Culture, DE&I and accessibility: What impact has hybrid working had?

"Since the initial pandemic shutdowns and subsequent re-openings, every single industry has seen changes in "traditional" workplace culture; there has been a seismic shift in the ways in which companies must fundamentally (re)consider in-person versus remote working. Covid working conditions have spurred conversations about lines between work and leisure, office and home, burnout and sustainability, mental health and accessibility, and many others. Engaging in those conversations and analyzing current practices is essential for organizations that wish to positively impact their respective industries."

"Over the past couple of years, many organizations have advocated for a return to the office and a traditional way of working. But employees want something different and according to research conducted by Gartner, 75% of knowledge workers say their expectations for working flexibly have increased. The topic of conversation has been largely focused around where we work, but progressive organizations have shifted their attention and started to think not just about where we work, but how we work."

"Can a hybrid approach benefit DE&I? Since the start of the pandemic, millions of office workers around the world have benefited from the transformative effects of remote working. People have seen better work/life balance, more time with their families, improved mental and physical health and less time (and money) spent commuting as some of the key benefits to a remote or hybrid working set up."

Pandemic shutdowns and reopenings changed traditional workplace culture and forced companies to reconsider in-person versus remote working. Covid working conditions spurred conversations about boundaries between work and leisure, office and home, burnout and sustainability, mental health and accessibility. Organizations must engage those conversations and analyze practices to positively impact industries. Debates about remote versus office working continue, with many organizations pushing returns while employees increasingly expect flexibility; Gartner found 75% of knowledge workers want more flexible work. Progressive organizations focus on how work is done rather than only where. Remote and hybrid arrangements have delivered better work/life balance, more family time, improved mental and physical health, reduced commuting time and costs, and increased workplace equity.

Read at The Drum