Research Insights: What the Data is Actually Saying about Remote Work - with Kate Lister

Global Workplace Analytics’ Kate Lister shares her insights on the growth of remote work, the challenges leaders face with the abstract nature of managing virtual teams, and why using data-driven research is important instead of relying on gut-based decision-making at work. You're listening to episode 38 of the Happy Space Podcast. Today I speak with Kate Lister, founder of Global Workplace Analytics. You'll enjoy her candid take on the future of work. Kate Lister, president of Global Workplace Analytics, discusses the shift towards remote work and how organizations have been reacting. Kate shares her insights about the importance of moving from gut-based decisions to research-driven strategies and how remote work dramatically increased because of the pandemic. This conversation also highlights the significance of inclusive work practices for employers to retain their workforce. Kate says that it's an era of transformation for businesses, and leaders need to be more intentional, embrace transparency, and grasp the opportunities presented by the changing world of work.Kate is a widely-recognized thought leader on workplace, workforce, technological, and other trends that are changing the who, what, when, where, and how of work.She has been helping public and private sector employers optimize their remote, hybrid, and flexible work strategies for nearly two decades.Kate’s recent client work includes the development and roll-out of hybrid/remote workplace and return-to-office strategies for a global law firm, an automotive industry giant, a regional insurance company, and a behemoth tech firm.Kate produces a wide range of primary and secondary research and is a trusted source of insights about the future of work for news outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, and dozens of others. She has appeared on NPR, The Today Show, CNBC Nightly News, Voice of America, Fox News, and dozens of other TV and radio news programs.As a resident of San Diego, Kate charges extra if she has to travel anywhere with temperatures over 75F or less than 65F, humidity greater than 75%, frequent rain, or bugs. She’s willing to make exceptions for Hawaii and New Zealand. She’s over-the-top nuts about dogs and gardening (as long as it’s not too hot out).CHAPTERS00:30 The shift towards remote work04:15 Leaders tendency towards fear and control in remote work07:49 The impact of the pandemic on remote work14:27 How employees experience remote work21:31 The reality of bias in leaders and the false consensus effect26:02 #flexibilityisinclusivity and the risks of ignoring equity in remote work31:24 The importance of data-driven research and avoiding gut decisions34:27 The role of transparency and accountability in leadership35:03 The future of distributed and remote work & where we need to go from hereLINKSGlobal Workplace AnalyticsShamrock OrganizationU.S. General Services AdministrationIMAGE CREDITSKate Lister headshot - Kate ListerGlobal Workplace Analytics logo - Global Workplace AnalyticsCircling the Wagons - CanvaTug of War - CanvaPress Rewind - CanvaFactory Workers - CanvaShamrock graphic - CanvaHybrid Work, group surrounding talking screen -...