The way we work is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Some of these changes have been building for years, while others seem to have happened overnight. The magnitude and speed of these shifts have created uncharted territory for organizations and individuals alike. By understanding these transformations, we can design workplaces that foster resilience, community, and productivity.
In this four-part blog series, we’ll explore The Four Macro Shifts Changing Work, breaking down each shift in detail to understand its impact on work behavior and the workplace. Our first topic? Living on Screen—a shift that has fundamentally altered the way we collaborate, communicate, and connect.
Living on Screen: The Digital Takeover
Take a look at your calendar today versus five years ago. What differences do you notice? If you’re like most people, you have more meetings, and a significant portion of them involve video. The shift from in-person to screen-based interactions has had profound implications on work behaviors, organizational culture, and even employee well-being.
The Acceleration of Screen-Based Work
The transition to virtual meetings didn’t happen overnight, but its impact was accelerated by technological advancements and, most notably, the pandemic. According to Steelcase WorkSpace Futures research, people now spend more time in virtual meetings than in fully face-to-face interactions. This shift has led to a paradox—while hybrid work offers flexibility, it has also created challenges in collaboration and engagement.
The New Meeting Norms
The way we conduct meetings has changed significantly. Many employees choose to stay at their desks rather than gather in a meeting room. According to Steelcase research:
- 50% of employees prefer staying at their desk for video calls
- 24% use single rooms or enclaves
- 26% go to a designated meeting room
Convenience is winning over connection. Employees cite reasons such as a lack of time between meetings and the ease of joining from their desks as key factors. However, this behavior can negatively impact performance, engagement, and workplace culture.
The Consequences of Virtual Overload
As screen-based work increases, so do distractions. Studies show that employees often multitask during virtual meetings, with some spending at least 30% of their time on email while in a video call. This lack of engagement can lead to decision fatigue, reduced collaboration, and lower overall job satisfaction.
Additionally, Microsoft researchers identified a new work pattern called the “triple-peak day,” where employees experience peak productivity not only before and after lunch but also before bedtime. This blurring of work and personal life can contribute to burnout and stress.
Designing Workspaces for Hybrid Success
To address the challenges of screen-based work, organizations need to rethink their workplace design. Employees are seeking:
- Privacy for focused work
- Spaces that support well-being
- Optimized virtual collaboration rooms
- More accessible power sources
Organizations are already responding by investing in privacy solutions, technology-enabled collaboration spaces, and acoustic-friendly environments that support both virtual and in-person interactions.
What’s Next?
The shift toward screen-based interactions is just one of the Four Macro Shifts Changing Work. In our next blog, we’ll explore how the nature of collaboration is transforming and what that means for the future of teamwork.
Stay tuned for more insights on how we can design workplaces that not only adapt to these changes but also empower people to work better.
