The Covid pandemic has forced organizations to rethink how they organize their workplaces. More and more of them are introducing hybrid work schemes that combine remote and office environments.
Expressions in context
Have a look at the conversation below and write down the words and phrases you might find useful when discussing such schemes.
Jack’s organization has just introduced a hybrid work scheme. He’s discussing it with his wife, Paula.
Paula: How was your first day back in the new offices?
Jack: Very interesting. The offices have been downsized because fewer of us will be in every day. There’s a hot-desking system now, so I have to book my workspace in advance.
Paula: That sounds rather complicated.
Jack: Actually, it’s not. There’s an online booking scheme that seems to work quite well.
Paula: What does the office look like?
Jack: It’s very different to the old one. The desks are further apart. And there are separate areas for various activities.
Paula: Such as?
Jack: We have the usual meeting rooms, of course. These are now all on one floor. But we also have bespoke spaces on each of the other floors.
Paula: Bespoke spaces? What does that mean?
Jack: These are quiet rooms you can use for confidential calls or when you want to work undisturbed. And there are areas with comfortable chairs where you can chat or brainstorm with co-workers.
Paula: Do you have to book these, too?
Jack: No, we don’t – because there are fewer of us in at any given time. Oh, and there’s also a games area to help you switch off, and a relaxation room for chilling out.
Paula: Sounds great. How often do you plan to go in?
Jack: Two days a week. My team will all go in on Tuesdays, and I can choose my second day individually.
Good to know
Here are some key arguments for and against setting up a hybrid workplace.
FOR
• It saves money: The employer needs less office space, and the employee can reduce commuting costs.
• It increases productivity: Surveys have found that hybrid work is perceived as being more productive than either fully remote or fully office-bound work.
• It creates a more diverse workforce: Organizations can hire staff who would not be able to come into an office every day of the week.
• It motivates staff: Employees feel trusted and judged by what they do, not on how long they stay in the workplace.
AGAINST
• It creates a divided workforce: Those who work mainly from home may feel isolated and less involved in day-to-day activities.
• It dilutes company culture: By not being in one place, employees can lose touch with their organization’s ethics and values.
• It increases dependence on technology: Investments in digital communication tools come with increased cyber-security risks.
• It requires office restructuring: Flexible workspaces require an efficient system to coordinate their use.
Despite some disadvantages, it seems the hybrid model is here to stay. Recent surveys show that staff who have been working remotely would like to continue to work that way for at least some of the time for the rest of their careers.