The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people go through their lives, and that is no more evident than in how workers have adapted to the new work-from-home environment. Right now, businesses around the globe are experimenting with several types of hybrid set-ups to determine what works best.
For some, the new hybrid workplace may end up more frustrating than it is flexible. Those employees who often work from home could find a negative impact on their career, linked to a lack of in-person interaction with colleagues and managers. Many of those who are looking to climb the ladder could feel compelled to spend time in the office in order to be visible to the higher powers. Others may find difficulties switching seamlessly from home and office work environments.
For some employees it’s not easy to set up two separate workspaces that are sufficiently equipped for all the tasks that need to get done; books or other information sources could be at one location rather than the other, or maybe the home office does not have a photocopier at a time one is needed.
While some believe these minor problems are worth putting up with, others believe that the office is a better place for them to be productive. Many employees feel they generally get more done and come up with better ideas when they are able to freely communicate, in person, with colleagues. Even if workers are productive at home there is a risk of no one noticing their output. Employees who spend more time working remotely could begin to feel undervalued if they continue spending less time in the office.
Research has shown that people who feel more connected to their colleagues report a better overall experience at work, compared to those feeling disconnected from others at work. Other studies have long shown the effect of “proximity bias”; which means that employees who spend more time with managers are more likely to rise amongst the ranks. Experts agree that some workers will think that showing up to the office is a sacrifice worth making if they want to get ahead. In general, the less time you’re spending in the office, the harder it is to advance your career.
While early results have shown that a hybrid work set-up can lead to some success and desirability, many are still left wondering how long they will want it. There may be a tendency to overvalue how much a hybrid workplace should serve as a model for the future of work. Short of returning to a full-time in person workplace, employers should keep an idea on how their employees are feeling about the hybrid-work model and continue to make sure they’re building workplaces that can support it.
For assistance in navigating how your business will emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, please contact the attorneys at Rock Fusco & Connelly, LLC.