The Future Workplace: Characterizing the Spectrum of Hybrid Work Arrangements for Software Teams

The better-than-expected forced working from home (WFH) experiences coupled with investments enabling remote work during the pandemic motivated many employees to continue WFH occasionally, often, or entirely. Many organizations adjust their policies to increase flexibility as reported in numerous news outlets, articles, blogs, and channels dedicated to future workplace. The studies praise the flexibility given to individuals and the increase in the work-life balance but also warn about the alienation of staff members, decreased team cohesion and sense of belonging, as well as dilution of the corporate culture. This article systemizes a spectrum of emerging work arrangements for teams, including hybrid teams, partially aligned teams and, more importantly, variegated teams with fully aligned alternation of office presence. Our team typology is based on the practical insights from ‘Alpha,’ ‘InterSoft,’ Valtech, IBM, Brandwatch, and Ericsson and provides a nuanced vocabulary for organizations to start reasoning about the future work arrangements.