Finding common ground in a remote world

Welcome to Love Mondays More: the weekly Linkedin newsletter that delves deeper into the ideas and concepts driving my Love Mondays email newsletter series.

Why ‘Love Mondays’? Mondays are usually anything but lovable. Studies show it’s typically our week’s low point and Guinness World Records has even dubbed it the "worst day of the week”. So I aim to provide a 4-minute caffeine hit of content to fire up the other 10,076 minutes of your week and stave off the Monday malaise. Don’t just live Mondays, Love Mondays!

The debate surrounding remote working has created significant tension in today's workplace. On one side, leaders are eager for employees to return to the office, highlighting the power of in-person collaboration and the importance of a cohesive work environment. On the other side, we find workers embracing the newfound flexibility and autonomy of remote work, staunchly defending its merits. 

According to a recent survey by Gartner, 48% of knowledge workers worldwide will find themselves either fully remote (9%) or in a hybrid arrangement (39%) by the end of 2023. This data forces us to confront an important question: As much as some may yearn for the past, can we ignore the winds of change? If so, what will be the consequences of clinging to traditional working models?

The pendulum of change

The rise of remote work has brought a wave of positive change, granting us newfound flexibility and challenging traditional office norms. But, as with any transformative journey, challenges inevitably come along for the ride. Spontaneous brainstorming sessions and impromptu water cooler chats, once the catalysts for connection and inspiration, have taken a virtual detour. And for the younger generation, the absence of invaluable face-to-face interactions and mentorship leaves a void in their career-shaping experiences and the development of future leaders. So now we find ourselves on a quest for that delicate balance between the freedom of remote work and the magic of face-to-face interactions.

Findings from the recent Cisco Global Hybrid Work Study shed light on the positive impact of hybrid work, showing improved employee well-being, work-life balance, and productivity. However, every great story has a twist, and in this case, it's the need for trust and avoiding micromanagement in this new realm of leadership. We're on a journey of reshaping our norms and redefining what it means to be a leader in this new world and it's an exciting and challenging adventure that calls for adaptability, innovation, and a whole lot of creativity. 

“Flexibility in a time of great change is a vital quality of leadership” - Brian Tracy, motivational speaker, author, and self-development expert.

Microsoft's recent Work Trend Index Special Report had some interesting insights on improving hybrid work. The report highlighted three important shifts that business leaders should embrace: putting an end to "productivity paranoia," recognising the value of social connections among employees, and revitalising our workforce through re-recruiting and re-energising efforts. 

Interestingly, the number of days employees spend in the office is not a significant factor when it comes to their engagement. Gallup research found that a remarkable 80% of employees who report receiving regular meaningful feedback are fully engaged, regardless of the number of days they worked in the office. This highlights the crucial role of feedback in employee engagement and suggests that creating a culture of regular and meaningful feedback can have a profound impact on productivity and satisfaction.

The pendulum of change swings back and forth, but we can find equilibrium by harnessing the strengths of remote work, cherishing the significance of face-to-face interactions, and flexibly adapting to the evolving needs and preferences of our dynamic workforce.

Here are some dynamic strategies to fuel your success and make the most of this transformative shift: 

1. Be more creative: in finding virtual alternatives to impromptu water cooler chats and team lunches to foster a sense of connection and inspiration.
2. Be more agile: embrace flexibility in your leadership approach, be willing to experiment, iterate, and adjust your strategies and processes to meet the changing needs and demands of a hybrid work environment.
3. Be more intentional: by creating compelling reasons for employees to come into the office beyond just fulfilling company expectations. Provide meaningful and engaging experiences that make the office environment valuable and enjoyable. 
4. Be more future-oriented: and foster a mindset that embraces change and growth. Encourage your team to think beyond the present and envision possibilities for the future, exploring new ways of working, leveraging emerging technologies, and embracing progressive work models.

How has the rise of remote work impacted the dynamics between leaders and workers in your own workplace? 

Thank you for reading this edition of Love Mondays More. Here are some ways to access more leadership learning and inspiration:

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