2023-Laura Reeves
Who is supporting the line manager? The impact agile working arrangements has on managers’ belonging in organisations. Project
Dr Laura Reeves (PI), University of Suffolk; and Prof Clare Rigg (Co-I), University of Suffolk - Who is supporting the line manager? The impact agile working arrangements has on managers’ belonging in organisations.
Grant Ref: 2023-317-T1
Grant Amouunt: £3,997
Project summary:
Agile working arrangements (agile work) involve the ability to work in a space and/or time best suited to the task at hand and can refer to flexible work styles such as desk-sharing, virtual working, reduced hours, and job sharing, allowing employees to work in the most suitable space and time for the task. While agile work has been shown to improve individual wellbeing, belonging, and organisational performance, less attention has been given to its impact on managers' sense of belonging. Most studies focus on how managers support employee wellbeing and meaningful work (Byrd, 2022; Waller,2020;2021), despite evidence showing that agile work can cause stress and anxiety for managers (Rodrigues et al., 2022; Waiznegger et al., 2020). This qualitative study, inspired by Carr et al. (2019) who argues for the value of belonging at work, aims to explore how agile working impacts managerial belonging.
The study involved 22 semi-structured interviews with managers and 2 online focus groups with 19 participants. A total of 28 participants took part in the study. All participants had experience with hybrid work in various sectors, including public, private, and charity organizations. The findings reveal that managers can experience belonging while managing hybrid teams by embracing flexibility, being proactive, engaging regularly with peers, and recognising work-life balance. However, challenges such as a lack of training on managing hybrid teams, peer disconnectedness, and difficulties in onboarding new employees also impact managers' sense of belonging and highlight the complexities of managing hybrid teams.
Selected dissemination and media mentions:
3-part podcast series: Managerial belonging and agile work
An interview with BBC Radio Suffolk: Does working from home...work? (BBC Sounds, 3 minutes)
Opinion Editorial/Blogpost: Opinion: Will Hybrid Remain the Future of Work?
Suffolk study suggests full-time office work not returning (East Anglia Times, 26/09/2024)
Hybrid working boosts managers sense of belonging (Ipswich, 27/09/2024)