On-Site and Hybrid Workplace Culture of Positivity and Effectiveness: Case Study from Austria

Abstract

Workplace culture includes beliefs, attitudes, practices, rules, norms and customs. Ideal workplace culture focuses on activities that generate and demonstrate trust. A strong form of essential values that all employees respect and practice helps to build the positivity and effectiveness of a workplace environment. This paper examines the positivity and effectiveness of an on-site and hybrid working model from Austria. A research question is raised that concerns the difference between negative and positive approaches towards different working environments when following the aspects of respect and dignity, support, caring, rewards, forgiveness and inspiration, and asks whether these differ fundamentally and represent different theoretical mechanisms. Mixed research methods (quantitative and qualitative) using the medium of WhatsApp were applied. Relying on Chi-squared tests, we detected significant differences in 25 out of 29 statements where hybrid workers are more often supporting, caring, rewarding, forgiving and inspiring than cubicle workers. In four cases, the test did not detect any significant difference of respect and dignity dimensions: treating each other with respect, demonstrating integrity, fostering dignity in one another and showing appreciation for one another. Evidently, as shown by the data obtained, organisations that offer a hybrid working model have a very high score of positivity and effectiveness in providing the best place to work. The hybrid model might be an inevitable arrangement for some organisations. The interview data present a clearer picture of some pros and cons. The current data seem to reveal that these benefits persist as companies shift to hybrid working at scale and at pace.

Received: 7 July 2021 / Accepted: 19 August 2021 / Published: 5 September 2021