The end of the Hybrid era?
…and why we need to stop obsessing about a four day work week…
A topic I addressed at the WorkScapeCircle here in Stockholm late August.
Let’s start with the story I shared about the mouse-jiggler, a device that prevents screen locks to give the illusion of a computer being used. Only one person in a room of 30 work-tech professionals knew what it was…
‘‘I just switch it on and head out in the garden’’ A mid-level lawyer told me over dinner earlier this summer.
A simple, yet striking example of how outdated leadership perceptions of work remain, and how employees have found a way around these old fashioned thoughts which don’t fit their own world view.
What’s holding us back? Apart from trust (which is for a different conversation), the main thing holding us back is the historical obsession with time; time by computer, time in the office, time in meetings, busy work...
Interestingly, two of the most popular change initiatives implemented today are focused on…. TIME (reduction)!
Meeting-Free Days: Easy to understand, but is this addressing the core issue of meeting overload and inefficiency, and are Fridays really the best day of the week for deep work and focus (which is what most companies who’ve implemented this seem to think)? Let’s have a think, if many meetings have no agenda (63%), most of us daydream (91%), admit to have slept (39%), write emails (50%), or spend time on social media (40%) during calls, and considering that the brain can only do one thing at a time, is this likely to be the best way to solve the problem?
Four-Day Workweek: A trend to watch, for sure, but again, are we addressing the right issue? If one of the most prevalent stressors at work is workload, then wouldn’t it be better to consider how we can address workload, or how we can think differently around how we're allocating brain energy to deliver work, not by reducing the time we have to deliver?
(Gen)AI provides a massive opportunity when it comes to the traditional view of ‘‘productivity’’. It can go deeper, broader, faster than any human being - to a level of detail and pace we simply cannot compete with. What does that do? It makes the meaning of time at work less relevant. Instead, how we can have a positive (measurable) impact on the world around us, and add (measurable) value to clients and stakeholders will increase in importance.
Let's stop for a moment and reflect on this. If ‘‘output over time’’ is no longer the main definition of productivity, what is? What is it that will define human productivity going forward and how this be optimised?
There are, in essence, five principles which will define human productivity going forward.
To make this transition effectively, we need to change how we're using our brains and how we think about how and where work (typically thinking and talking) is actually done!
Going forward we will turn into VIP MICE. Our focus will need to shift towards Value and Impact - through a Purpose-driven approach. We will become Meaning-makers, Innovators, Connectors, and Explorers.
We'll move from Hybrid to HumAIn, a fundamental change in operating model - from a focus on ‘‘where we work’’ to how to best deliver work, through brain energy optimisation and human technology interaction/collaboration.
To do this, we need to understand how to optimise the use of brain energy through sustainable working practices. To help companies move forward and transform their ways of working, we've developed the Sustainable Human Talent Framework.
This framework focuses on six key areas, with purpose, impact, and value at its core. It includes brain focus, brain accessories, brain skills, brain health, brain energy, and brain processes - all of which companies need to address to transform effectively.
Energy, not time…
In conclusion, the key differentiator for future ‘‘productivity’’ will be how we optimise and allocate our brain energy. We can do this by e.g. removing interruptions, do less active thinking, take more breaks, and spend less time in front of our computers. Our BrainEnergy Model can help you analyse and transform how you work in a structured, science-based way.
This shift requires bold leadership and a deep understanding of what truly drives human productivity. Will your organisation be ready to lead in the future of work? Connect with us and we can help you uncover how.