What is the future of remote work? | The Culture Profit Podcast

Episode 27

What is the future of remote work?

In this episode of our “1-question and a joke” series, we traveled to Las Vegas Nevada where we interviewed HR pros and leaders attending the EPIC HR conference. We asked for opinions on the future remote work, and shared some classic #dadjokes.

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Guest

Amanda W. , Chessie Williams , Daniel Thomson, Dickens Aubourg, Francesca Lupo, Ide Idemeko, Jake Lamb, Jennifer Powell, Kiana Laurin, Kristen Hussey, Michelle Silva, Mindy Honcoop, Tim Jordan

About the Guest

Here were some of our favorite answers to the question: “What is the future of remote work?" “I don't think there is a whole lot of future in remote work. Maybe hybrid work, I think, is probably really the future of it. So it's going to transform from remote to more of a hybrid where you have engagement because you need that people to people, like touching and feeling engagement is critical. But also, you need to make sure you allow people the flexibility they need, as well as being able to do their work in space that's going to help them produce their best.” ‍ “Well, I think it's I think it's definitely kind of going to continue growing and becoming kind of more, you know, companies are going to choose either to focus on that aspect of flexibility or they're not, and they're kind of going to divide into two sides. And I think a lot of the people who really value that, which is a majority of people, are going to gravitate naturally to those companies that do. And I think technology is going to keep improving to make it more and more similar in a lot of ways. So a lot of the barriers that people say, you know, that it's harder to work and collaborate remotely, I think a lot of those barriers are going to start to come down a little bit more. And I think it's going to become more of an even exchange, but then I think companies might reconsider a little bit better, really focus on an office, and, you know, start kind of embracing it a little more.” ‍ “Well, it'll still be here. It's always been with us. It's never not been here. Like, I think it's kind of funny when that pandemic happened and everyone went remote. It was like, this was the first time we've had to solve this problem. And being in larger companies that were globally placed, we had remote workers and we had the problems of remote work. I think the best thing about the pandemic is that we created technology to actually help improve that experience and almost create an equitable experience. What I think is sad is the way that we're thinking about returning to offices.” ‍ “I think it’s going to be more flexible. There’s going to be more flexibility in the workplace, allowing employees to have that hybrid of coming into the office and having more flexibility with their families.” ‍ “In our organization we’re more than 50% millennials already, and Gen Z is starting to come in, and I think there’s going to be flexibility in the workforce that’s undeniable.” ‍ “Maybe where you can be in a conference room with holograms. And it’s conferences and meetings with holograms.” ‍ “I feel like the future of remote work is probably going to be more of a hybrid model. I know that remote work is certainly a challenge for some companies, and obviously, a lot of them are asking for them to come back to the office, but I feel like the should be the option of giving employees the option to work from home but also come to the office and be communal in their work ethic.”

Summary

Here were some of our favorite answers to the question: “What is the future of remote work?”

“I don’t think there is a whole lot of future in remote work. Maybe hybrid work, I think, is probably really the future of it. So it’s going to transform from remote to more of a hybrid where you have engagement because you need that people to people, like touching and feeling engagement is critical. But also, you need to make sure you allow people the flexibility they need, as well as being able to do their work in space that’s going to help them produce their best.”

‍

“Well, I think it’s I think it’s definitely kind of going to continue growing and becoming kind of more, you know, companies are going to choose either to focus on that aspect of flexibility or they’re not, and they’re kind of going to divide into two sides. And I think a lot of the people who really value that, which is a majority of people, are going to gravitate naturally to those companies that do. And I think technology is going to keep improving to make it more and more similar in a lot of ways. So a lot of the barriers that people say, you know, that it’s harder to work and collaborate remotely, I think a lot of those barriers are going to start to come down a little bit more. And I think it’s going to become more of an even exchange, but then I think companies might reconsider a little bit better, really focus on an office, and, you know, start kind of embracing it a little more.”

‍

“Well, it’ll still be here. It’s always been with us. It’s never not been here. Like, I think it’s kind of funny when that pandemic happened and everyone went remote. It was like, this was the first time we’ve had to solve this problem. And being in larger companies that were globally placed, we had remote workers and we had the problems of remote work. I think the best thing about the pandemic is that we created technology to actually help improve that experience and almost create an equitable experience. What I think is sad is the way that we’re thinking about returning to offices.”

‍

“I think it’s going to be more flexible. There’s going to be more flexibility in the workplace, allowing employees to have that hybrid of coming into the office and having more flexibility with their families.”

‍

“In our organization we’re more than 50% millennials already, and Gen Z is starting to come in, and I think there’s going to be flexibility in the workforce that’s undeniable.”

‍

“Maybe where you can be in a conference room with holograms. And it’s conferences and meetings with holograms.”

