Expert’s Perspective on Flexible Work Models
Juan Domínguez, Director of Capital Humano at Alpura, emphasized during the People Day 2025 event hosted by Buk that businesses have largely focused on maintaining offices rather than optimizing operations. He highlighted a crucial discussion yet to take place in the field of Human Resources: flexible work models that cater to all employees, including those unable to work from home.
Relevance of Flexible Work Models
Domínguez pointed out that in Latin America, many positions require physical presence, making the discussion more about well-being and flexibility rather than remote work. He advocates for models like reduced working hours, staggered schedules, and leave policies.
Insights from Hybrid Work Models
Jehovana Torres, Director of Human Resources at LVMH, shared that hybrid work models have become a competitive advantage for companies. However, they come with their own set of challenges.
- Key Success Factor: Training leaders and employees, along with the creation of new policies, was crucial for LVMH’s successful implementation of hybrid models.
- Challenges: Maintaining collaboration, teamwork, and idea generation posed challenges in the hybrid setup.
Nicole Wallentin, Talent Acquisition Leader at Amazon, echoed similar experiences post-office return. The company faced difficulties in reestablishing socialization and fostering collaboration, teamwork, and idea creation.
However, Wallentin noted that presencial work allowed for quicker problem resolution.
Maintaining Team Cohesion in Remote Environments
The HR leaders also shared their experiences in preserving team cohesion within remote settings.
- Torres’ Approach: Implementing ‘rituals’ or structured activities helped maintain team connections, applicable during integration needs and high-productivity scenarios.
- Domínguez’ Insight: Organizational culture rituals enabled effective spaces without compromising flexibility, stressing the need for well-being model advancements.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main concern raised by the expert? Companies have been overly focused on office maintenance rather than operational efficiency.
- What type of work models should businesses prioritize? Flexible work models that cater to all employees, including those unable to work remotely.
- What were the key success factors for LVMH in implementing hybrid models? Training leaders and employees, along with the creation of new policies focusing on productivity, flexibility, and well-being in home office settings.
- What challenges did Amazon face post-office return? Difficulties in reestablishing socialization, fostering collaboration, teamwork, and idea creation.
- How did companies maintain team cohesion in remote settings? By implementing structured activities or ‘rituals’ applicable during integration needs and high-productivity scenarios.
