This article examines the arguments for and against a hybrid office combination of on-site and remote work and leans toward a future which embraces a hybrid model.
Introduction to the article (perhaps by having everyone read it):
The COVID virus has changed our lives in many, many ways. Mask-wearing and social distancing have been part of our daily lives for more than a year. Hand sanitizing has become a regular routine and now vaccine passports will also become routine. Travel has been put on hold and we have become common users of various social media in order to keep in touch with friends and loved ones. But it has not only changed our personal lives, it has also changed our work environment. Now many people work from home rather than travel to a work site. Some use a combination of home and workplace as their normal routine. As we emerge from the impacts of the pandemic, questions are being raised concerning what normal workplace practices will look like. Will many continue to work off-site? Will we return to on-site routines? Will there be a combination of the two? The future has yet to become clear. This lesson will have the students examine both on-site and off-site routines and also consider a hybrid model as they determine which practice they would prefer when they enter the workforce full-time.
Subject Area(s) covered:
Business studies, world issues, careers
New Terms to explain:
Hybrid
Materials Needed:
Access to the article
Key things students can learn from this lesson:
- The pros and cons of working off-site;
- The pros and cons of working on-site;
- The value of a hybrid model.
Action (here’s how we’ll do it):
- Begin the lesson by having the students discuss their experiences of studying from home during school lockdowns.
- Have them outline the benefits and drawbacks of having to do that.
- Take a straw vote to see which model was preferred – at school or at home.
- Indicate to them that there are ongoing decisions being made by organizations and companies about what model they will follow as we emerge from the pandemic.
- Divide the class into triads (groups of three) and provide them with an opportunity to read the article.
- Having completed the reading, assign the following task to the groups:
In your triad, discuss the pros and cons of working on-site, off-site and in a hybrid model and prepare a report for the class which summarizes your discussions and indicates which practice your group prefers.
Consolidation of Learning:
- Have the triads give their reports and answer any questions or comments that might arise.
Success Criteria:
- The students will be able to outline the benefits and challenges of each model and explain which they prefer and why.
Confirming Activities:
- The students could examine the careers they are interested in and consider the impact of their preferred model on that career choice.
Helpful Internet Searches
- 6 Benefits of a hybrid work model
- The advantages and disadvantages of a hybrid work model
- The advantages and disadvantages of on-site and off-site working models
Activities to do together
- The students could examine the impact an off-site or hybrid model would have on their location, including such things as transportation and travel and amenities such as coffee shops and kiosks.