‍

“I feel like the future of remote work is probably going to be more of a hybrid model. I know that remote work is certainly a challenge for some companies, and obviously, a lot of them are asking for them to come back to the office, but I feel like the should be the option of giving employees the option to work from home but also come to the office and be communal in their work ethic.”

‍

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): In this episode of our One Question and a Joke series, we traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada, where we interviewed HR pros and leaders attending the Epic HR conference. We asked for opinions on the future of remote work and, as you know, shared some classic dad jokes. Testing, one, two, three. Test, one, two, three. The Culture Profit podcast presents: What Is the Future of Remote Work? Filmed live in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Bellagio Hotel, Epic HR Conference, April 2024.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): We’ve got one question for you.

Guest: What’s that?

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): What’s the future of remote work?

Guest: The future of remote work?

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Yeah. Where do you think it’s headed?

Guest: Well, I think that it’s still very confusing, right? But I don’t think there is a whole lot of future in remote work. Maybe hybrid work, I think, is probably really the future of it. So it’s going to transform from remote to more of a hybrid, where you have engagement, because you need that people-to-people, touching-and-feeling engagement. That’s critical. But you also need to make sure you allow people the flexibility they need, as well as being able to do their work in a space that’s going to help them produce their best.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Why did the coach go back to the bank?

Guest: Why did the coach go back to the bank?

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Yep.

Guest: I have no idea.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): To get his quarterback.

Guest: Well, I think it’s definitely going to continue growing. Companies are going to choose either to focus on that aspect of flexibility or they’re not, and they’re kind of going to divide into two sides, right? And I think a lot of the people who really value that — which is a majority of people — are going to gravitate naturally to those companies that do. And I think technology is going to keep improving to make it more and more similar in a lot of ways, right? So a lot of the barriers where people say that it’s harder to collaborate remotely, I think a lot of those barriers are going to start to come down a little bit more, and it’s going to become more of an even exchange. And then I think companies that are really focused on an office might reconsider a little bit and start embracing it a little more holistically.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Why did I bring an extra pair of socks when I went golfing?

Guest: I don’t know. Why?

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): In case I got a hole in one.

Guest: Oh my gosh.

Guest: Well, it’ll still be here.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Okay.

Guest: And it’s always been with us. It’s never not been here.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): All around?

Guest: Yes, like all around. I mean, just in the world. I think it’s kind of funny — when the pandemic happened and everyone went remote, it was like this was the first time we’d had to solve this problem. But being in larger companies that were globally placed, we had remote workers, and we had the problems of remote work. I think the best thing about the pandemic is that we created technology to actually help improve that experience and almost create an equitable experience. What I think is sad is the way that we’re thinking about returning to offices. I think that with hybrid work and being in person, there’s something important — depending on the type of work you’re doing and the type of organization you are — there’s just something that happens when people come together. That’s why we don’t just have live online conferences. That’s why we’re here, right? There’s magic that happens when two humans stand up together. They even say collaboration and brainstorming sessions are better if you’re standing up with a whiteboard. There’s actual science around it — I will not get nerdy. But there always will be remote work. I do think we’ll see more of a hybrid approach, but it should be thoughtful. We should be asking our employees and understanding who our employees are in order to make right-sized decisions for our organization.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): What kind of music do chiropractors like?

Guest: Oh my gosh. All kinds.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Hip pop.

Guest: OMG, that was good. That was really good.

Guest: It’s complicated for us. We have a lot of manufacturing and front-line work, so there is a perceived inequity in these flex work arrangements with our remote workforce. So the future is complex — not to cop out with that answer — but certainly flexibility. But I think what we’ve found is that people want to feel valuable wherever they are. If they’re on site, make sure that we as an employer are doing what we need to do to make them feel like they’re contributing the best of who they are. And that tends to be more important than where they are.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Did you hear about the guy who got evaporated?

Guest: No, I did not.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Well, he’ll be mist.

Guest: Stop it.

Guest: I think that remote work is going to be more flexible. I mean, I think it has been flexible since COVID, but just bringing more flexibility to the workplace — allowing employees to have that hybrid week, coming into the office, and just more flexibility with their families.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): What state is known for having small soft drinks?

Guest: Arkansas? Minnesota?

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Minnesota — or “Mini-soda,” right?

Guest: Oh, good one.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Depends on pronunciation.

Guest: I actually don’t know, because now aren’t they forcing us to go back into the office? So maybe remote work doesn’t really have much of a future left. But I would say I hope that at least we can be hybrid for the most part. We don’t always have to be fully remote, but if employees have the option of coming to the office at least two to three times a week and still getting some time to be remote, I think that would be more ideal for the workforce.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): What’s coming but never arrives?

