ABCs of a More Perfect Workplace: Reimagining the Future of Work

Throughout my career in organizational leadership and management, I've been drawn to how systems and structures influence human behavior and experiences.

As I delved deeper into challenges faced by my coaching clients, I became increasingly curious about how organizations can better support employees through thoughtful policy, practice, and design.

THIS is the conversation I want to have about the Future of Work. Too often, it focuses solely on cutting-edge technology and systems. I want to expand the Future of Work conversation to encompass the human dimension, specifically by asking:

How can we transform workplaces into spaces that foster individual productivity, growth, and fulfillment?

ABCs of a More Perfect Workplace: Bridging the Gap

This is where ABCs of a More Perfect Workplace, or ABCs for short, comes into play. It's an opportunity to bridge the gap between organizational and individual needs, recognizing that certain essential components are the foundation of an equitable, inclusive, and supportive environment for workers.

The goal of ABCs is to generate insights and recommendations for companies to improve their employees' experiences and outcomes. But the question remains: will companies be receptive to such recommendations?

While I cannot predict the actions of current players, the status quo is unsustainable. According to Pew Research, 52% of American workers believe their workplaces hinder their potential. A separate Gallup study estimated that disengaged employees cost U.S. companies roughly $450 billion in lost productivity annually, equivalent to 17% of the total U.S. workforce.

Therefore, even if existing companies don't want to adopt human-centered practices, there are incentives for others to apply them and capture the related value for themselves.

Our First Step: Navigating Employer-Led Exits with Empathy

The first ABCs topic is employer-led exits, primarily layoffs. In recent years, layoffs have become increasingly prevalent. In 2023 alone, major companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft announced significant layoffs.

While terminations may sometimes be unavoidable due to business fluctuations, they remain deeply challenging and charged experiences.

So what can be done to ensure that when layoffs do occur, they are executed humanely?

Your Voice Matters

To gain a better understanding of employee perspectives, I want to hear from you. Reflect on terminations you've witnessed or undergone firsthand. What made it manageable? What could have been done differently to improve the experience?

I'll kick off the conversation with findings from my research, then I encourage you to share your experiences by filling out the ABCs form, interacting on social media using the hashtag #ABCsOfWork, or commenting on blogs like this one. 

Build a Better Future of Work, Together

The Future of Work is not just about automation and technology; it's about creating workplaces that support and empower individuals. 

Let's reimagine the workplace together. Share your experiences with employer-led exits and contribute to a more humane workplace together.