A Two-Part Classroom Exercise to Discern the Complexity of Work Arrangement Decisions

Abstract

Work arrangements (e.g., remote work, in-person work) are at the forefront of discussions among managers and employees alike. However, there exists a noticeable void in evidence-based guidance for managers, making it difficult to teach about this concept in management courses. This article presents a two-part exercise that guides students through the multitude of considerations and different perspectives associated with work arrangement decisions. In Part 1, instructors guide students to reflect on their experiences of in-person and online learning in an academic context to discern the considerations associated with different work arrangements from an employee and then from a managerial perspective in a work context. In Part 2, students apply their deeper understanding of work arrangement considerations to different scenarios of organizational contexts and propose appropriate work arrangement strategies. Through this activity, students develop greater understanding of the complex decisions surrounding work arrangements and profound impact on employees and organizations.