Material Detail

This interview with Wayne Turmel explores the changing nature of work expectations and engagement after Covid. The podcast demonstrates the seismic shifts where managers and workers now must combine hybrid and remote models and the "mantra" of return to the office just doesn't work anymore. It points out that the micromanagement style like measuring keystrokes or log-ins is counterproductive. The author points out the 70 percent of communication is in writing but that most managers have not been trained appropriately or lack writing skills. One example mentioned is firing someone by messenger removes the humanity of exchange and while facile demonstrates that efficiency of email or text is not suited for all tasks. Another point is "intentionality" where managers determine who needs to be in meetings and onsite, as well as the difficulties of knowing the emotional reactions to remote workers--whereas a manager onsite could drop into an office or note the body language of when to approach an employee. The bottom line is that finding a "way forward" that balances remote, hybrid, and onsite work is in a transitional state requiring flexibility and understanding that workers have expectations that there will be some balance in this regard. Seems oriented toward corporate cultures although this has become an issue in academe although that isn't targeted in this podcast.