Page 6 - PA_Enterprise_April-May_2021
P. 6
PA Enterprise
no longer be confined to hiring employees in consider a scenario where one employee
specific geographical regions. is unable to attend an in-person meeting.
Additionally, a hybrid workplace can help build a Even if they join via video, there are potential
crisis resilient culture by preparing organizations side conversations they may miss out on.
for potential future lockdowns. With many Female employees in particular may be at a
employees already working from home, your disadvantage, as they are disproportionately
workplace can easily adapt back to a fully remote expected to care for young children, and thus
environment if necessary. unable to return to an office environment.
Finally, a hybrid workplace can reduce the spread There is also concern that employees ‘seen’ in
of contagious viruses, as employees can choose the office will be viewed as providing greater
to work from home if they are feeling unwell. output. Remote employees may feel passed up
for opportunities because they are less visible
The cons of a hybrid workplace model than those who return to the office. This could be
As some critics have pointed out, the hybrid especially problematic if leadership are the ones
present in the office. In other words the physical
workplace model isn’t without its flaws. Not all office should not hold more power than a remote
of us have the luxury of quality internet access, office.
designated home workspaces, or distraction free
environments. And obviously remote work or Equally important are the challenges associated
hybrid work isn’t an option for frontline workers with collaboration and communication. With
like many employed by hospitals, factories, and two different experiences to manage, there is
law enforcement. increased risk that one group may feel excluded
in crucial conversations.
A hybrid environment may additionally put
employees who cannot work in the office at a Such scenarios highlight the importance of a
disadvantage of those that can. For example, robust hybrid workplace plan. If not properly
PA Enterprise is published by
6 April/May 2021
