A Phenomenological Study Exploring the Experiences of University Faculty Navigating the Diverse Environments of Remote, Office-based, or Hybrid Work

In this phenomenological qualitative analysis, the experiences of university faculty in diverse environments of remote, office-based, or hybrid work were explored. COVID-19 significantly impacted businesses and organizations' ability to function in the traditional office-based environment based on government restrictions and directives. Office-based work and remote work have been in place for some time. Hybrid work was a relatively new phenomenon that required additional exploration as little was known about hybrid working models. This study explored how diverse work environments, personal factors, social factors, and organizational factors influenced job stress and job satisfaction post-COVID-19 with staff and faculty at a large southern university. The majority of participants shared that hybrid work was their preferred work environment post-COVID-19. They identified that increased work-life balance and flexibility allowed them to better balance work-life responsibilities. Hybrid work environments were also praised for providing opportunities for collaboration and socialization with coworkers or a distraction-free environment when needed. Themes within this study identified that introverts endorsed remote and hybrid work, whereas extroverts endorsed office-based or hybrid workplaces more often. This study has shown that employees appreciated organizational and supervisory support, as well as the importance of work-life balance offered in a hybrid workplace.