The hybrid office system
Cover The hybrid office system

The next normal will require some changes in the work structure as well as in employer-employee relationship. Here are a few must-do’s

The universe of work is changing. According to a McKinsey survey, organisations will be combining remote and on-site working. Working in the office is traditional; working remotely is a new way. And this arrangement is here to stay, whether we like it or not.

The pandemic forced companies to shut their offices and let employees work from home—often with a laptop and a prayer. For the first time, Covid-19 has elevated the importance of the physical dimension of work. Business leaders worried that productivity might take a dive. Would remote workers become too allured by Netflix or too preoccupied with housework to get much office work done? Surprisingly, in some organisations, just the opposite occurred: productivity went up after allowing employees to work from home (WFH). Moreover, working remotely has its advantages—such as commute times vanish, operational costs are reduced, absenteeism is diminished, among others.

See also: Working From Home Or In The Office? Why Younger Workers Might Prefer The Office

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(Photo:  Amy Hirschi/Unsplash)
Above (Photo: Amy Hirschi/Unsplash)

Despite these benefits, however, shifting to working remotely is not without its challenges, especially when it comes to communication and coordination among managers and employees. Psychologists say that people can easily get into an out-of-sight, out-of-mind, out-of-sync and out-of-touch mode in this environment. How do you measure productivity? How do you trust people you barely see? The lines between work and non-work times can get blurred, so managers should be concerned not just about productivity dropping but also about employees working too hard. The reality is, there can also be over productivity, where people are working more hours and getting burned out.

Fortunately, these are just wrinkles that companies can, and should iron out because remote work is here to stay in one form or another. With the availability of vaccines, the prospect of returning to old office routines appears more possible. Some say that the workplace as we know it is dead. I don’t think so, not really. But the pandemic, indeed, has challenged our conventional thinking about work. So now, business leaders need to create a new work universe that will keep employees happy and productive.

The question is not whether WFH will continue but rather, when does remote working make sense? When is one arrangement more advantageous than the other? When should managers let employees work remotely and when must they ask them to come to the office to work with the others?

Related: 5 Asymmetrical Desks to Inspire Your Home Office

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Hybrid office work (Photo: Maxime/Unsplash)
Above Hybrid office work (Photo: Maxime/Unsplash)

Experience tells us that WFH works for individualistic tasks where data is systematised and  can be shared remotely. On the other hand, working together matters when tasks are interdependent, and coordination is not predictable. Which brings us to another question: is proximity needed for quality? Yes and no. And in designing a hybrid office, several factors must be considered.

Bear in mind, however, that decisions about work arrangements should be based not on the preferences of our leaders or the employees or the distances/times of commute, but on the nature of the work required. Taking this in consideration, a hybrid office where work can be a mix of home days and office days may just be the answer.

A hybrid approach will fare better if it is structured, so people are together for the part of the task that presents the most interdependence. This will entail operational complexity in deciding on the disposition that will provide both employee satisfaction and productivity alike. It will need leaders to commit to telling the truth about what the company needs while expecting employees to become engaged in creating solutions together.

Business leaders also face the sad reality of personal losses among their employees, Some may be returning to the office mourning a loved one’s loss to the virus;
some may be struggling with finances due to a spouse’s layoff; some may be battling with loneliness due to separation from friends.

Only your employees can tell you how they have changed because of the pandemic and why. Leading your employees with kindness during the pandemic is important, but kindness in the aftermath will be just as pivotal.

The truth is we will not go back to normal, not even to a new normal. There is no going back to pre-Covid times. There is only going forward to a new and a future work design, one that needs thoughtful execution. That is the next normal.

Perfect Harmony

On July 28, 2021, New York-based designer Josie Natori hosted summer cocktails at her home on 45 East and 62nd for an all-Filipino A-list from various sectors. Desiring to celebrate the pride and glory of her heritage, Natori welcomed her 30 guests to her home and got to hear, up close, all about their accomplishments.

As a rare treat, Natori regaled everyone with a piano performance, playing several pieces that included classic hits like Over the Rainbow, Moon River and Dahil Sa Iyo. Many of the exclusive set has never heard the concert pianist perform live and were just so delighted for the privilege.

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 5 Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish, Mariko Jacinto, Sofia Elizalde, Stella Abrera, Happy David, Maxine Adarme and Juliana Ocampo (Photo: Martin Romero)
Photo 2 of 5 Inside Natori’s home (Photo: Martin Romero)
Photo 3 of 5 Ernesto Floro, Sofia Elizalde and Stella Abrera (Photo: Martin Romero)
Photo 4 of 5 PJ Pascual, Gina Mok Reyes, Jay Poblador and Maria Pineda (Photo: Martin Romero)
Photo 5 of 5 Federico De Vera and Josie Natori (Photo: Martin Romero)

Guests included Kaatsbaan’s Stella Abrera, Sofia Elizalde, Natasha Zobel, Broadway superstar Joel Llana, Business of Fashion writer Robert Cordero, Lowell Hotel’s Ernesto Floro, Penguin publisher Elda Rotor, Alvin Ailey’s Elizabeth, Roxas Dobrish, Supreme, Designer Gina Mok Reyes, Karla Otto, publicist Elgene, Castueras, Bea Elizalde, Rural Kids’ Ayesa Maceda, Mela Bengzon, and more.

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