The Onsite-Virtual-Hybrid Workplace

You’ve heard it before – whenever we “return to work,” the workplace will be different than pre-pandemic.  During this transition to the new normal, beware of judging your team mates for where they work and when. 

This line from an article in the Boston Globe about the new world of work caught my eye a few weeks ago:   “Employees’ ability to be productive at home has been firmly established during the pandemic, yet several chief executives have recently voiced downright hostility toward the concept. The head of WeWork said those most comfortable working from home are the ‘least engaged’ with their jobs.”

This statement reflects a bias that is unsubstantiated.  Granted, not every job can be done remotely.  But for those who can work virtually, it is the results they generate and the relationships they build that matter, not the location where they do it from. 

Not all employees are aware however of the skills required to succeed when working remotely.  You need self-discipline and an ability to proactively communicate as well as set boundaries between work and home activities.  Discuss these traits and habits with your employees and help them create a plan to strengthen them as needed. 

Another article about the hybrid workplace noted two common tensions that can arise between those primarily in the office and those primarily virtual or remote… “two potential pitfalls of having a hybrid workforce: in-office employees who feel resentful of or impatient toward remote workers, and remote or hybrid employees who feel alienated from decision-making.”

As we navigate this new era of work, resist blanket assumptions about those in the office vs those who are working remotely and keep your finger on the pulse when it comes to team dynamics.  Put tensions on the table for constructive resolution and adapt as needed.  We will all be learning as we go – the key will be to continuously learn and adjust.   Onward!

Cheers to you

Cheers to all of us out there trying to get the best out of ourselves, our employees and our teams.  If you want a free consultation to chat through these ideas, don’t hesitate to reach out.