From Hybrid to HumAIn
It's time to re-design work around the human brain.
In the continuously evolving landscape of work, an exponential transformation is underway, challenging the very essence of our professional lives. The fundamentals of work are being disrupted. Yet, the ‘‘home - office ratio conversation’’ never seems to end, and many old working practices remain largely unchanged.
Exponential change, addressed with old school practices
The pandemic triggered a shift towards virtual and hybrid models, setting a new standard for how we engage with work. As we stand on the edge of even more change, propelled by the introduction of GenAI across businesses, it's clear that the fundamentals of work are being disrupted at an exponential rate.
‘‘This shift, not only questions the role humans play in the workforce, but also the basic meaning of work itself.’’
Despite these changes, many old practices remain. Over the years, we've cultivated work and life habits that are at odds with the needs of our brain, leading to negative consequences for both our cognitive wellbeing and performance.
These unhealthy work habits have seamlessly been ‘‘lifted n’ shifted’’ into the hybrid work environment, preserving a cycle of stress, strain, escalating levels of burnout and long-term sick leave.
Obsession with time and productivity remains
Moreover, our collective obsession with productivity remains. In a world now largely fueled by innovation and collaboration, this obsession with productivity overlooks the importance of creativity and the dynamic nature of work today.
‘‘It is therefore crucial as we navigate through this next phase, that companies transition from a productivity-centric to an innovation-oriented mindset.’’
One thing remains constant: the human brain.
The fundamentals of the human brain work the same way today as they did tens of thousands of years ago, which has led to that the way we work and use our brains today are at odds with what the brain actually was ‘‘designed’’ for.
This misalignment has played a key role in the declining health statistics and stagnating human productivity levels we have today, signaling a need for a fundamental re-set in how we approach work.
It's time for a work re-set. The future of work is HumAIn.
In a world of work where digital and human assets will become increasingly intertwined, we need to transition towards what we at flow²thrive has started to call HumAIn Work Models. These models incorporate a neuroscience-based, holistic approach, encompassing what we do, where we work, the way we work, and how we use our brains.
Traditionally, the focus has been primarily on the first two elements, with little attention paid to the habits and behaviors that can have a direct impact on the performance of the human brain, and the neurological underpinnings of our work.
To address these challenges, it's time to rethink and redesign work in a way that aligns with how the brain prefers to operate.
Introducing the flow²thrive BrainBox Model
At flow²thrive, we're pioneering a new approach with our BrainBox Model, which recognises the importance of aligning tasks with specific brain networks to optimise energy utilisation and cognitive performance.
The BrainBox Model identifies four "states’’: Frame, Focus, Flow or Float.
Each of the four “states” in the BrainBox uses a specific brain network. Each network:
Has its own unique features
Uses different amounts of energy
Has a special place where it works best
By embracing a model that aligns with our neurological design, we can foster an environment where innovation thrives, and productivity is, not just about the quantity of work but the quality and sustainability of our efforts.