The permanently imperfect reality of hybrid work

The title of this article is 'The Permanently Imperfect Reality of Hybrid Work'. Hybrid work, a blend of in-office and remote work, seems to be the new norm for many companies and employees post-pandemic. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. In 2023, organizations experimented with various hybrid work models, such as a fixed three days in the office and two at home. A survey conducted in September 2023 by Leesman, an employee-experience research firm, revealed that 94% of workers favored hybrid work. However, the transition to hybrid work has not been without its challenges. Some of these issues may be temporary, while others could become more systemic and persistent.

One of the main advantages of hybrid work is that it allows for in-person collaboration while also providing employees with the flexibility to work from home. However, this flexibility is not evenly distributed. Leesman's data indicates that younger workers are more likely to be required to work in the office. Tim Oldman, founder and CEO of Leesman, suggests that younger, less experienced workers have to 'earn the right' to work remotely more often. This discrepancy can pose challenges to the success of hybrid work. If experienced workers are frequently working from home, it can hinder the learning opportunities for less experienced workers. Jeetu Patel, executive vice president at Cisco, warns that this could potentially stunt the career development of younger workers.

To address these issues, some leaders are encouraging employees to come to the office without enforcing strict attendance. However, this approach has its own set of challenges. If not enough people come to the office, it may not create a conducive environment for collaboration. Additionally, Leesman's survey revealed that around 40% of workers find it challenging to participate in hybrid meetings. Oldman suggests that this issue may persist for the foreseeable future as most workplaces are not yet equipped for hybrid meetings. Furthermore, while employees value the flexibility of hybrid work, it can sometimes lead to feelings of social disconnection. Oldman points out that the office still plays a crucial role in providing a social fabric for the organization, and this is an issue that both employers and employees will need to navigate moving forward.