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O P I N I O N
Hybrid work, moving forward
The hybrid model seems to be here to stay, but firms will need to strengthen their design, social, and professional development activities to keep their practices engaging.
A fter passing the second anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, FXCollaborative, like many other architecture practices, continued to innovate and evolve our thinking on how to design collaboratively, grow professionally, and sustain our social equity initiatives. We are constantly being tested in our assumptions and our follow- through as the course of the virus changes.
Heidi Blau, FAIA, LEED AP
Most recently, during the Omicron surge, we pivoted back to a fully remote work model for a fewweeks to stem the tide and not contribute to the burden on the healthcare system. We’ve been back in the office since February 7, operating under our hybrid work model. Our expanded range of technologies allow us this flexibility, while our commitment to create inspiring work for our clients is unwavering. When this all began in March of 2020, we adapted at warp speed to a fully remote work modality. We quickly embraced new digital tools for collaboration and communication and found a way to make it all work. Using video conferencing and project management and collaboration tools day-to-day, visual collaboration software, advanced modeling, and AR/VR technologies, many people felt that
they were more efficient and effective than ever before, but there was something missing. With the technology learning curve flattened and the acute response abating, we can acknowledge that technology is powerful and we have an expanded tool box to work with – but there is no replacing face- to-face interactions for collaboration, communication, knowledge sharing, and opportunities for professional growth. Like many other firms, from the day we closed our doors and people scattered across the country, we were concerned about our culture and community. We understand that our creative and passionate designers and managers are essential to our success. With a people-first focus, our new mission was to bring everyone back together safely
See HEIDI BLAU, page 4
THE ZWEIG LETTER MAY 16, 2022, ISSUE 1441
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