In today's ever-changing workplace, the insights of professionals like Denise Brouder are essential. Our CEO, Tom Nguyen, recently spoke with Brouder, the Founder and Head of Data and Insights at SWAY Workplace, learning & development company that trains managers and teams on how to build better relationships at work in the digital age. Brouder is passionate about generating revolutionary leadership, combining systems thinking, futurist thinking, and human potential. She views the future of work as a chance to redefiatne employment to allow people to live balanced, purposeful, and fulfilling lives.
Our investigation digs into the complexities of hybrid work and reveals methods for individuals and organizations to succeed in this changing environment. Brouder's knowledge lies in working with individuals to discover their flow in the modern workplace, providing insights into workplace engagement, overcoming the hurdles of hybrid work, utilizing data for informed decision-making, and cultivating a healthy culture in remote settings.
In this period of rapid transformation, old ideas about office culture and productivity are being challenged. The increasing popularity of hybrid work models, fueled by global events, necessitates rethinking our approaches to work, engagement, and cooperation. In this chat with Denise Brouder, we get essential information about the problems and opportunities this new work paradigm gives.
Denise Brouder's work involves helping individuals and organizations find their "flow" in the workplace. This concept of flow entails a state of optimal productivity and creativity, where individuals are in sync with their tasks and environment. Brouder emphasizes the importance of breaking free from rigid, outdated work structures and embracing flexibility to unlock one's natural state of creativity. She states:
Helping people find their flow is essential. It's about moving away from rigid, traditional work structures towards a more dynamic and fulfilling way of operating.
The transition to hybrid work presents many challenges, chief among them being the coordination of teams in dispersed environments. Brouder highlights the need to balance flexibility and cohesion, where individuals can work autonomously while collaborating effectively. This requires rethinking traditional approaches to work coordination and fostering a culture of adaptability. Brouder reflects on the challenge: "In the past, there was a single way of working—everyone commuted to the office and followed a set schedule. With hybrid work, there's a need to accommodate diverse preferences and work styles while maintaining productivity and cohesion."
In the journey to optimize hybrid work models, data plays a crucial role. Brouder emphasizes the importance of qualitative and quantitative metrics in understanding team dynamics and performance. Organizations can better understand their workforce and drive meaningful change by going beyond traditional key performance indicators (KPIs) and delving into behavioral insights. She explains:
Data is a compass, guiding us towards effective solutions. We leverage qualitative and quantitative data to comprehensively understand our clients' needs and challenges.
Further, Brouder introduces the Hybrid Thrive Score, a comprehensive tool for assessing the health of a workplace environment in facilitating optimal performance. This score encompasses various factors, including goal clarity, communication effectiveness, and team trust levels. By measuring these variables, organizations can identify areas for improvement and enhance overall productivity. "We're not just measuring output," Brouder clarifies.
We're looking at factors such as goal clarity, communication quality, and team dynamics to gain insights into what drives success in a hybrid work setting.
Maintaining connectivity in a hybrid setup is essential for new hires and managers. Brouder advocates using tools like the Team Personality Profile, which helps managers understand their team dynamics and individual stress signals. Leaders can proactively address challenges and create a supportive work environment by leveraging this insight. While remote work offers flexibility, Brouder acknowledges the value of in-person interaction in building strong team bonds and fostering creativity. She emphasizes crafting meaningful experiences during colocated days, such as team outings or collaborative sessions. These moments help reinforce organizational culture and strengthen interpersonal connections.
Lastly, the debate surrounding the return to office underscores the need for leadership. Brouder cautions against a one-size-fits-all approach and emphasizes understanding individual preferences and motivations. Rather than mandating a return, organizations should focus on articulating the purpose and value of in-person collaboration. Building a healthy remote culture requires intentional effort and investment. While virtual relationships can be meaningful, Brouder highlights the challenge of replicating spontaneous interactions and serendipitous connections in physical workplaces. She encourages organizations to prioritize social interactivity and create opportunities for virtual bonding.
Brouder emphasizes the need for courage and resilience in embracing change. Amidst uncertainty and fear, individuals have the power to drive meaningful transformation in their work environments. By challenging norms, adopting flexibility, and fostering a culture of experimentation, organizations can navigate the complexities of hybrid work and unlock their full potential.
As we navigate the complexities of hybrid work, it is evident that the future of work is dynamic and multifaceted. By embracing flexibility, leveraging data insights, and prioritizing human connection, organizations can thrive in this new era of work. Through empowered leadership and individual initiative, we can unlock the full potential of hybrid work and create workplaces that foster innovation, collaboration, and fulfillment.
