Remote Work vs The Office: The Hidden Costs of Winging Hybrid and Flexible Work

The hybrid work debate isn't going away, so we need to consider the research. Most companies sent people home during the pandemic and didn't do much to support a different work style. And they haven't fixed this post-pandemic either. Spoiler alert: it's not working. Dr. Peter Cappelli, Director of Wharton's Centre for Human Resources, and workplace strategist Dr. Ranya Nehmeh joined me to discuss their new book "In Praise of the Office: The Limits to Hybrid and Remote Work." This isn't about forcing everyone back to the office - it's about being honest about what's actually happening in most hybrid workplaces. What we unpack: A lot of people coffee badge - show up, get coffee and leave Meeting overload in remote and hybrid work How proximity bias is skewing promotions (and what HR can do) The red flags that signal your hybrid setup is failing Why individual KPIs might be sabotaging teamwork Practical strategies for companies mandating return-to-office The bottom line: Flexibility can work, but we cannot assume that hybrid or remote work manages itself. Whether you're defending remote work or pushing for office returns, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and give you practical tools for whatever arrangement you choose. "In Praise of the Office" releases September 30th, 2025 Find me, Andrea, https://thehrhub.ca