One cannot dispute the value remote work has brought during the global pandemic. With technology and internet access, remote work is now “possible” and an accepted mode for “effective” work. Hours of productive time are gained without the long commute to an office.
I would not go so far to say that “office work” is a thing of the past, but remote work has added much value to an individual’s mental, emotional, and professional life.
Neither office work or remote work
are applicable for all work situations and careers
– is a hybrid possible and effective?
Some work is performed well remotely – work that requires an individual to concentrate and focus without interruptions. Several functions within healthcare and technology are in this category – case management, medical coding, programming, data analysis. Efficient work is achieved with fewer distractions and interruptions that might be present in an office setting.
However, with remote work, we miss out on discussions (some call water-cooler) that take place on an impromptu basis in an office setting. At times decisions are best made from spontaneous discussions – an event arises that is best addressed with a round-table discussion; everyone concurs and work continues. This event is difficult to achieve with remote work.
So, obviously there is value to work performed
"face-to-face".
While I think it will take a couple of years for the world to “stabilize”, one option is for the work force (a department, specialty, segment, company, organization, etc.) to gather at an onsite location on an ongoing basis. Decisions that require “collective discussion” and input from the work force can take place with follow-up occurring later in the remote work environment.
Face-to-face, onsite gatherings have another benefit – it allows for people to socialize and establish a relationship at a different level from that established in virtual settings.
Rotating people in and out of the office setting 2-3 times a week
does not allow for, nor provide the same value
as having the entire workforce present.
As decisions are made by people in the office, some people will be “in the know” and others left out "of the know". This affords a group of the work force to have the information leading to knowledge, leading to progression within the organization and leaves others out – a receipt of disaster especially, for organizations that require outcomes to be accurate and consistent, as is required in healthcare reimbursement.
Take-away ....
While the world “adapts” to a change in lifestyle, there is no one “path that fits all”. Psychology teaches us that consistency is a major factor in leading people to achieve and produce work. Our professionalism will lead us, individually and collectively, to produce quality work regardless of the setting.
Offer: Objective analysis providing best work options for your setting –
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