This article explores the change in the relationship between onsite and remote work of knowledge workers in three knowledge-intensive Finnish companies, the effect of the change on forms of control, and the tensions of self-directed hybrid work as experienced by the employees. The data comprise 54 thematic interviews, which were analysed using qualitative methods. Companies still largely rely on traditional socio-ideological forms of control, whose ability to maintain a sense of community, however, is being questioned by increasing remote working. The employees’ attitude towards hybrid work is overall very positive. However, the data also show examples of how increased self-direction may have paradoxically reduced the work autonomy of employees.
