HOW THE FUTURE WORKS
Leading Flexible Teams to Do the Best Work of Their Lives
BRIAN ELLIOTT, SHEELA SUBRAMANIAN, and HELEN KUPP
This week's remarkable book delves into Slack's pandemic-driven shift to remote work. Despite initial concerns, productivity soared when offices closed in 2020. This led Slack to ponder a long-term strategy to maintain these gains. Enter Future Forum, a think tank dedicated to optimizing work conditions. "How the Future Works" explores this journey and offers insights from diverse companies embracing flexible work practices, presenting a roadmap for transition. With digital tools enhancing efficiency, the book provides valuable strategies to gain a competitive edge in talent acquisition. Worth the read for anyone seeking innovative approaches to workplace optimization.
The traditional 9-to-5 workday has become obsolete. The COVID-19 pandemic compelled companies to embrace flexible work arrangements, resulting in a surprising outcome: increased productivity. This shift has prompted many firms to adopt flexible working practices permanently, shaping the future of work.
Specifically, flexible work yields remarkable results. Enterprises embracing flexible working practices gain a competitive edge. Flexibility is the future of work, urging adoption of the 7-step blueprint for its implementation.
"To me, flexible work is the future. If there's one positive outcome of the pandemic, it's that remote work has prompted us to reassess our priorities."
- Ben Chestnut, co-founder and CEO, Mailchimp
"I envision the 40-hour office workweek, a relic of factory work, fading into obscurity. Employees will gain control over their day and escape burdensome commutes."
- Drew Houston, co-founder and CEO, Dropbox
"We've witnessed the transformative power of granting individuals the freedom to excel in their work. Flexible work is the future, benefiting both employees and companies."
- Brian Elliott, Sheela Subramanian & Helen Kupp
Why the 9-to-5 Model Is Obsolete (and Perhaps Always Was)
A study conducted by the Goldman Sachs Group revealed a 3.1% increase in worker productivity during the initial year of the COVID-19 pandemic, coinciding with the implementation of more adaptable work arrangements. This compelling evidence underscores that flexible work structures benefit both employees and companies alike.
Unveiling the Effectiveness of Flexible Work
The concept and interpretation of "flexible work" are inherently adaptable. In essence, flexible work embodies a mindset rather than rigid policies. It entails liberating oneself from traditional notions of office-bound and fixed-hour work. Emphasis is placed on achieving optimal business outcomes, irrespective of the time and location of work.
The Blueprint for Transitioning to Flexible Work
Research and practical engagement by Future Forum have outlined seven essential steps for incorporating flexible work practices.
The pathway to embracing flexible work includes:
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Brian Elliott serves as the Executive Leader and Senior Vice President of Future Forum, an initiative launched by Slack. He has held leadership positions at Slack, Google, and various startups. Brian is an alumnus of Northwestern University and Harvard Business School.
Sheela Subramanian holds the role of Vice President at Future Forum. With prior experience at Slack and Google, she has a background in global enterprise marketing. She is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Business School.
Helen Kupp currently serves as the Senior Director of Product Strategy & Partnerships at Future Forum. Her previous roles include leading teams at Slack, Thumbtack, and BloomReach. Helen has also worked as a consultant at Bain & Company and is an alumna of Caltech and Harvard Business School.
