--- title: What's Next for the Future of Work description: As we look to the future of work, we can see that the traditional 9-to-5 office setup is becoming less relevant. With the advent of remote work, flexible schedules, and a shift towards outcomes-based work, employees demand more autonomy and flexibility in their work lives. image: https://blog.marcoexperiences.com/hubfs/Group%20290%20(1)-1.png --- [FUTURE of CULTURE](https://www.marcoexperiences.com) [![marco_logo_micro](https://blog.marcoexperiences.com/hubfs/marco_logo_micro.svg)](https://www.marcoexperiences.com) - [Future of Culture](https://blog.marcoexperiences.com/tag/future-of-culture) - [Marco Musings](https://blog.marcoexperiences.com/tag/marco-musings) - [Case Studies](https://blog.marcoexperiences.com/tag/case-studies) - [Marco Field Notes](https://blog.marcoexperiences.com/tag/marco-field-notes) # What's Next for the Future of Work [Molly Bridges](https://blog.marcoexperiences.com/author/molly-bridges) Apr 28, 2023 3:32:24 PM As we look to the future of work, we can see that the traditional 9-to-5 office setup is becoming less relevant. With the advent of remote work, flexible schedules, and a shift towards outcomes-based work, employees demand more autonomy and flexibility in their work lives. ![](https://blog.marcoexperiences.com/hubfs/Group%20290%20(1)-1.png) As we contemplate what this means for company culture, it is evident that the conventional brick-and-mortar office structure is diminishing in importance to that equation. COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this, which forced many companies to quickly adapt to remote work and sparked a wider conversation around what’s next. According to a [recent study by Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upwork-study-finds-22-of-american-workforce-will-be-remote-by-2025?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8pY7BvT96bipYXUxNrFL-ti4A9DZlwcq93TTvCHWrrcj3J15_Mvov7NDZqKhsjET43uZ4c), 41.8% of the American workforce is now working remotely, up from 30% before the pandemic.   ![Marco_Experiences_TWA_Hotel_DSCF4400 (1)](https://blog.marcoexperiences.com/hubfs/Marco_Experiences_TWA_Hotel_DSCF4400%20(1).jpg)   ## What Does This Mean The rise of flexible work has led companies to step up and re-think what it means to be connected, remotely. This means being intentional about creating a work culture that prioritizes connection, collaboration, and support for employees. Here’s Marco’s take on how to assist: - **Provide a change of environment:** It can be hard to pay attention to the same talking head on Zoom day in and day out. \*\*\*\*[According to a Harvard Business Review article](https://resources.workable.com/stories-and-insights/the-power-of-a-corporate-retreat), in-person communication is 34x more effective than virtual alternatives. Frequent company IRL retreats or outings can help employees communicate more clearly and efficiently. [A survey conducted by PwC](https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/consulting/business-transformation/library/covid-19-us-remote-work-survey.html) found that 72% of employees even ***prefer* a combination of remote and in-person work.** Why not get outside and try that feedback session on a beach instead of in your (let’s be honest, *wildly* *uncomfortable*) office chair? - **Help foster connection:** Whether it be [team-building activities using unique resources](https://www.marcoexperiences.com/experiences/bonfire-and-lunar-reflection-circle) or [facilitated opportunities for employees to get to know each other better](https://www.marcoexperiences.com/experiences/go-deeper-everyday-tools-for-better-relating), it’s important to hold time for building trust. This can foster a sense of camaraderie and create meaningful relationships, which in turn can increase job fulfillment and decrease turnover. [Harvard Business Review](https://www.marcoexperiences.com/experiences/bonfire-and-lunar-reflection-circle) found that employees who feel a sense of belonging to their company are 50% more likely to report high job satisfaction, and are more productive and engaged in their work. - Lean into a culture calendar and celebrate heritage months: This month, the Marco team is celebrating API Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. We find that taking time as a team to honor and celebrate these heritage and awareness moments throughout the year goes a long way in celebrating the diversity of cultures and perspectives within your company! - Our team loves this [Orange Chicken class](https://www.marcoexperiences.com/experiences/celebrate-aapi-with-orange-chicken?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8pY7BvT96bipYXUxNrFL-ti4A9DZlwcq93TTvCHWrrcj3J15_Mvov7NDZqKhsjET43uZ4c), [Guided NYC Chinatown Tour](https://www.marcoexperiences.com/experiences/mott-street-girls-chinatown-tour?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8pY7BvT96bipYXUxNrFL-ti4A9DZlwcq93TTvCHWrrcj3J15_Mvov7NDZqKhsjET43uZ4c), and this outdoors [Nature and Forest Therapy activity](https://www.marcoexperiences.com/experiences/nature-and-forest-therapy?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8pY7BvT96bipYXUxNrFL-ti4A9DZlwcq93TTvCHWrrcj3J15_Mvov7NDZqKhsjET43uZ4c) to boost mental health!  ![Marco_Experiences_Governors_Island_DSCF3772](https://blog.marcoexperiences.com/hubfs/Marco_Experiences_Governors_Island_DSCF3772.jpg) **How to go forward?** We've started interviewing a range of company culture thought leaders to discover common themes and best practices among new challenges surrounding the new way of work. [Tune into our conversation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3EWHVka6i4) with Leslie Crowe, a current Talent Partner at Bain Capital Ventures and a seasoned startup culture leader. Leslie shares what she's learned at companies like Google and Dropbox while diving into post-pandemic truths amidst the "Great Attrition". ![](https://blog.marcoexperiences.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/brag-bar-cropped.png) ### The Future of Culture in your Inbox ## Related Posts ### [Sep 8, 2021 1:06:26 PM How to Create the Best Work-from-Home Setup](https://blog.marcoexperiences.com/how-to-create-best-work-from-home-set-up) ### [Jul 22, 2021 3:53:38 PM How to Run a More Effective Virtual Meeting](https://blog.marcoexperiences.com/run-effective-virtual-meetings) ### [Aug 25, 2021 11:30:00 AM The Future of Culture in a Hybrid World](https://blog.marcoexperiences.com/future-of-culture-in-a-hybrid-world) ![marco_logo_white](https://blog.marcoexperiences.com/hubfs/marco_logo_white.svg)