To reorganise during an era of remote working

Abstract: Challenges and opportunities due to a reorganisation while working remotely are here investigated by conducting a case study, based on the individual perspective of employee commitment. Reorganisation is becoming common practice to maintain competitiveness on the market and to adjust changes in the internal and external environment. To succeed with a reorganisation, trust, qualitative communication and leadership are needed to engage the employees to feel the need of change, otherwise the risk of failure is great (Burnes 2009). The company, where the study was performed, drastically moved its entire project management business from the office to the employees' homes in March 2020 as the Covid-19 pandemic broke out and few months later they began a reorganisation that had been planned for some time. This research aims to fill the gap in the existing literature for remote implementation of a reorganisation. To answer the research question, qualitative research methods were employed, including participant observations and in-depth interviews with a diverse group of managers and employees. The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis and a review of literature on change management, remote working and knowledge worker productivity has been included in the analysis. While the work environment in the office used to be social, with managers and colleagues within reach, the digital work environment is characterised by a feeling of distance to colleagues and managers, where most of the communication takes place synchronously. Various productivity aspects that are important during a reorganisation are affected as knowledge is not shared in the same way as before and a creative environment is difficult to achieve. In conclusion, the main challenge found from a reorganisation carried out while working remotely is to create a sustainable digital work environment with numerous opportunities for social interactions and a dynamic environment where new ideas are born and employees can discuss openly. On the other hand, balance between work and private life are improved, as well as the chances of employee retention.