The Evolution of Hybrid and Remote Working

This book examines the growth of hybrid and remote working following the pandemic and the diverse issues that result from this. While hybrid work is undoubtedly the 'new norm', for office-based jobs, the organisation of hybrid work arrangements continues to evolve, with many organisations attempting to adjust the balance to require workers to spend more time in the office. This book examines traditional workplace issues (productivity, work-life relations, isolation and wellbeing, meetings, and management) alongside workspace issues (virtual, office, mobile, and co- working), concluding with wider implications and potential future directions. Building on the latest research on hybrid and remote working, and including case studies from different countries, this book considers each issue from the perspective of organisations, managers, and the workers who undertake such forms of work. The author provides a balanced analysis of the topics examined, considering the diverse positive aspects of hybrid and remote working, as well as the challenges and difficulties that they can involve. He offers practical advice for hybrid workers, and those who manage them, to make these forms of work effective. This book will have wide-ranging appeal, including for professionals such as managers and human resources workers, students and academics of business, and organisational and business psychology, and anyone interested in this fascinating and fast-evolving area.

Donald Hislop is Professor in the Sociology of Work and Technology in the Business School at the University of Aberdeen, UK. He has published extensively on the topics of home-based and mobile working, and has recently been an occasional contributor on BBC Radio Scotland on the topic of hybrid working.

Chapter 1: Overview Introduction Defining Terms: Hybrid and Remote working The Extent and Character of Hybrid Working The Occupational Character of Hybrid Workers and the Diversity of Hybrid Work Practices Book Structure and Philosophy Key Practical Points WORKPLACE ISSUES Chapter 2: Productivity Issues with Hybrid Workers at home and in the Office Introduction Defining Productivity Factors Influencing Productivity when Working from home Factors Influencing Productivity when Working from the Office Hybrid working: Achieving Balance Key Practical Points General Practical Points Managerial and Organisational Practical Points Worker Practical Points Chapter 3: Work-Life Relations and Hybrid Working Introduction The Benefits of Homeworking: Travel Time & Balancing Work and Life Commitments Managing Work-Life Demands Computers and communication Technologies and Work-Life Relations Key Practical Points Organisational Practical Points Managerial Practical Points Worker Practical Points Chapter 4: Health, Wellbeing, Community & Isolation and Hybrid Workers Introduction Overall Perspective on Hybrid working and Health Home-based working: Health, Wellbeing and Isolation Office-based working: Health, Wellbeing and Community Work-related ICT Use, Health and Wellbeing Key Practical Points Organisational Practical Points Managerial Practical Points Worker Practical Points Chapter 5: The Character and Dynamics of Hybrid Meetings Introduction What is a Hybrid meeting and when should they be held? The Importance of Computer and Communication Technologies to the Organisation of Hybrid Meeting The Effective Organisation of Hybrid Meetings Advance preparation In-meeting behaviours Videoconference Meeting Fatigue: Definition, Causes, Patterns, and how to Minimise Key Practical Points Organisational Practical Points Managerial Practical Points Worker Practical Points Chapter 6: The Management and Control of Hybrid Workers Introduction Management, Control and the Challenges of Managing Remote Workers Hybrid Working and Types of Control Technology and the Management of Hybrid workers Care and the Management of Hybrid Workers The In-person Management of Hybrid Workers Line Managers are Human Beings Key Practical Points Organisational Practical Points Managerial Practical Points WORKSPACE ISSUES Chapter 7: Hybrid Workers and the Home Workspace Introduction An Overview of Homeworking Arrangements Homeworking and Changing Social Relations Diverse Types of Homeworking space Spatial Perspectives on Work-life Boundary Management in Home Workspaces An Integration-based Preference for the work-life Boundary A Segmentation-based Preference for the work-life Boundary Key Practical Points Organisational Practical Points Managerial Practical Points Worker Practical Points Chapter 8: Office-based Working for Hybrid Workers Introduction The Nature of Organisational Workspace The 'Transformation' of the Corporate Office: The Decline of the Cellular Office and the Growth of Shared and Open Plan Office Space The Heterogeneity of Organisational Workspace and its Impact on Worker Experience and Work Performance: Comparing Office Types Cellular Offices Open Plan Office Space Hot-desk offices (with unassigned seating) Hybrid working, Workplace Social Relations and Workplace design ICTs and the Contemporary Office Key Practical Points Organisational Practical Points Managerial Practical Points Worker Practical Points Chapter 9: Work-related Travel and Remote Working by Hybrid Workers Introduction Work-Related Travel and Hybrid Work The Growing Importance of Work-related Mobility and the Increasing Spatial Dispersal of Work The Diverse Character of Work-related Mobility Types Working While Travelling Managerial Control and Business Travel Key Practical Points Organisational Practical Points Managerial Practical Points Worker Practical Points Chapter 10: Coworking Spaces and Hybrid Work Introduction Coworking Spaces: Definition, Growth, and Relevance to Hybrid Workers Benefits and challenges Experienced by Hybrid Workers using Coworking spaces Key Practical Points Managerial/organisational Practical Points Worker Practical Points CONCLUSIONS Chapter 11: The Future of Hybrid Work Introduction Remote Work, Third Workspaces and Digital Nomads Hybrid Working as the 'new norm' for White-Colar Work? The challenges of Hybrid working (and possible ways to address them) Chapter 12: Societal Implications of Hybrid Working Introduction Post COVID-19 Changes in Commuting Patterns The Environmental implications of Hybrid working The Spatial and Economic implications of Hybrid working on the Urban Environment Conclusion