The cultural journey to flexible work at Novartis: Choice with Responsibility

Published in: Global Human Resource Management Casebook, Third Edition – August 2023

Written by 

By Nikolett Nagy, Nicoline Scheidegger and Jennifer L. Sparr

Summary 

What we found: We present Novartis’ “Choice with Responsibility” (CwR) as a case study for adapting the work model during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. As part of a strategic culture change, there are profound implications for leadership, team dynamics, work-family integration, and the overall employee experience. The case highlights both the positive and challenging aspects of flexible work within and beyond the pandemic.

Why it matters: The findings from this case study offer insights into the practical implications and nuances of integrating flexible work into an organization's culture. Understanding the bright and dark sides of flexible work is crucial for leaders and organizations navigating the complexities of remote work, especially in the context of a global crisis. It sheds light on the importance of choice, responsibility, and trust in fostering a successful flexible work environment.

What next: Organizations and leaders can use the insights from this case study to inform their approach to flexible work. Giving employees choice while holding them responsible allows for collectively managing the challenges while leveraging the benefits of flexible work. The case study prompts a discussion around the concepts of choice, responsibility, and trust, offering a framework for organizations to evaluate and enhance their flexible work practices. This understanding is particularly relevant for companies aiming to leverage flexible work as a competitive advantage, both locally in Switzerland and on a global scale.