Home iOS Apple CEO Tim Cook and the coming hybrid workplace

Apple CEO Tim Cook and the coming hybrid workplace

1139
61

Apple CEO Tim Cook has added his voice to the chorus of business leaders who now expect the future workplace to be a hybrid environment in which remote and on-premises employees work together.

Welcome to office as a service

He’s right, of course. IDC predicts 60% of the U.S. workforce will be remote by 2024. According to Slack’s Future Forum, just 12% of knowledge workers want to return to the office, while 72% want a hybrid remote-office model in future.

Cook isn’t all in on remote working, however. Speaking to People magazine, Cook said that while he thinks Apple will become more accepting of remote work, he also believes getting people together in the physical sense is important, at least for some of the things his company does. (That includes, I assume, product development in secrecy.)

“My gut says that, for us, it’s still very important to physically be in touch with one another because collaboration isn’t always a planned activity,” said Cook.

Remote innovation takes time

This does reflect some of the experience I’ve been reading about as teams attempt to innovate together. To be successful, remote working takes a great deal of planning and – as Cook notes – it’s not always possible to plan the next great idea. Sometimes they emerge as people simply bounce smaller ideas together against the wall.

“Innovation isn’t always a planned activity,” he said. “It’s bumping into each other over the course of the day and advancing an idea that you just had. And you really need to be together to do that.”

[Also read: 14 items of office equipment replaced by iPhone]

The Apple CEO isn’t unique in believing this; JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon, among others, also believes that in-person presence is important to foster company culture and develop relevant skill sets.

It’s possible both men may be outriders. “Hybrid models of remote work are likely to persist in the wake of the pandemic mostly for a highly educated, well-paid minority of the workforce,” says McKinsey Global Institute.

Most business leaders now accept that employees can transact many of their tasks perfectly well while working remotely. Indeed, some human resources departments are beginning to explore the advantages of drawing talent from a global stable of potential hires, rather than being limited to one area or geography.

Good people need good software

We are therefore seeing the adoption of asynchronous working practices in many firms, with growing internationalization of teams and increased mobile technology deployments.

Those moves are also prompting adoption of new software solutions to support remote work, from bot-based Robotic Process Automation tools (to make interaction more efficient) to chatbots such as Apple Business Chat and powerful project management tools such as those from the Merlin Project.

These software solutions are becoming as important as the use of Webex or Zoom to businesses attempting to get stuff done. That’s why so many developers of video collaboration tools now integrate with the likes of Trello, Slack, Dropbox, Otter, or Zendesk. The future workforce will be supported by a blend of complementary technologies, remote IT support and zero-touch configuration.

All the same, Cook said that while Apple is still figuring out how to get people back into offices, he now accepts that remote working is fine for many tasks and is full of praise for what his teams have achieved across the last year. “I really give the team credit for really rising to the occasion.”

Go when you want to

Hybrid work should end up being more voluntary.

As Dean Hager, Jamf CEO has said, attendance at the office will cease to be a requirement of employment but may become a benefit. I suspect most workers will attend the office for resources they lack at home, or — as Cook’s model envisions — simply to collaborate at close quarters with others to handle and resolve the most difficult problems.

That’s going to change office space requirements, of course. A recent Partnership of New York study found that the city’s largest employers expect just 45% of employees to return to work in the offices by September. This, of course, heralds big changes ahead in both office locations and the service industry that exists around business districts worldwide.

Please follow me on Twitter, or join me in the AppleHolic’s bar & grill and Apple Discussions groups on MeWe.

Copyright © 2021 IDG Communications, Inc.

61 COMMENTS

  1. Having read this I believed it was really enlightening.
    I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this short article together.
    I once again find myself personally spending way too much time both reading and commenting.
    But so what, it was still worth it!

  2. First off I would like to say excellent blog! I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if you don’t
    mind. I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your thoughts prior to writing.

    I’ve had difficulty clearing my mind in getting my ideas out there.

    I do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the
    first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be wasted simply just
    trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips?
    Kudos!

    Here is my blog post … akaun test greatwall99 – https://918kiss-m.com/greatwall99,

  3. Hello There. I discovered your blog the usage of msn. This is an extremely smartly written article.

    I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back
    to learn extra of your helpful information. Thank you for the
    post. I’ll definitely comeback.

    Here is my blog; 1 rollex11

  4. Having read this I thought it was very informative.
    I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this article together.
    I once again find myself personally spending way too
    much time both reading and posting comments.

    But so what, it was still worthwhile!

    Here is my web site :: id test pussy888

  5. Hey would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re using?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I must say
    this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a fair price?
    Thanks, I appreciate it!

  6. It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.

    I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you some interesting things or tips.
    Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article.
    I desire to read more things about it!

    My blog post; free download epicwin

  7. I do believe all of the concepts you’ve presented in your post.
    They are very convincing and can definitely work.
    Still, the posts are too short for newbies. May just
    you please lengthen them a little from subsequent time?
    Thanks for the post.

    Have a look at my blog post – kebe.top

  8. Ahaa, its good discussion on the topic of this post at
    this place at this blog, I have read all that, so now me also commenting here.

    Here is my web page: Game mega888

  9. Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News.
    Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
    I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!

