This podcast episode was published on 2/13/24. You can listen to it here.
In this episode of the Inflection Podcast, our host Anebi chats with Chief Operating Officer of Blend Me, Inc. and remote work advocate, Kaleem Clarkson. They discuss the hot topic of remote work and its evolution post-pandemic. Kaleem answers the question "is remote work truly dead?" and shares how it's transforming into new working models.
Is Remote Work Dead?
Anebi and Kaleem kick off the conversation by addressing that question on everyone's mind: Is remote work dead? While remote work has certainly declined from its pandemic peak, it's far from extinct. Overall, companies have seen a drop from 61% of the workforce working remotely at the height of the pandemic to about 24-25% now. Despite the decrease, this is still a significant increase from the pre-pandemic level of 4%.
The Rise of Hybrid Work
The concept of hybrid work is a major point of discussion. Hybrid work isn't a new concept, but its definition has become more fluid post-pandemic. Kaleem shares how different companies and employees view hybrid work, with some seeing it as a mix of remote and in-office work, while others view it as predominantly in-office with occasional remote days. The essence of hybrid work is truly about choice and flexibility.
Challenges and Strategies for Remote Work
Kaleem dives into the challenges of remote work, such as trust and performance measurement. A key strategy for overcoming these challenges is developing a strong documentation culture. This ensures transparency and helps employees get the answers they need efficiently.
Another significant challenge is maintaining social connections. Anebi and Kaleem discuss the importance of designing a social connection strategy that fosters professional, lifestyle, and intimate connections among remote workers.
Work-Life Integration vs. Work-Life Balance
The conversation takes a turn towards the concept of work-life balance, which can be argued is an unrealistic goal. Instead, Kaleem advocates for work-life integration, where personal and professional lives coexist harmoniously. It's important to embrace this integration and reflect on daily achievements to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
What's Next for Blend Me, Inc.?
Lastly, Kaleem shares what's new at Blend Me, Inc. The company is expanding its team and looking for consultants to provide on-demand HR leadership to clients. Kaleem and team are excited about the growth and the opportunities it presents for professionals seeking remote work.
For more insights and to join the conversation, check out Blend Me, Inc's website by clicking here and view opportunities to work together.
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