A Study of Microsoft Challenges and Opportunities of Managing a Hybrid Workforce

Abstract

The outbreak of COVID-19 generated challenges for both employers and employees over a broad spectrum of industries. People were recommended to observe social distancing and lockdowns and/or curfews for non-essential businesses were implemented. This global situation catalyzed process innovation and a transition from traditional work settings, specifically on-site work, to a remote work setting where employees use online communication requiring homes with computers and high-speed internet. thesis explores how work settings changed due to the pandemic, how different work settings affect work-related collaborations which is a cornerstone in the innovation process, but also to investigate differences amongst personality traits in various work settings. The research presented herein is based on a quantitative survey of 156 respondents from a multitude of industries including several countries. The survey was designed using the Likert scale to capture how respondents perceived various aspects of collaboration before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to respondent’s perceptions, relevant demographic information was collected. The survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, CFA, SEM analysis, and statistical tests. Differences between work settings were found regarding certain aspects of collaboration. The most notable was that informal collaboration was limited when working from home. The most important aspects of collaboration are to be able to trust collaborative partners and feel mutual respect. Employers need to develop digital communication tools and collaboration practices when adopting a hybrid workplace. Informal interactions are an important aspect of collaboration, and these interactions are limited when working from home.