Guest: What’s coming but never arrives? I don’t know. I would say time?

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): You’re close. Tomorrow.

Guest: Oh, there you go. True.

Guest: I think in our organization, we’re over 50% millennials already, and Gen Z is starting to come in. And I think that there’s going to be flexibility within the workforce. That’s undeniable.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): What do you say to the guy who invented the number zero?

Guest: What do you say to the guy who invented the number zero? Well, I’m sure he invented a whole bunch of other things if he came up with zero, so I’m going to ask him, “What else did you come up with?”

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): That’s great. Or you can tell him, “Thanks for nothing.”

Guest: Anywhere.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Anywhere?

Guest: Remote.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Oh man, we just got schooled. I like that. Good.

Guest: I mean, right?

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Yeah.

Guest: What do you mean — like, what does it look like?

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Yeah.

Guest: Maybe it’s those VR — not VR — like, where you can be in a conference room, those images, like holograms.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Yeah, yeah.

Guest: Yes. And it’s conferences and meetings and holograms. Okay, that’s what I think.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Why did the man fall down the deep hole?

Guest: Why did the man fall down the deep hole? The man fell down… You’re laughing already, man! I haven’t heard the punch line. Is this a corny joke?

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Yeah, maybe.

Guest: I don’t know. Oh, I think I’m thinking too hard into this. Just tell me what it is.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): ‘Cause he couldn’t see that well.

Guest: Oh my God.

Guest: I feel like the future of remote work is probably going to be more of a hybrid model.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Okay.

Guest: I know remote work is certainly a challenge for some companies, and obviously a lot of them are asking people to come back to the office. But I feel like there should be an option to give employees the opportunity to work from home, but also have a need to be in the office and to be communal in their work.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): How does music say goodbye?

Guest: This is a joke?

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Oh, yeah.

Guest: Well, maybe — I don’t know. How does music say goodbye? Oh my goodness. I wish my brain — if this was the morning, maybe I’d have the punch line. I don’t have the punch line. What’s the punch line?

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Audios.

Guest: Ah, I love that. That’s multilingual, right?

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Yes, yes. It’s excellent.

Guest: I think it’s the only future.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Okay.

Guest: I cannot foresee a workplace any longer that does not have remote work involved.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): What’s the difference between a piano and a tuna?

Guest: I don’t know. What’s the difference between a piano and a tuna?

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): You can tune a piano, but you can’t piano — oh, I messed it up. You can tune a piano, but you can’t tuna fish.

Guest: Ah, very good.

Guest: I think it’s going to continue, although people are suffering from loneliness, so they’re probably going to start wanting to come back to the office on their own time and reconnect in person with their team members. So I see it more like a hybrid.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Why did the scarecrow win an award?

Guest: I might know this one.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Okay. If you know it, I’m going to be impressed.

Guest: Was he outstanding in his field?

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Oh, yeah.

Guest: I think remote work is here to stay. I think employees want it, and I think employers need to get on board with it, or they’re going to start losing people. People want to stay remote. They’re more productive, they’re happier, they can balance their lives more. So I think it’s here to stay.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Do you know what the first rule of the Passive-Aggressive Club is?

Guest: All I can think of is Brad Pitt in Fight Club. I have no idea.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Never mind. Forget it. It’s fine.

Guest: Okay. Meeting people where they are, and being very clear on the goals and expectations and the outputs and outcomes, rather than a set amount of structure. So I’d rather you get all of your work done and perform at a very high quality — that’s more important than just being online, or green, from 9 until 5. So I think if you’re able to do that, and we’re able to figure out, “Hey, what’s expected of me? What are those KPIs? What am I actually being measured on?” — and if I get it done in 2 hours, 3 hours, 10 hours, then that’s the quality of my performance review. So the more we can align to that, the more successful we’ll be able to be. But it’s meeting our people where they are.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): What kind of doctor was Dr Pepper?

Guest: Oh — a soda doctor?

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Hey, I like that. I think he was a fizzician.

Guest: Fizzician. Nice.

Guest: I think the future of remote work is definitely here to stay, in a different way, though. I think employers are going to be asking their teams to come into the office more, so it’s not going to be permanent, but it’s not going to go away. Employees want options, and remote work is part of the options to keep employees engaged.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): What do you call a man that cannot stand?

Guest: I don’t know.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Neil.

Matt & Crista Vance (Co-Hosts): Thanks for tuning in to the Culture Profit podcast and for being a part of our journey to prove that putting people first is best for business. Today’s episode was sponsored by Mobrium. Want to get more employee reviews and streamline your employer reputation? Visit mobrium.com. Now go find one way to prioritize your people, and watch your profits grow.

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