are you more present in person?

Post-pandemic, hybrid working has become the norm for many sectors, and the opportunity to continue working from home, for at least part of the week, has been embraced by many women who found themselves able to better manage family life and responsibilities.

But while some business sectors have recognised the importance of a model that suits staff as well as the business and the customer, some are resisting long term change. It means that the idea of ‘presenteeism’ – where it may seem more important for staff to be visible, than to be productive – remains a longer-term challenge.

The problem is highlighted in research just published, which investigated hybrid working arrangements in financial and professional services, with the authors suggesting that firms need to move away from presenteeism as a marker of productivity, particularly if they wish to attract and retain women staff.

“Firms that demand their employees are in the office for no reason will lose out on diverse talent pools.”

Reporting on the research, undertaken by Women in Banking and Finance (WIBF) and the London School of Economics, the report’s author Dr Grace Lordan says: “Firms that demand their employees are in the office for no reason will lose out on diverse talent pools.”

The researchers found many C-suite level executives are asking staff to work in the office a specific number of days per week, although this is often being ignored at manager-level, with team heads favouring a remote-first approach, if it satisfies operational needs.

The report also advises that firms should focus on avoiding ‘ill-being’ from burn out and isolation, rather than ‘wellbeing’ and happiness.

Read more about the study here. And tell us what you think: when you’re working from home, do you feel you are any less present? Or do you prefer the team dynamic of the office? What’s your perfect mix?

Tell us your take on the hybrid work model – take part in our poll and see how many agree with you.