It feels like the old way of ‘doing work’ has long been forgotten. The traditional workday, where we all get up and go to the office, has undergone a crazy transformation in recent years, creating changes that extend far beyond the simple shift from desk to dining room table. Both organisations and people are continuing to adapt to remote and hybrid working models, but for the younger members of the workforce, this new norm will feel like the only norm.
The Only Norm for the Young
Whilst the older amongst us are familiarising ourselves with the basic shifts in how teams collaborate, innovate, and maintain their cultural identify, young professionals today have never had to deal with the old-school office grind—no soul-crushing commutes, no awkward small talk in the break room, no sitting in pointless meetings just because “that’s how it’s always been done.” They’ve grown up with remote work, Slack messages, and project tools that let them collaborate from anywhere. But, whilst there are many benefits for being at home, we often ask ourselves as a team, “is this having a negative impact too?”.
The Evolution of Workplace Communication
Gone are the days when a quick chat by the water cooler could resolve a pressing issue or spark a creative solution. Today’s workplace communication has evolved into a blend of interactions over the internet. Today, a project manager at a multinational consulting firm, starts the day by reviewing messages from colleagues in different time zones. International working is no longer a hindrance. They recognise that the time difference allows for more thoughtful responses and different methods for documentation of decisions, whilst keeping the project on track and on budget.
The nature of meetings has similarly transformed. Where once we might have gathered in a conference room for an hour-long discussion, organisations are now experimenting with novel approaches to keep teams connected. Virtual coffees, lunches, and even gin and tonics have become standard parts of the working week. After work drinks in person need a lot more organising now.
Redefining Productivity and Innovation
The conception that innovation requires people to be in the same room has been challenged by remote work success stories. There are digital tools out there to enable team collaboration across continents. And teams have stepped up to the challenge, creating new ways of working where time slots are dedicated to creation and experimenting, allowing team members to focus without the typical office distractions. There is also a better opportunity to minimise other office distractions such as the endless tins of sweets, bringing of cakes, and encouragement to eat unhealthy lunch options. Being at home can mean time to prepare healthier alternatives.
The New Corporate Culture
Perhaps the most significant challenge – and opportunity – presented by remote work is the maintenance of a corporate culture. Traditional culture-building activities like office parties and team-building exercises have been dropped or moved to more occasional, awkward events.
When researching this area, we found a great example where a company has reimagined its onboarding process for new employees, creating a “virtual buddy” system that pairs newcomers with experienced team members. These partnerships extend beyond basic job training to include regular informal check-ins and shared virtual lunches, helping new employees absorb the company’s values and working style organically. We have taken this idea on board too and created team buddies for just general ongoing support.
Technology as the Great Enabler
The success of remote work hinges significantly on technological infrastructure, but it’s not just about having the right tools – it’s about using them effectively. Companies are learning that technology should enhance rather than complicate human connection. For instance, if you team appear to be suffering from “tool fatigue,” you might look at your technology stack and minimise it down. This should result in improved communication and reduced stress levels.
The Human Element
Despite the digital nature of remote work, the human element remains paramount. Our catch phrase for 2025 is Human Connection, and organisations like ours are finding innovative ways to maintain emotional connections between team members. Virtual wellness sessions, online book clubs, and digital talent shows have become common features of remote-first companies. These activities might seem extra to core business functions, but they play a crucial role in maintaining our team and our employees wellbeing. Our most recent event was an online Jury Games event where we spent a couple of hours one evening in a jury setting to decide if someone was guilty of a supposed crime. It was excellent fun and something to get all of our brains thinking.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to navigate this new world of work, it’s clear that the most successful organisations will be those that can balance efficiency with the employee at the heart of the thinking – using empathy, productivity with flexibility, and innovation with inclusion. The future workplace isn’t about choosing between remote and office-based models – it should be about creating an environment where people can do their best work, regardless of location. If the work is being done and being done well, that is what every team leader is looking for.
Key Insights for Implementation
The transformation to remote work requires thoughtful consideration of several critical elements. Organisations must invest in appropriate technology whilst being mindful of digital overwhelm. They should create opportunities for random interaction and help team members to feel like they are still part of the wider team. Perhaps most importantly, we should recognise that remote work isn’t just a temporary change but a real shift in how we can approach our work and our teams. Remote working doesn’t mean we need to be remote with our productivity, collaboration, and workplace relationships.
By embracing these changes whilst maintaining focus on human connection and meaningful engagement, organisations can create remote work environments that exceed the effectiveness of traditional office settings. The future of work is not about replicating the office experience digitally – it’s about reimagining it entirely.