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Navigating Choppy Water: Flexibility Ripple Effects in the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Future of Remote and Hybrid Working

Author

Listed:
  • Daniel Wheatley

    (University of Birmingham, UK)

  • Matthew R. Broome

    (University of Birmingham, UK)

  • Tony Dobbins

    (University of Birmingham, UK)

  • Benjamin Hopkins

    (University of Birmingham, UK)

  • Owen Powell

    (York St John University, UK)

Abstract

This article investigates the challenges of navigating the adoption of remote and hybrid working for large organizations with diverse functions. Focus groups with employees of the UK business of a multinational organization identify conceptual contributions to the sociology of work and employment and empirical findings in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic that inform future policy and practice. Location-based flexible working has a potential unintended ‘ripple’ effect wherein application of individual-level flexibility has wider-reaching consequences throughout the organization. Findings emphasize that organizations need to recognize and respond to new realities of location-based flexibility. Management must navigate potential ‘ripples’ in the development of flexible working policies and practice, shaped by various tensions, including an overarching autonomy–control paradox. This requires a coordinated approach centred on ‘inclusive flexibility’ and ‘responsible autonomy’ that involves moving away from one-size-fits-all strategies towards a tailored approach offering employees choice, agency and voice in decision-making, while accommodating different stakeholder needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Wheatley & Matthew R. Broome & Tony Dobbins & Benjamin Hopkins & Owen Powell, 2024. "Navigating Choppy Water: Flexibility Ripple Effects in the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Future of Remote and Hybrid Working," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 38(5), pages 1379-1402, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:38:y:2024:i:5:p:1379-1402
    DOI: 10.1177/09500170231195230
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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