The Future Of Less Work New Language to Describe Work with Colette Stallbaumer
In this episode of The Future of Less Work, host Nirit Cohen is joined by Colette Stallbaumer, General Manager of Microsoft 365 Copilot and Co-Founder of WorkLab, for a timely conversation about how AI is reshaping the very language we use to talk about work.
Together, they unpack Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index, a report that doesn’t just offer predictions—it reframes how we define organizations, teams, and careers in the age of AI. From the rise of Frontier Firms and Agent Bosses, to the shift from org charts to Work Charts, to the idea of Intelligence on Tap as a new kind of workplace capacity, this episode explores the bold new vocabulary that will shape the future of work.
If you’ve ever wondered how AI will change not just how we work—but how we manage, lead, and grow—this is the episode for you.
Want to dive deeper into this topic? Read Nirit’s Forbes article, “Microsoft Just Rewrote Work—Here’s The New Language“, to explore these ideas further.
Guest Information:
Colette Stallbaumer is Co-Founder of Microsoft WorkLab and General Manager of Microsoft 365 Copilot. She leads the team behind the Microsoft Work Trend Index, driving research to help predict and shape a more fulfilling future of work for all. Her team is focused on helping every customer adapt and thrive as they become AI-first businesses. For the latest data and insights on how work is changing, visit WorkLab and the 2025 Annual Work Trend Index.
Chapters:
00:00 – How AI Is Redefining the Future of Work
01:09 – Why 2025 Is a Turning Point for Work and Technology
02:27 – What Does 'Intelligence on Tap' Really Mean?
04:18 – Leaders Are Now Driving AI Adoption
05:58 – How to Become an 'Agent Boss' in the Age of AI
07:55 – Real Examples of Using Agents to Boost Productivity
09:25 – Junior Employees Can Do Senior-Level Work
11:08 – Daily AI Use Is the Real Competitive Edge
13:19 – From Org Charts to Work Charts: Restructuring for AI
15:02 – AI Is Breaking Down Silos Across Functions
16:14 – Why Humans Still Matter in an AI-Driven Workplace
18:29 – What Is the Right Human-Agent Ratio?
20:30 – AI Agents Will Join Teams in Three Phases
21:51 – What Makes a Company a 'Frontier Firm'?
23:53 – Inside the Microsoft 2025 Work Trends Index25:50 – The One Piece of Advice for Thriving in the AI Era
28:43 – Why Everyone Needs to Become the AI-Human Bridge
32:09 – Work Only Works When It Works for People