This originally appeared on Forbes on June 16, 2021.
Before Covid-19, those who had flexible work schedules—often for family care purposes—were subjected to the "flexibility stigma." This is the idea that flexible and/or remote employees contribute less and are less committed to the workforce. Additionally, there is a harmful perception that these employees create more work for others. WeWork's CEO, Sandeep Mathrani, caused a backlash recently when he proclaimed that those who are most comfortable working from home are also the most unengaged employees.
Companies that share Mathrani's opinion are in danger of alienating top talent. A recent survey from Harvard Business School reported that 81% either don't want to go back to the office or prefer a hybrid working schedule. The same survey reports married people and those with children are more likely to want to go back to the office than single people.
With an increasing number of companies allowing more flexible schedules around hours and the number of days in the office, will we see flexibility stigma come back and create a divide between office-based and remote-based employees? Or, on the other end of the spectrum, this could be a great leveler for those who need to work flexible schedules now that we know remote-working works.
With an increasing number of companies allowing more flexible schedules around hours and the number of days in the office, will we see flexibility stigma come back and create a divide between office-based and remote-based employees? Or, on the other end of the spectrum, this could be a great leveler for those who need to work flexible schedules now that we know remote-working works.