    Cheers

    Here is my web blog; Darby

  10. Howdy are using WordPress for your site platform?
    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started
    and set up my own. Do you require any coding knowledge to make your own blog?
    Any help would be really appreciated!

    my blog … 918kiss vip

  11. hi!,I like your writing so a lot! share we communicate more approximately
    your article on AOL? I require an expert on this house to solve my problem.

    Maybe that’s you! Having a look ahead to see you.

    Here is my page … Download Game Lpe88

  12. I just like the helpful information you supply in your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your weblog and check once more right here frequently.
    I am quite certain I will learn many new stuff proper right here!

    Best of luck for the following!

    my web page epicwin company, Alberto,

  13. You can definitely see your skills in the article you write.
    The arena hopes for more passionate writers like
    you who are not afraid to say how they believe. At all times follow your heart.

    My web-site ok388apk (xe88sg.com)

  14. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate
    to this superb blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your
    RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will talk
    about this blog with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

    Here is my website :: club suncityapk download

  15. Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out a
    lot. I’m hoping to present one thing again and help others such as you aided me.

    Here is my page Rollex11 download android

  16. We absolutely love your blog and find almost all of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking
    for. can you offer guest writers to write content available for you?
    I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on some of the subjects you write concerning here.

    Again, awesome blog!

    Feel free to surf to my web-site: lpe88 website

  17. What’s up to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is getting more from
    this site, and your views are fastidious designed for new viewers.

    My web page – ace333apk

  18. Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment
    (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote
    and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring
    blog blogger but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any points for
    first-time blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

    my page 918kiss scr

  19. Hi, i feel that i noticed you visited my web site thus i came to return the favor?.I
    am attempting to to find things to improve my web site!I suppose its ok to use
    a few of your ideas!!

    Feel free to visit my page – club suncity android (xe88sg.com)

  20. Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?

    There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content.
    Please let me know. Thank you

    Review my site … kebe.top

  21. Hey there! I know this is sort of off-topic however I had to ask.

    Does managing a well-established blog such as yours take a lot of work?
    I am brand new to operating a blog but I do write in my diary every day.
    I’d like to start a blog so I can easily share my own experience and feelings
    online. Please let me know if you have any ideas or tips for brand new aspiring bloggers.
    Thankyou!

    Also visit my page; https://kuberjozka.ru/index.php?action=profile;u=46383

  22. I was pretty pleased to discover this website.
    I wanted to thank you for your time for this
    particularly wonderful read!! I definitely savored every part of
    it and i also have you book-marked to see new
    things in your site.

    my blog post :: forum.adm-tolka.ru

  23. We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
    Your web site provided us with valuable info to work on. You have done an impressive job and
    our entire neighborhood shall be grateful to you.

    my site; forum.adm-tolka.ru

  24. I wanted to construct a small note to be able to express gratitude to you for all the pleasant strategies
    you are showing at this website. My long internet investigation has finally been rewarded with useful tips to
    talk about with my great friends. I ‘d claim that most of us website
    visitors are quite lucky to exist in a very good website
    with many brilliant professionals with interesting basics.
    I feel rather fortunate to have seen your entire website and look forward to really more pleasurable moments reading here.
    Thanks again for a lot of things.

    my homepage; mpc-install.com

  25. Terrific post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more
    on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
    Thank you!

  26. Thank you for the sensible critique. Me &
    my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this.
    We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more from this post.
    I’m very glad to see such wonderful information being shared freely
    out there.

    my site – Blast Portable AC Review

  27. This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post.
    Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

    Feel free to visit my web page: mbrdev.com

  28. Good day! This post could not be written any better!

    Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate!
    He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him.
    Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

    My web-site – nitou.niopa.urf@scoalanicolaeiorga.uv.ro

  29. Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that
    it is truly informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels.
    I will appreciate if you continue this in future. Lots of people will
    be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

    Feel free to visit my web-site: Tru Vita CBD

  30. Good way of describing, and pleasant paragraph to take information on the topic of my presentation focus,
    which i am going to convey in university.

    Here is my blog post: zhsk-845.ru

  31. I think this is one of the most vital information for me.
    And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on some
    general things, The web site style is wonderful, the articles is really great : D.
    Good job, cheers

    Also visit my page :: Gorges De Soleil Anti Wrinkle Cream

  32. I’m very happy to read this. This is the type
    of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that is at the
    other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this greatest doc.

    Feel free to visit my web page Erorectin Review

  33. Hi there everyone, it’s my first visit at this web site, and piece of writing is in fact fruitful in support of me, keep up posting these types
    of articles.

  34. Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this
    article and also the rest of the site is extremely good.

  35. Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog
    and I am impressed! Very helpful info specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such info much.

    I was looking for this particular information for a long time.
    Thank you and good luck.

  36. Hello it’s me, I am also visiting this web page regularly, this web page
    is in fact good and the people are genuinely sharing pleasant thoughts.

  37. We’re a gaggle of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community.
    Your website offered us with helpful information to work on. You’ve done an impressive activity and our entire
    community will probably be grateful to you.

  38. I blog often and I seriously thank you for your content. This great article has really peaked my interest.
    I am going to take a note of your blog and keep checking for new information about
    once per week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.

  39. Официальный сайт Государственного Военного госпиталя Китая

    Hi! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment form?

    I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one?
    Thanks a lot!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here