Let’s talk a bit about managers and managing.
A new survey on “proximity bias” from workplace platform Envoy shows that 96% of company leaders said they’re more likely to notice employees’ contributions when workers come into the office rather than work from home. Although… Nearly half — 42% — of employees surveyed said they don’t feel like their work is noticed more often when they show up in person.
Age is a factor here. 73% of Gen Z workers said their contributions are better noticed when they’re in the office, versus 59% of millennials, 54% of Gen Xers, and 45% of boomers.
It’s not just employees to look at — A new Gallup found that middle managers struggle the most with hybrid work. The C-Suite knows its role, and individual contributors do too. The study finds that its managers struggling the most.
And a bit more data about the changing landscape – VCs are rethinking their offices, too, as Protocol further dug into several VCs who are breaking with offices just in the Bay area and expanding out.
Why do we care?
Broadly, no single answer remains the theme, as what works for younger employees doesn’t for older, and all the spectrum in between.
The size of the business matters here – most small companies will have little to no middle management, and as they grow, this will become a problem. Due to the simplified management structure, there’s likely a solid argument for small companies being able to execute more on remote and hybrid work. That will be strained as they grow and will be essential to remember. This isn’t a new challenge – it’s now just more challenging.
The proximity bias issue could be as simple as being aware of the bias. Many bias issues can be overcome by simply being aware of the prejudice and factoring that into decision-making. An oversimplification, to be sure… except when it isn’t.