Transformation to a Hybrid Workplace: A Case From the Norwegian Public Sector

This paper presents a retrospective case study of a large public organization in Norway. During the COVID-19 pandemic, employees transitioned to work from home (WFH) without any central guidelines. After one year, the organization developed four principles for a hybrid workplace as a combination of WFH and office work. Interviews with key stakeholders revealed how these principles were developed, while two surveys gathered IT professionals' perceptions on the hybrid workplace and working routines. Results suggest that the principles are perceived as useful for solving workplace conflicts but have yet to be widely applied. Professionals appreciate the hybrid workplace's flexibility and efficiency, however there are still discussions regarding WFH-office balance, task allocation, culture, and management styles. The insights are valuable to organizations applying or considering a hybrid workplace model.