As the world slowly rebounds from the pandemic, companies are planning ahead for the new workplace. In her features column for Forbes, PH.D. sociologist Tracy Brower made a case for the hybrid workplace and why exclusively working from home can impede career growth.
Brower noted several faults in purely working from home.
- Colleagues – Fewer interactions with co-workers mean a shrinking number of connections. Brower noted that face-to-face interactions are needed to maintain healthy social capital.
- Leaning and stimulation – Boredom can creep in quickly when you’re faced with the same four walls every day. And while exercising and Netflix can keep you occupied, an office’s dynamic social environment is much more stimulating. Moreover, others can provide feedback on emotions, information, and opportunities to share new skills, as well as offer chances to collaborate.
- Effectiveness – Remote work isn’t ideal for everyone; some people are more productive in a bristling office space. Due to technological hiccups, collaboration isn’t as immediate as doing things in person.
- Boundaries – When the house turns into a workplace, the line between work and life blurs. This can make work harder to turn off and cause overwork, eventually leading to burnout. Heading into the office can help increase the boundary.
- Visibility – It can be hard to see beyond pure results when the employee isn’t at the office. Without direct line of sight, the leadership team can be oblivious to the efforts and struggles the employee experiences.
- Purpose – Coming together can also generate a sense of belonging and purpose. Being in a team in person to accomplish a goal can affirm our own importance and increase our motivation.
In summary, Brower advised that even if you’re doing well on your own, take some time to think about how a hybrid schedule can benefit your career.
Read the original article here.