University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
Remote Not Distant
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Remote Not Distant

Design a Company Culture That Will Help You Thrive in a Hybrid Workplace

Gustavo Razzetti
Gustavo Razzetti, 2022
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8

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  • Engaging

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Leaders must accept that hybrid work is now a permanent situation – and use it to their company’s advantage. Consultant Gustavo Razzetti spells out what executives must do to gain the maximum advantage from a hybrid workforce. Some corporate leaders initially believed people would return to in-office work, resuming their pre-pandemic routines. These bosses didn’t understand how COVID changed their employees’ view of work. Before the pandemic, about 25% of employed Americans worked from home at least part of the time. Despite that, remote work had a negative connotation. Now, results prove that remote work boosts productivity, and the nature of work has changed. Razzetti explains how to make the most of this new world.

Summary

Leaders must accept that the hybrid workspace has become a permanent feature.

As pandemic work conditions eased in 2022, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced a policy change: Employees would work at Apple Park on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. He acted in the belief that Apple’s culture depends on one-on-one relationships. He didn’t expect any opposition, but 80 employees signed a letter stating they had maintained Apple’s reputation for quality while working remotely full time.

In the face of the pandemic, organizations turned to the “work-from-home model” out of necessity. However, their leaders did not change their thinking. Many senior corporate officials erroneously believed their employees had to work together in order for their companies’ cultures to reach their full potential.

To use remote work optimally, reflect on your corporate culture.

Culture provides an atmosphere that lets people work productively. It emerges from how people behave, think and feel.

Corporate cultures develop gradually. They can evolve by accident or by intent. A deliberately conceived culture should boost employee engagement and enhance...

About the Author

Gustavo Razzetti is CEO of Fearless Culture, a workplace culture consulting firm.

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