Report: Hybrid Work Is Just Work. Are We Doing It Wrong? | Microsoft Work Trend Index Pulse Report

As the workforce becomes increasingly hybrid, leaders must develop the skills and mindset to lead in this environment. This new 27-page Microsoft Work Trend Index Pulse report points to three urgent pivots that every leader should make to navigate this new work landscape. The report is based on survey responses from over 20,000 people in 11 countries, trillions of Microsoft 365 productivity signals, and LinkedIn labor trends. Two of the pivots leaders are encouraged to make include: End productivity paranoia. Data show that the shift to hybrid work has made it challenging for leaders to have confidence that employees are being productive; at the same time, employees report working more than ever. The report notes that leaders must shift from worrying about whether their people are visible and working enough to focusing on the value and outcomes each employee delivers. Re-recruit your employees. As many employees continue to value development and career opportunities, the report notes how leaders can re-recruit, re-onboard, and re-energize employees around new opportunities. According to the report, 55 percent of employees say changing companies is the best way to develop their skills. However, workers also say they would stay longer at their company if it were easier to change jobs internally (68%) or if they could benefit more from learning and career development support (76%). As leaders think through ways they can support the career development of their employees, one starting point is for them to self-reflect on whether they have a tendency to hoard talent—where they prevent or discourage employees from pursuing internal opportunities. With this as the backdrop, managers and leaders can check out my post, 5 Indicators of Manager Talent Hoarding.