Differences Between Managing Face-To-Display Workers and In-House Workers (Hybrid Work Model): A Qualitative Study from Austria

Abstract

With the outbreak of Covid-19, teams and managers had to accept the necessity of working remotely and were forced to remodel the working environment. Modern technology enables the workforce to work from home as effectively as in cubicles. This study analyses hybrid work models, in particular how the management of face-to-display workers differs from that of in-house workers. This study asked 10 Austrian participants about their perceptions of managing face-to-display workers. A qualitative investigation was carried out through semi-structured Skype interviews. Blending in-house and face-to-display workers presents some challenges. Based on data, a hybrid model seems to be the strongest working model, especially these models: face-to-display first and cubicle-first, face-to-display allowed. Conclusions were drawn which outlined that time, culture, trust, feedback and social connectedness are important differences in managing both types of employees. However, it is equally evident from the data that managing hybrid workers can be challenging, and managers face some obstacles.