Navigate Office Dynamics In The Hybrid Workplace
Finweek English|23 July 2021
With some workers at home and others at the office, there will be power imbalances, and it needs to be addressed.
Amanda Visser
Navigate Office Dynamics In The Hybrid Workplace

The hybrid workplace – a blend of in-office and remote workers – allows people the flexibility to choose where they want to work. However, for leaders this means new power dynamics in the workplace.

It is almost inevitable that there will be power imbalances, and it will not take care of itself, says William Elliot, founding director of ActionCo, executive coach and registered psychologist.

“It is not about whether you are a fair leader or whether there is a good company culture, it is important to deal with the new power dynamics in split teams since it can very quickly develop into real or perceived unfairness or bias if not dealt with.”

The psychology

People who prefer working from home because of fear or specific circumstances may quickly feel “judged”. There is also the potential perception that those who do go into the office are more committed to the organisation.

People who must travel to the office may see it as a burden and it could even create resentment towards those who are working from home. At the same token it could be a relief for others who need some “me time”.

People who are working in the office can resent those working from home if they feel their workload has increased because they are more visible to the boss. Others may consider it a privilege.

People working from home may feel they have less of an opportunity to contribute and add value. They may even feel their jobs are at risk because they are not feeling as integral to the organisation.

New dynamics can shift very quickly. Sometimes those working at the office may be seen as the privileged, having access to the best technology and information. At other times it may be those working from home, having more time and flexibility to organise their day.

The virtual experience

Bu hikaye Finweek English dergisinin 23 July 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Finweek English dergisinin 23 July 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

FINWEEK ENGLISH DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
THE HEALTH OF SA'S MEDICAL SCHEMES
Finweek English

THE HEALTH OF SA'S MEDICAL SCHEMES

As the Covid-19 pandemic abates, finweek takes a look at the financial performance of some of the largest players.

time-read
7 dak  |
5 November 2021
The effect of Gilbertson's departure
Finweek English

The effect of Gilbertson's departure

With Ntsimbintle Holdings now the major shareholder of Jupiter Mines, it could change SA’s manganese industry.

time-read
3 dak  |
5 November 2021
Making money from music
Finweek English

Making money from music

Why investors are increasingly drawn to the music industry.

time-read
3 dak  |
5 November 2021
Conviction is key
Finweek English

Conviction is key

Sandy Rheeder plays a critical role in Mukuru’s mission to open up financial services to the emerging consumer market in Africa through tailor-made technology solutions and platforms.

time-read
5 dak  |
5 November 2021
The post-pandemic toolkit
Finweek English

The post-pandemic toolkit

How CFOs can use technology to support growth.

time-read
4 dak  |
5 November 2021
Big city living exodus
Finweek English

Big city living exodus

Mini cities like Waterfall City and Steyn City are redefining city-style apartment living.

time-read
3 dak  |
5 November 2021
Big compact, big value
Finweek English

Big compact, big value

Handsome, with a hefty level of standard specification, the roomy Haval Jolion compact crossover is a great value proposition.

time-read
3 dak  |
5 November 2021
On barriers to entry
Finweek English

On barriers to entry

There are various ways in which a company or sector can achieve competitive dominance. They usually make for good investments.

time-read
2 dak  |
5 November 2021
Fear and greed in one index
Finweek English

Fear and greed in one index

To buck the trend, when markets are hot or cold, is a tough thing to do. However, it can deliver solid returns.

time-read
3 dak  |
5 November 2021
Africa's largest data centre facility coming soon
Finweek English

Africa's largest data centre facility coming soon

Vantage Data Centers plans to invest over R15bn for its first African data centre facility in Attacq’s Waterfall City.

time-read
3 dak  |
5 November 2021