It’s time for leaders to get real about hybrid

Many workers became wealthier (because of the strong global market rebound in share prices, as well as government stimulus), giving them more confidence to reaffirm their paths through life—or choose new ones. Instead of directing a rah-rah return to the office, leaders would be wise to focus on deeper listening and meeting their workforces where they are today. At scale, using it will be an unprecedented event in which all kinds of norms that have been accepted practice for decades will be put to the test. Be clear that fixing the next operating model will take years and is a separate effort from the near-term return to the office Many employers we talk to spend far too little time acknowledging that building the muscles for a truly effective hybrid operating model could take years, not least because they are still learning what actually works in such environments.