In a world profoundly reshaped by the pandemic, our notions of work—how, where, and why we do it—have undergone significant shifts. Cohesion CEO and founder Thru Shivakumar joined marketing expert Jackie Domanus, producer of the Idea Citizen podcast, and workplace expert Elaine Richards, Assistant Professor at the University of Denver; we delved into what reinventing work means.
Season 1 of the Idea Citizen podcast is available now on Apple Podcasts and YouTube, and is an extension of the related LinkedIn Group Idea Citizen.
Here are some key takeaways:
Defining the Future of Work
The workplace landscape has evolved into three primary models:
- In-office: Traditional setups where employees are physically present at their workplace full-time.
- Hybrid: A blend of remote and in-person work.
- Fully remote: Employees work entirely off-site, relying on virtual communication.
Elaine emphasized a critical statistic: only 60% of jobs are remote-capable, with the remainder tied to in-person tasks like factory work or hospitality. Among those eligible for remote work, flexibility—not just geography—emerges as a top priority. Flexibility here isn’t just about working from home but about managing life’s demands without compromising work responsibilities.
The Role of Choice and Culture
Thru highlighted the challenge of balancing individual preferences against organizational needs. "It's hard to personalize experiences at mass scale," she noted, pointing out that U.S. workplaces, in particular, grapple with accommodating diverse expectations. Yet, autonomy and choice are key drivers of employee motivation and satisfaction.
Elaine expanded on this, stressing that culture plays a central role in aligning individual and organizational goals. "Culture isn't just six words pasted in an elevator," she said. It’s defined by stories and behaviors—what employees see, hear, and experience daily.
Challenges for Leadership and Mid-Level Managers
Both Elaine and Thru acknowledged that middle managers often bear the brunt of implementing hybrid and remote work policies. They’re caught between senior leadership's goals and frontline workers' needs, often without clear guidance or support.
Thru observed that leaders must define not just the culture but also the "performance philosophy" that underpins it. For instance, a high-growth company that thrives on innovation may find it challenging to operate fully remotely. Leaders must communicate these expectations clearly and foster a culture where employees at all levels feel empowered to contribute.
The Power of Mentorship and Community
A recurring theme in the conversation was the need to reintegrate mentorship into workplace culture. Younger employees, especially, value in-person opportunities to learn from more experienced colleagues. Elaine shared an example from her students, who ranked remote work flexibility as a low priority compared to mentorship and growth opportunities.
Thru proposed a proactive approach: employees should take ownership of their growth by seeking mentors and asking for guidance. Leaders, in turn, should foster a culture that supports development, making mentorship and collaboration integral to the company’s operations.
Rebuilding Trust Through Communication
Both speakers agreed that trust and communication are vital to rebuilding workplace culture. Thru shared her company’s approach: fostering transparency through consistent communication, whether it’s about employee schedules or organizational priorities. Trust, she argued, is the foundation for effective collaboration and engagement.
Looking Ahead
The pandemic forced a transactional view of work, reducing it to tasks completed in isolation. But as we emerge from this period, the focus must shift toward rebuilding community and culture. As Elaine aptly put it, "The purpose of culture is to ensure that, in a moment of choice, everyone aligns toward the same goal."
Reinventing work isn’t just about where we work but how we connect, collaborate, and grow together. For organizations, this means defining clear goals and cultural values, supporting leadership at all levels, and fostering environments where employees feel seen and heard.
If you're ready to tackle the future of work for your organization, drop us a line and let's get going.
