Kevin Eikenberry, a leadership author, and Wayne Turmel, an expert on hybrid workplaces, dive into the complexities of modern work. They explore whether the hybrid model is a compromise or a transition into an uncertain era of knowledge work. Trust and culture in hybrid environments take center stage, addressing the challenges of balancing in-office and remote dynamics. The duo emphasizes the importance of aligning expectations with performance and fostering an inclusive culture to enhance collaboration in this new working landscape.
The shift to hybrid workplaces requires a strategic integration of various work environments, enhancing collaboration and productivity.
Addressing proximity bias is crucial for fostering an equitable culture in hybrid teams, ensuring all employees feel valued and engaged.
Deep dives
Evolution of Remote Work
The world of remote work has undergone significant changes since the publication of the first edition of the book in 2018. Initially, remote work was growing gradually, but the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift drastically, leading to a greater acceptance and understanding of telecommuting. Key technologies that support remote work, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, were either non-existent or in their infancy at that time. This evolution in both technology and mindset reflects a broader change in organizational attitudes toward flexibility and the growing preference for hybrid work models.
Redefining Hybrid Work
The concept of hybrid work has evolved from merely a blend of remote and in-office strategies to a more nuanced understanding of how different work environments can be strategically integrated. Hybrid work should not merely be viewed as a compromise between employee preferences and employer demands. Instead, it should be designed to enhance collaboration and productivity, accommodating varying needs for synchronous and asynchronous work. The idea is to create a synergistic environment where employees can thrive, rather than settling for a mere logistical arrangement.
Challenges of Proximity Bias
Proximity bias presents a significant challenge for hybrid teams, where leaders may unconsciously favor employees who are physically present in the office. This bias can lead to the formation of cliques that exclude remote workers, adversely affecting team cohesion and employee engagement. Moreover, employees in the office may receive more favorable treatment regarding feedback and opportunities for career advancement, creating issues of equity among team members. By recognizing and addressing these biases, organizations can foster a more inclusive and equitable culture that benefits all employees, regardless of their work location.
A special episode to celebrate the launch of the revised edition of The Long-Distance Leader, written by Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel, who returns to the show with another conversation that made host Pilar Orti laugh plenty of times. The conversation takes a critical look at the “hybrid” workplace - is it a compromise, a hostage negotiation? Or is the problem that we’re all transitioning to a new era of knowledge work, and are uncomfortable with uncertainty? Wayne also covers the role of trust, building a culture fit for hybrid and proximity bias. Summary blog post: https://www.virtualnotdistant.com/podcasts/challenges-of-hybrid