WorkLab

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for the hybrid era. A recent report by Microsoft found that 61% of workers identified "social interaction" as a primary benefit of coming to the office. But the same percentage said that ditching daily commutes was a top reason to work from home. In this episode of the WorkLab podcast, leadership expert Dr. David Rock explains how managers must offer flexibility and a sense of autonomy to help employees feel motivated … no matter where they prefer to work. WorkLab NeuroLeadership Institute

The shift to hybrid work is already transforming the business world. What should forward-thinking leaders watch for? The latest episode of the WorkLab podcast features Nicholas Bloom, an economics professor at Stanford University who studies remote and hybrid work. Bloom addresses emerging trends like flexibility; according to a LinkedIn survey, 81 percent of leaders are changing their workplace policies to offer more of it. And Bloom offers up data-based advice for managers facing times of change. "Don't Force People to Come Back to the Office Full Time" by Nicholas Bloom WorkLab Microsoft and LinkedIn share latest data and innovation for hybrid work

How can organizations be sure that everyone feels included in hybrid work? In the latest episode of WorkLab's new podcast, consultant, and coach Ritu Bhasin talks to host Elise Hu about how leaders can foster a sense of belonging by allowing everyone to show up as their full, authentic selves. We'll look at the business imperatives of diversity and inclusion—McKinsey research shows that big companies that are very diverse outperform those that are not by 36 percent—and share tips for inclusive leadership. We also talk with executive leader Wangui McKelvey shares her strategies for authentic leadership when working with a remote team. WorkLab Building Diverse & Inclusive Workplaces | bhasin consulting inc. Ritu Bhasin | Award-Winning Life Coach, Speaker & Author

Our ability to connect anytime, anywhere, has enabled a remarkable transformation to hybrid work. It's also driving us to distraction. As Microsoft's 2021 Work Trend Index showed, about 39 percent of people worldwide describe themselves as exhausted. In this episode of WorkLab's new podcast, Dr. Clare Purvis, senior director of behavioral neuroscience at Headspace, talks to host Elise Hu about meditation as a mechanism against stress—and why employees and companies alike must address mental health. WorkLab Research Proves Your Brain Needs Breaks (microsoft.com) Meditation and Sleep Made Simple - Headspace

Companies are facing yet another big test: the seismic shift to hybrid work. In the debut episode of WorkLab's new podcast, Microsoft 365 leader Jared Spataro talks to host Elise Hu about an emerging paradox. Three quarters of people worldwide—73 percent—say they want flexible remote work options to continue. But nearly the same percentage want more in-person time with colleagues, too. In short: People want it both ways. And companies have to figure out how to give it to them. WorkLab "Beyond the Binary: Solving the Hybrid Work Paradox" by Jared Spataro Jared Spataro, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft 365 | LinkedIn | Twitter Jaime Teevan | LinkedIn | Twitter Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at aka.ms/microsoft/podcasts

Everything we thought we knew about work—where we do it, when we do it, how we do it—has been turned on its head. Where is it all going, and is there a map to get us there? WorkLab is a new podcast from Microsoft that taps into data and research to guide you on the road ahead. Leaders and scientists share the company's findings, and we'll hear stories about how people and organizations are being transformed at this radical moment. Join us as we explore the science of work and ingenuity. The first season we'll be focusing on hybrid work, and how we can ensure that workplaces aren't defined by where you gather, but by how you feel included. The show launches on September 8. Follow the show at microsoft.com/worklab.