Tsedal Neeley on Why We Need to Think of the Office as a Tool, with Very Specific Uses

The ongoing phenomenon known as the "Great Resignation" reflects a significant shift in employee expectations and workplace dynamics, according to Tzedal Neely, a Harvard Business School professor. Neely emphasizes that this movement represents a broader recognition among workers of their desire for improved work conditions, including better wages, management, and flexibility in how and where they work. The pandemic has accelerated this trend, leading to a power shift from employers to employees, who are now demanding more from their workplaces.

Neely argues that the future of work will require companies to adapt to these new expectations, emphasizing the importance of understanding employee preferences through anonymous surveys. She notes that while some employees prefer remote work, others seek hybrid arrangements or in-person interactions, particularly younger workers who benefit from direct mentorship. Organizations must create policies that accommodate these diverse needs while fostering a culture that values employee input and agency.

The conversation also touches on the evolving role of the office, which Neely suggests should be viewed as a tool for collaboration rather than a mandatory destination. Companies are encouraged to rethink how they utilize office space, focusing on occasions that require in-person interaction, such as brainstorming sessions or onboarding new employees. Neely stresses the need for effective technology and practices to support hybrid work environments, highlighting that successful adaptation will be crucial for companies to thrive in the future.

Tsedal Neeley on Why We Need to Think of the Office as a Tool, with Very Specific UsesUploaded 14-01-2214 Jan 2022---HBS professor Tsedal Neeley specializes in how companies can scale, go global, and achieve digital transformation. She thinks the future of work is not going to be a choice between in-person, remote, or hybrid. You need to “be fabulous in all of them and learn how to connect with people and work well with people” in order to achieve your goals, she says.She is the author of "Remote Work Revolution: Succeeding from Anywhere" (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BLLQDZG/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1), and is co-author of the forthcoming "The Digital Mindset: What It Really Takes to Thrive in the Age of Data, Algorithms, and AI" (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099KQLCWY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1). This interview part of a series called “The New World of Work,” which explores how top-tier executives see the future and how their companies are trying to set themselves up for success. Each week, Adi will interview a leader on LinkedIn Live — and then share an inside look at those conversations and solicit questions for future discussions in a newsletter just for HBR subscribers. If you’re a subscriber, you can sign up for the newsletter here: https://hbr.org/my-library/preferences?movetile=newworldofwork.Follow us:https://hbr.org/https://www.linkedin.com/company/harvard-business-review/https://www.facebook.com/HBR/https://twitter.com/HarvardBizhttps://www.instagram.com/harvard_business_reviewSign up for Newsletters: https://hbr.org/email-newsletters#HarvardBusinessReview #FutureofWork #TsedalNeeleyCopyright © 2022 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices