There is so much chatter about hybrid work at the moment, one might think it is inevitable. However, let's not get ahead of ourselves. There is a very real likelihood that it will fail in many organisations.
In fact, we wouldn't be surprised if in 12 months' time some workplaces have a less flexible approach to when and where people work than before the pandemic, as it is likely much of that pre-lockdown flexibility was under the radar.
There may be a quick and sharp backlash against working from home, or perhaps it will just slowly get chipped away until we look up during our commute and fondly remember our home offices.
Why such pessimism? Well here are a few reasons…
Surely after extended lockdowns, we have evidence enough that even when people can't be seen, they still get their jobs done. Whether the rationale is about relationships or performance or learning, there is a significant proportion of leaders who will simply want to see people in the office most of the time. They have been genuinely uncomfortable with remote working and are not committed to a new way or hybrid working models.
The change ceiling for any initiative is dictated by leadership. Regardless of how much employees express the value and desire to work from home, it will only become a new normal where leaders embrace this as a new era. Every argument laid out to return to pre-pandemic office attendance for a particular activity needs to be carefully scrutinized. There is always more than one way to learn, to innovate, to build relationships. Leadership style shouldn't be a justification for failure to adapt.
Hybrid working will fail for many organisations. It will fail when it is not seen for what it is, a significant organisational transformation that impacts almost every aspect of how we work. It will fail because we think of the past as right or normal.
The best organisations see the opportunity to do things better, to make workplaces more human-centred, to consider the experiences they offer and to understand the conditions that bring out the best in people.
Our on-demand webinar The Hybrid Office ‘How To’ drills into the detail of what makes a great hybrid working experience and space, and provides you with a checklist of actions to take away. Click here to get access.
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