The Connection Conundrum Ft. Khalil Smith (Akamai Technologies)
Oct 30, 2023
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Khalil Smith from Akamai Technologies and Dr. David Rock discuss the challenges of building workplace culture in a digital distance setting. They explore evidence-based practices for bridging the connection gap without requiring a return to the office. Topics include the importance of connections and collaboration, creating space for growth and inclusion, behavior change analysis, navigating the pandemic with a strong culture, balancing remote work and in-person collaboration, and the power of connections and collaboration across disciplines.
Connection in the workplace involves career, company, and community dimensions, necessitating a sense of purpose, stability, and belonging.
Organizations can assess connection levels through surveys and focus on job satisfaction, trust in leadership, and inclusivity.
Physical proximity alone does not strengthen connection, but intentional efforts like career development and team-building can foster connection in a flexible work environment.
Deep dives
Three Dimensions of Connection: Career, Company, and Community
Connection in the workplace encompasses three main dimensions: career, company, and community. Employees need to feel connected to their work itself, find meaning and value in their roles, and have opportunities for growth and recognition. They also need to feel a sense of connection to the company, believing in its purpose, stability, and future. Lastly, employees need strong social connections within their teams and broader community, fostering a sense of belonging and psychological safety.
Measuring Connection
To assess the level of connection, organizations can use surveys that capture employees' perceptions of their career, company, and community connections. Questions can focus on aspects such as job satisfaction, alignment with the company's mission, trust in leadership, relationship quality with peers, and feelings of inclusion. These measurements can provide valuable insights into the overall health of employee connection and guide interventions to improve it.
Moving Beyond the Office
Contrary to popular belief, physical proximity alone does not automatically strengthen connection. It is crucial to recognize that connection encompasses various dimensions and can be nurtured through intentional efforts. Organizations can create opportunities for employees to connect with their work, colleagues, and company values through initiatives such as career development programs, mentoring, team-building activities, and fostering a sense of belonging and psychological safety. By understanding the multifaceted nature of connection, organizations can cultivate a more connected and engaged workforce, even in a flexible work environment.
Implementing Flexible Work and Changing Bonus Structures
The podcast discusses two changes made by the organization based on research and frameworks. Firstly, they implemented a flexible work program, allowing over 96% of employees to work remotely in perpetuity. This decision was made after recognizing that physical proximity is not a good indicator of productivity, and it gives employees autonomy and flexibility. Secondly, the organization changed the bonus structure for the majority of employees to an equity-based program. This decision aimed to provide ownership, fairness, and upside potential for employees.
The Benefits and Challenges of Remote Work
The podcast highlights the benefits and challenges of remote work. It emphasizes that allowing employees to work remotely boosts the talent pool, individual productivity, and sustainable practices. However, it also acknowledges that some form of hybrid work may lead to better organizational productivity. The podcast stresses the importance of understanding individual needs and preferences, as well as providing resources and interventions to support employees in maintaining connections with their careers, companies, and communities. Additionally, it emphasizes the value of clear and unambiguous communication around work structure and decisions.
In the three years since flexible work has transformed from emergency mode to a mainstream way of working, it’s encountered no shortage of unique challenges and opportunities along the way. Among those challenges? Intentionally building and maintaining workplace culture — shared everyday habits — in a setting so often mediated by digital distance.
Research indicates that a sense of connectedness (something many employees say they aren't getting) is one of the primary levers for employee engagement and retention. It’s what has some leaders believing that returning to office will alleviate the "connection crisis". Yet, a staggering number of employees say they'll exit if forced back into the office.
On this episode of Your Brain at Work Live, we'll welcome Khalil Smith (Akamai Technologies) and Dr. David Rock to explore this complicated conflict — and point to evidence-based practices for closing the connection gap without forcing a return to office.
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