
The Corporate Culture Revolution
Reflections from a Remote Employee
I have worked remotely for the better part of the last ten years of my career – before everyone was doing it. I’ve worked in settings where my entire team was dispersed around the globe and others where I was the outlier. I love every aspect of my work-from-home life – the flexibility, the ability to focus without distraction, AND knowing that on a semi-regular basis, I could gather with my team in the office (or event) to collaborate face-to-face and strengthen relationships with my colleagues.
For others like me, who worked remotely before it was cool, wasn’t it fun when the pandemic allowed everyone to realize how great it was to work at home?
It sure was fun and we were all living our best work-at-home lives…until the inevitable happened. Restrictions are lifted and organizations have a real challenge on their hands. What now?
- Stay remote?
- Call people back to the office?
- Go to a hybrid model?
This is a HUGE challenge that every organization, be it public or private sector, is facing today. I wish I was here to provide answers, alas, I have more questions than answers. What I will do is share my perspectives that reflect conversations that have come up recently in virtually every social or professional setting I’ve been in.
Go Remote:
Back to the Office:
Hybrid:
We are in the middle of a Corporate Culture Revolution
There is no right answer, but one thing is certain, Pandora’s box is open — there is no going back to the ‘before times’. Employees will show their support (or lack thereof) by either showing up to work or finding work with organizations who reflect their preferred workstyle. The organizations who can figure it out the fastest will reap the reward of attracting and retaining the best people – those with shared values – and see success for the long haul.