Embracing Different Views: Let's Build Together
As I wrote last week, the debate around returning to the office has become a heated issue that divides traditionalists who value in-person collaboration and digital natives who thrive in remote settings. But what if we approach this not as a battleground, but as an opportunity to learn from each other and build a workplace that serves everyone's needs?
There are obviously many ways we can bring these groups together to find common ground. The idea I have is to bring the team together both in person and digitally (that’s the question at hand, isn’t it) to take a first step towards understanding the other group’s perspective.
Virtual Day: Embracing Digital Insights
This is a day when the whole team is working remotely; for many, that is every day. At the end of the day, convene a town hall via your video platform of choice (we are a Google Meet shop). Open the virtual floor to the traditionalists, where they will each share some things they truly value in remote work that they did not have in the 5 days a week in the office setup.
The goal here is not to argue for remote work but to find what they can value in the digital meeting environment. What efficiencies, flexibilities, or innovations do they see? How can the qualities that make virtual meetings effective be incorporated into the overall work culture?
Onsite Meeting: Learning from Physical Presence
Next, host an onsite day where digital natives can experience and reflect on the benefits of being physically present with colleagues. What do they gain from face-to-face interaction, spontaneous collaboration, or the shared energy of a team working together in one space?
Again at the end of the day, convene a town hall in person this time. Now the pro-remote work team will each share at least one facet of onsite work that they gained value from. How can these qualities be blended with the remote work model?
These meetings are not about compromise; they're about collective creativity and understanding. Traditionalists may find elements of digital communication that foster quicker decision-making or a broader reach. Meanwhile, digital natives may recognize the depth of connection or creative spark that often comes from in-person collaboration.
A Path Forward: Bridging the Divide
By acknowledging that neither side is 100% right or wrong and challenging each group to find value in the other's perspective, we can create a more harmonious, effective workplace. We're not just choosing sides; we're paving a path that weaves the strengths of both worlds.
This approach encourages empathy, collaboration, and a willingness to grow. It invites us to set aside our differences and listen with open minds.
Let's not settle for division and discord. Embrace different views, find common ground, and let's build the future of work together.
#RTO #careers #workingathome #culture #hybridwork