Leading Remote-First: Akamai’s Playbook for the Future of Work - 2025 Next Practices Weekly
In a future-focused session of Next Practices Weekly, Akamai Technologies, EVP & CHRO, Anthony Williams, and VP of Inclusion, Diversity, and Engagement, Khalil Smith, joined i4cp’s cohosts, Amber Burton and Katheryn Brekken, Ph.D., to share Akamai’s evolving approach to remote-first work. With deep insights from a new joint i4cp-Akamai study, the session offered actionable strategies for designing inclusive, productive, and resilient remote organizations.
Williams and Smith highlighted how Akamai is not only supporting distributed teams with the right tech but also rethinking culture, leadership, and rewards to align with employee expectations in 2025 and beyond.
Key Topics Discussed
- Defining Remote-First with Intentionality
Akamai’s remote-first strategy centers on clarity and choice. The company doesn’t mandate presence, but guides leaders and employees with frameworks for when, why, and how to connect in person. - Redesigning the Total Rewards Experience
Remote-first success requires adapting compensation, wellness, and recognition. Akamai is leveraging data and feedback to refine equitable, flexible rewards for a global, distributed workforce. - Human-Centered Leadership in Remote Cultures
Leadership in a remote-first world demands more intentionality. Williams and Smith emphasized the importance of psychological safety, empathy, and trust-building in manager development. - Data-Informed Productivity and Connection
Akamai uses a combination of engagement metrics, behavioral insights, and manager sentiment to measure productivity—not just output, but alignment, connection, and capacity. - Leveraging Tech for Belonging and Collaboration
While digital tools power remote work, Akamai focuses on tech that deepens connection and community. Their approach ensures inclusion remains central in a distributed model.
Don’t miss the full conversation—watch the recording to learn how Akamai’s executive HR leaders are translating research into reality, redefining remote work with clarity, empathy, and bold innovation.
Resources Shared:
- Is your organization truly remote-first? Find out what leading companies are doing differently—download the new joint i4cp-Akamai report, Remote First Organizations.
- Register for 2026 Conference: i4cp's Next Practices Now Conference.
