Summary: Hybrid work isn’t failing—leadership is. In this episode of The State of Work Today podcast, Gary Cookson explains why the five-day workweek is outdated, how AI can transform HR, and what it takes to lead hybrid teams effectively. Want to make hybrid work, work? Start by rethinking how you lead.
The New Reality of Work
Hybrid work is no longer a trend—it’s the new reality. Yet, many organizations are still struggling to make it work. Some leaders resist it altogether, pushing for a full return to the office, while others take a hands-off approach, assuming employees will figure it out on their own. Neither strategy is effective.
Instead, companies need to rethink leadership, culture, and employee development to build a successful hybrid work environment. This requires rethinking outdated workplace norms, embracing technology like AI, and shifting leadership approaches to focus on results rather than presence.
I recently sat down with Gary Cookson, workplace performance expert and author of Making Hybrid Working Work, to discuss what it takes to succeed in a hybrid world. Our conversation covered everything from the outdated five-day workweek to the role of AI in shaping the future of work. Here’s what leaders need to know—and what they can do to get hybrid work right.
Outdated Work Models Are Holding Companies Back
For decades, the standard workweek has been Monday through Friday, nine to five, in the office. But why?
As Cookson pointed out, most companies can’t justify why five days a week is the best structure. Historically, work schedules have changed multiple times. The five-day workweek was introduced in the early 20th century as a compromise between labor unions and employers. Before that, a six-day workweek was common. So why stop at five?
The reality is, a rigid five-day schedule doesn’t fit modern work. Many jobs—especially knowledge-based roles—don’t require employees to be in the office every day. Technology enables work from anywhere, and studies consistently show that employees are just as productive (if not more) when they have flexibility.
This doesn’t mean companies should eliminate offices entirely. The key is to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach and create work structures that are flexible, productive, and sustainable for employees.
Leadership Must Adapt to Hybrid Work
One of the biggest challenges of hybrid work isn’t the technology—it’s how leaders manage their teams. Many leaders still equate productivity with physical presence, believing that if they can’t see employees working, they must not be working at all.
Cookson describes this as a sensory loss for managers. In a traditional office, leaders rely on nonverbal cues—who’s at their desk, how engaged they seem in meetings, casual conversations in the hallway. But in a hybrid world, those signals aren’t available. This leads some managers to demand more in-office time, not because it’s necessary, but because it makes them feel more in control.
The solution isn’t to force people back to the office. Instead, leaders need to develop new skills for managing hybrid teams, such as:
· Measuring outcomes, not hours. Productivity isn’t about time spent in a chair—it’s about results. Leaders must define clear goals and assess performance based on output, not visibility.
· Building trust and autonomy. Micromanagement doesn’t work in hybrid settings. Employees perform best when they are trusted to manage their time effectively.
· Fostering connection intentionally. In a remote world, casual interactions don’t happen naturally. Leaders must create opportunities for team bonding, whether through structured check-ins, virtual social events, or in-person gatherings.
Hybrid work requires a shift from supervision to support. Leaders who embrace this mindset will build stronger, more engaged teams.
AI Is a Game Changer for HR and Learning
Artificial intelligence is one of the most powerful tools shaping the future of work, yet most HR teams are still figuring out how to use it effectively. According to a recent SHRM study, only one percent of HR teams have advanced AI implementation, and two-thirds admit they lack AI knowledge.
Cookson emphasized that HR should take the lead in integrating AI into the workplace, not just leave it to the IT department. AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about how people interact with that technology.
Some of the most promising uses of AI in HR include:
· Personalized learning and development. AI can tailor training programs based on an employee’s skills, role, and learning style, making professional development more effective.
· Automating repetitive tasks. HR teams can use AI for resume screening, scheduling interviews, and handling routine inquiries, freeing up time for more strategic work.
· Enhancing decision-making. AI-driven insights can help HR leaders analyze workforce trends, predict turnover, and develop data-driven retention strategies.
But AI isn’t just for HR—it’s for employees, too. Many workers already use AI tools like ChatGPT without formal training. HR should guide employees on how to use AI effectively, ensuring it enhances productivity rather than replacing critical thinking and collaboration.
Three Ways Companies Can Make Hybrid Work, Work
So, what can leaders do to create a successful hybrid work model? Here are three key takeaways:
1. Ditch the One-Size-Fits-All Approach
The traditional five-day, in-office model doesn’t work for everyone. Companies should design hybrid policies that focus on flexibility while maintaining team cohesion. This could mean allowing employees to choose which days they come in or rethinking whether a full five-day workweek is necessary at all.
2. Train Leaders for Hybrid Success
Leadership in a hybrid world looks different from traditional management. Leaders need training on how to build trust, measure productivity effectively, and create a strong team culture without relying on physical presence. This shift will take time, but it’s essential for long-term success.
3. Leverage AI for Smarter Workflows
AI isn’t a replacement for human skills, but it can enhance productivity, automate repetitive tasks, and personalize learning. HR teams should take the lead in helping employees and leaders use AI effectively, making it a tool for success rather than a source of confusion or fear.
The Future of Work Is Here—Are You Ready?
Hybrid work is no longer an experiment—it’s a fundamental shift in how companies operate. Those that resist will struggle to attract and retain top talent. But those that embrace flexibility, rethink leadership, and integrate AI effectively will build a workforce that is more engaged, productive, and prepared for the future.
As Cookson put it, hybrid work isn’t the problem—bad leadership is. The companies that succeed will be the ones that adapt, innovate, and put their people first.
If you want to dive deeper into this topic, check out my full conversation with Gary Cookson on The State of Work Today podcast. Listen now! (Or use: https://pod.fo/e/2bb037)
