Towards a blended working environment

Abstract

This research was conducted to design a blended working environment for Company X following the Pandemic that affected all service companies across the globe. This research aims to determine the plausibility of teleworking, HR implications, and the cost and benefits of a blended working environment. Teleworking has been applied across developed nations but still considered a ‘favour to employees’ rather than an employee need. The Pandemic and government-imposed limitations forced companies to close their door and continue operating online. Such a drastic change, mainly in developing countries, shocked service companies unprepared to telework, mainly due to lack of IT training, adequate IT tools, and management awareness/ acceptance. The author has used Service design as a research method for this research. The author has visited Company X premises twice, conducted several informal meetings with Company X personnel, and had six semi-structured interviews. The information and data gathered during such interaction and interviewing were used on designing a BWE for Company X. This research shows that a blended working environment requires some financial investment, especially during the first year. BWE implementation implies a redesign of office space to save on overhead costs and improve employee working conditions. Mental health, office ergonomics, as well as ergonomics, while teleworking need to be strongly considered. The benefits of a blended working environment are versatile and long-term. Companies will save on overhead costs and improve their business processes, staff will save on transportation costs and commuting time, while there are various benefits to the environment and society.