re: collaboration, Ashley Orlando mentions how Hachette Books relies heavily on Teams currently, so when the hybrid model is in effect, collaboration efforts may concentrated into in-person days.

For professional guilds like BIGNY that hold in-person educational trips and events, industry newcomers will suffer the most without in-house mentoring. A full transition to remain remote is not likely for those who need that physical training.

In terms of diversity in hiring: because its focal cities are so inaccessible, how will diversity remain a priority for publishing newcomers? Ashley O. and Mariella M. agree that allowing people to "work anywhere" will hopefully up retention among underrepresented groups.

The move to remote work has been managed by all departments, has Ashley Orlando seen any differences in effect for those at Hachette Books ? One department that has really suffered is AUDIO, as the need for in-person technology is high.

Mariella Molloy has seen a greater improvement in INCLUSIVITY in operations - for ex., town hall meetings used to be limited in capacity, but now an entire imprint can attend an online meeting and hear what is going on. The audience agrees!

What about parents? Ashley O. says: for many employees, there has been an improvement in flexibility in terms of leaving and coming back during the day - but, those with roommates and non-ideal WFH setups struggle more.

At Penguin Random House 🐧🏠📚, there is also a New Hire Buddy program for newcomers! New participatory workshops have been made so new hires don't feel lost in the wind. Our chat wishes a new buddy system had been there pre-COVID!

Mariella Molloy says that she thinks remote work is here to stay. It depends on the person, but every iteration (fully remote, hybrid, occasional) will be around at Penguin Random House 🐧🏠📚 for a long time.

With remote work, will publishing SALARIES shift as companies choose to pay employees commensurate with the areas they live in? At Hachette Books, yes, this is already in effect. At Penguin Random House 🐧🏠📚, this will not happen.

What about real estate and space? Mariella Molloy says we need to SLOW DOWN and not make any sudden knee-jerk choices. Who knows what the COVID landscape will look like in the future; downsizing on a whim is not a smart choice for publishing companies.