Workplace Evolution: Navigating the Return-to-Office, Hybrid, and Remote Landscape – Next Practices Weekly

The first Next Practices Weekly session of 2025 set the stage for organizations grappling with the complexities of return-to-office, hybrid, and remote work strategies. Hosted by i4cp’s Senior Research Analyst Tom Stone, this engaging webinar featured insights from Brian Elliott (CEO of Work Forward), Annie Dean (Global Head of Team Anywhere at Atlassian), and Kevin Oakes (CEO of i4cp).

Together, they explored the ongoing transformation of the workplace, offering actionable strategies to navigate evolving dynamics. Brian Elliott and Annie Dean detailed their organizations' approaches to hybrid work and workplace redesign, while Kevin Oakes brought i4cp’s latest data and insights to the conversation. 

Key topics of discussion:

• The rise of hybrid work: Brian Elliott revealed that 68% of organizations now support flexible work policies, a dramatic shift from pre-pandemic practices. He highlighted how blanket return-to-office mandates can erode engagement and trust, emphasizing the importance of tailoring strategies to employee and business needs.
• Trust as the foundation of performance: Kevin Oakes and the panel discussed how trust is critical for organizational success. They underscored the need to move away from micromanagement and focus on clear, outcome-based goals that empower employees to deliver value.
• Reimagining the office: Annie Dean shared Atlassian’s innovative office designs, featuring spaces tailored for focus and collaboration. The panel agreed that offices should evolve into purpose-driven environments that complement remote work rather than compete with it.
• AI as a workplace ally: Both Elliott and Dean stressed the importance of framing AI as a tool for augmenting human potential. They highlighted its ability to drive innovation and productivity when integrated thoughtfully into workplace processes.

This session showcased the pressing need for organizations to approach the return-to-office and hybrid work discussion with trust, creativity, and a clear strategy. From purpose-built office spaces to leveraging AI, the discussion illuminated actionable steps HR leaders can take to foster engagement and productivity in today’s evolving workplace.

To dive deeper into the insights shaping 2025, download i4cp’s 2025 Priorities & Predictions Report and register for upcoming Next Practices Weekly sessions to stay ahead of the curve in workplace transformation.

Are you an i4cp member? Click here to access the 2025 Priorities & Predictions Report and additional member-exclusive resources.