With workplace engagement sitting at 29% globally, how can you create a more connected workforce?

Did you see the latest round of workplace engagement white papers?

They’re currently dropping, and I don’t think any of us will be surprised to know … well it’s not good news.

Global workplace engagement levels are sitting at around 29%.

For some, the drive is to pull everyone back into the office (you know, like the good old days when the global engagement was still benchmarking at 28-32%).

However, the reality is that the revolution really needs to focus more on how we evolve our 1980s version of work and make it fit for the future.

Because it's time to challenge the conventional wisdom that physical proximity is essential for effective collaboration….

And start to give people the tools, skills and opportunities they need to collaborate and connect in this new world.

Let’s think about the following:

Sync vs. Async: A New Perspective

Traditionally, we've believed that sitting together fosters better collaboration. Synchronous work involves real-time interactions like meetings, brainstorming sessions, and casual watercooler chats. On the other hand, asynchronous work allows individuals to work on their own schedules, leaving digital trails for others to follow. Both approaches have their merits, so we need to explore them without biases.

Moving beyond the Office Walls

We need to move beyond the notion that physical proximity is the holy grail of collaboration. But did you know that a traditional ‘brainstorm’ has been proven to generate some of the least original and varied ideas of any ideation method? Being together in a room leads to social loafing, confirmation bias and unfair weight placed in the first few ideas thrown into the room. Distance and time to contribute to ideation can often lead to more thinking space and the need to use collaborative tools that give introverts or reflectors more time and strategies to have their voice heard.

The Freedom of Flexibility

Asynchronous work offers a superpower: flexibility.

Your 9-to-5 might not be the same as mine, and that's perfectly okay. Let’s shift our focus from clock-watching to results. If the work gets done, does it matter whether it happens at 2 PM or 2 AM?

Breaking Free from Meeting Overload

We've all endured back-to-back meetings that leave little time for actual work. The research below shows that struggle is real for hybrid working, there seems to be a real obsessions of showing your work in meetings that is just not present in the other contents. It’s time to reconsider our obsession with synchronous meetings. Do we really need another video call, or can we achieve the same goals with a well-structured email, collaborative document or letting things play out on their own?

Leaving a Clear Trail

Asynchronous work is like leaving a clear path in the woods. It’s not about digital breadcrumbs but about transparent documentation. Clear instructions empower your team to pick up where you left off, eliminating the need for micromanagement.

Fostering Focus and Energy Management

Being tied to the office or a constant stream of meetings can be distracting. Asynchronous work allows you to delve deeply into tasks without interruptions and manage your energy and productivity more effectively.

So, let's pose a positively challenging question: Are we holding onto outdated ideas about workplace connections?

Is it time to embrace a blend of synchronous and asynchronous work, where physical proximity gives way to effectiveness and flexibility?

The future of workplace connections isn't about chaining ourselves to the office or screens around the clock; it's about harnessing the best of both worlds.

Let’s celebrate the strengths of asynchronous work, use synchronous moments strategically, and question conventional wisdom that may be holding us back. Together, we’ll chart a course toward a more connected and productive future.