling our weight?”

Team cohesion suffers. Emails go unanswered, deadlines slip, and the CEO feels like they’re putting out culture fires instead of leading the mission.

This is where nonprofit leaders must recognize: the issue isn’t just policy.

The real challenge is designing a culture that communicates fairness, explains the why, and creates connection across departments.

Marcia Beckner helps nonprofit executives lead with confidence and create healthy, thriving workplace cultures, especially during times of growth and change.

After nearly 20 years in the nonprofit sector, she’s seen far too many talented, hard-working leaders burn out and walk away.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Nonprofit CEO SPARK is your invitation to pause, pivot, and reignite your energy so you can lead with clarity, courage, and balance.

Feeling exhausted and on the edge of burnout?

Grab my free guide - 4 Strategies for Nonprofit CEOs to Reduce Burnout, Unify Your Team & Build a Culture That Lasts. Go to https://culturecares.com/guide.

If this episode resonated, I invite you to join my Tuesday newsletter. Each week I share the podcast topic, practical leadership insights, and occasional special offers and event invitations designed to help you lead with clarity without burning out.

If you know another nonprofit leader who could use this support, please pass it along. And if you’d ever like to connect directly, you can reach me at https://culturecares.com.