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In this episode of Team Anywhere, host Mitch Simon welcomes Libby Sander to discuss the importance of human-centric leadership in remote work and office environments. They explore how our physical environment impacts productivity, collaboration, and well-being, emphasizing the need for diverse and flexible workspaces. The discussion also highlights the changing expectations and priorities of today’s work. The episode calls for a shift in leadership approaches and office design to meet the evolving needs of employees and create environments that foster creativity, engagement, and success as we Team Anywhere.

The Impact of Physical Environment on Work

We often-overlook the influence of our physical surroundings on our productivity and well-being. Our environment plays a crucial role when it comes to working. One one end, our environment can bring us inspiration, similar to how Jonas Salk found inspiration in the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. Alternatively, we can also experience negative outcomes in our physical environment such as the detrimental effects of noise and unpleasant office spaces. Discover how thoughtful office design and incorporating zones for different tasks and elements of beauty, can enhance focus, inspiration, and connection.

Rethinking Office Spaces for Innovation

Open-plan offices do not always automatically foster innovation. Drawing on compelling examples, such as Lego’s use of crowd-sourcing and multidisciplinary festivals, we explore the importance of diverse spaces and perspectives for sparking creative ideas. Discover the power of different environments and states to ignite innovation, and the need to move away from the one-size-fits-all approach in office design to truly support the diverse needs of teams.

Remote Work and the Changing Workplace

Libby Sander reveals the shifting attitudes towards remote work and the desire for a balance between office and remote work. We explore the myths surrounding productivity in the office, the challenges faced by traditional managers, and successful remote team management. Discover how organizations can achieve mentoring, learning, and social connection in remote teams, and the need for leaders to adapt their management styles to meet the changing expectations of younger generations.

The Future of Work and Cities

Libby discusses the impact of the pandemic on our perception of work and the role of cities. We delve into the reevaluation of priorities, the quest for better work-life balance, and the need for more interesting and diverse urban environments. Discover how the conversion of office buildings into mixed-use spaces and the integration of natural elements can transform cities, supporting innovation, affordability, and vibrant communities. Explore the changing dynamics of work and how organizations can adapt to attract and retain top talent.

Who is Libby Sander?

Libby is an internationally renowned academic expert on the future of work and the workplace and the MBA Director and Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior at Bond University. She is a leading thinker on understanding the future of work, and how we can reimagine work to live more meaningful and creative lives. She has spoken at TEDx and is an Agenda Contributor at the World Economic Forum.