Flexibility in the Workplace. Envisioning the Role of Domestic Spaces in the Era of Hybrid Work

Modern society has always pictured the home and the workplace as two separate entities: the former for personal and private space, the latter for professional growth and productivity. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this dichotomy as homes became the only places to work. Companies had to reorganize their dynamics remotely, discovering new communication and resource management methods. Employees adjusted to unconventional workstations and new behaviors led to a domestic new deal. Rooms became flexible areas in which to organize work activities as well as leisure tasks. It has also become clear that the daily commute to the office is not vital, and working from home has both productivity perks and drawbacks on well-being. With the resumption of office work, employees desire to maintain work from home, urging companies to comprehend how to incorporate flexible approaches. This entails striking a balance between the home environment’s opportunities and enhancing the collaborative and physical interaction that the office still provides. To integrate new workspace habits, a multidisciplinary approach is key, merging design practices, organizational management, and behavioral analysis. The contribution aims to explore how new working practices are redefining the functions and dynamics of workspaces. The analysis of the home transformation, through a literature and case study review, will generate insights to improve mixed workplace strategies.