Pre-reading questions:
- Do you like working in the office? Why or why not?
- What do you know about the hybrid work model?
Vocabulary:
- remote /ri-MOHT/
- combine /kuhm-BAHYN/
- flexibility /flek-suh-BIL-i-tee/
- concern /kuhn-SURN/
- belonging /bih-LAWNG-ing/
[adjective] – far away in distance
We took a trip to a remote island where there were no roads or cars, and we had to walk or take a boat to get around.
[verb] – to (cause to) exist together, or join together to make a single thing or group
In cooking class, we learned how to combine different ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs to make a delicious cake.
[noun] – the ability to change or be changed easily according to the situation
Having flexibility in your schedule allows you to change your plans easily, which can be helpful if unexpected events come up or if you need to adjust your plans for any reason.
[noun] – a worried or nervous feeling about something, or something that makes you feel worried
I have a concern about my math test because I didn’t study as much as I should have, and I’m not sure if I’ll be able to answer all the questions correctly.
[noun] – a feeling of being happy or comfortable as part of a particular group and having a good relationship with the other members of the group because they welcome you and accept you
The new student felt a sense of belonging when her classmates invited her to sit with them at lunch and asked her to join their after-school club.
Article reading:
The answer is not straightforward. On the other hand, the hybrid office offers the flexibility and autonomy that many workers desire. It allows for a better work-life balance by offering the option to work from home or the office as needed. Nevertheless, there are concerns that the hybrid model may lead to a lack of community and a feeling of disconnection from the workplace. To address this, companies are exploring new ways to create a sense of belonging and connection among remote and in-office workers. To combat these challenges, companies are investing in technology to facilitate communication and collaboration, as well as creating opportunities for team-building and socialization. Despite the challenges, the hybrid office model has the potential to create a more fulfilling and productive work environment by combining the benefits of remote work with the social interaction and support of an office environment.
By embracing this new model with an open mind and a willingness to adapt, we can create a more inclusive, connected, and productive work environment for all.
Comprehension questions
- What is the hybrid office model?
- What are the benefits of the hybrid office model?
- What are the concerns related to the hybrid office model?
- How can companies address the concerns related to the hybrid office model?
- What is the potential of the hybrid office model for creating a productive work environment?
Discussion questions
- Have you ever worked from home or from a hybrid office? If so, how did it affect your work-life balance? If not, which would you do better, work from home or work from a hybrid office?
- If you were a manager, how would you address the potential challenges of implementing a hybrid office model in your company?
- Do you agree that the hybrid office model can create a more fulfilling and productive work environment?
- What do you think the future of work will look like in a post-pandemic world? How do you think it will affect workers and companies?
- What kinds of technology do you think could be used to facilitate communication and collaboration in a hybrid office environment?