In a recent episode of the Workplace Geeks podcast, hosts Chris Moriarty and Ian Ellison sat down with flexible work expert Andy Lake to discuss the past, present, and future of smart working.
📣 Key points from the conversation:
• The concept of flexible working isn’t new - it’s been evolving for over 30 years, with roots in telework and early digital transformations.
• Despite progress, many organisations are still grappling with implementing truly smart working practices, often reverting to controlled hybrid models.
• The civil service paradox: while some departments have been exemplars of smart working, political pressures and traditional mindsets at higher levels often hinder progress.
• Smart working goes beyond location - it’s about intentionally redesigning work to deliver benefits across the “triple bottom line.”
• The future of work is plural and multi-speed, with different sectors and organisations adopting flexible practices at varying rates.
💡 Food for thought:
• How can we move “beyond hybrid” to create truly transformative flexible working practices?
• What role do organisational age and leadership play in adopting smart working principles?
✅ Takeaways:
• Flexible working isn’t just about where we work - it’s about fundamentally rethinking how we work to drive intentional benefits for individuals, organisations, and society.
• The success of smart working initiatives often depends on overcoming traditional mindsets and power structures, especially at senior levels of organisations.
• To fully realise the benefits of flexible work, organisations need to consider the entire “extended workplace,” including home, office, client sites, and other locations where work happens.
• True smart working requires an integrated approach, addressing not just location, but also technology, workplace design, culture, and leadership awareness.
Listen to the episode here: https://www.audiem.io/podcasts/how-smart-is-hybrid-working
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