DOI
10.9707/1944-5660.1748
Key Points
This 15-month case study employed a comprehensive mixed-methods evaluation to document and assess the model across six key areas. Findings revealed the Hybrid: Flexible Purpose model preserved or improved grantmaking outcomes, enhanced staff well-being and autonomy, and expanded the diversity of the talent pool.
Challenges emerged regarding sustaining the organizational culture, fostering cross-team and informal relationships, and ensuring consistent policy implementation across teams, particularly in finding the optimal balance between stated goals and actual experiences during mandatory in-person gatherings.
Findings also documented a “hybrid coordination tax,” i.e., additional effort required to manage mixed in-person and virtual meetings and schedules.
These insights offer context and practical guidance for philanthropic organizations to maintain effectiveness while supporting employee well-being in hybrid work environments, including strategies for intentional communication and coordination practices, robust implementation support, and right-sizing in-person engagement policies.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Williams, J., Tsai O'Brien, M., & Abalo, T. (2026). The Future of Purpose-Driven Work: Evaluating a Case Study of the Hybrid: Flexible Purpose Model at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The Foundation Review, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.9707/1944-5660.1748
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