Subscribe here:
How Much Flexibility Is Too Much?
We’ve spent the last several years giving people more choice in how, when, and where they work. But if everyone needs something different, how do organizations create flexibility that still feels fair, builds trust, and works for the business?
Recorded live at the Haworth showroom in Chicago with Office Revolution as part of the Work for What’s Next roadshow, Amanda Schneider is joined by strategic advisor Erin Coupe and Tyler Blackwell of Morningstar to explore the tension between what individuals need to thrive and what organizations need to succeed.
Together, they unpack why flexibility without clear expectations can quickly become the “manager lottery,” why measuring contribution may matter more than measuring time and visibility, and how leaders can create more choice without trying to create a different workplace policy for every person.
In this episode:
-
Why flexibility and trust are more connected than we think
-
How the “manager lottery” can create inconsistency and mistrust
-
Why leaders may need to measure contribution instead of time and visibility
-
How self-awareness can help employees understand when and how they work best
-
Why clear expectations and guardrails may be the key to making customization sustainable
Links Mentioned:
-
Grab your copy of Work for What's Next.
-
Sign up for ThinkLab’s Newsletter to keep up with industry trends.
-
Follow Amanda on LinkedIn for more workplace insights.
-
Book Amanda for a speaking engagement.
Design Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, with music from Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Hannah Viti, Rob Schulte, and Rachel Senatore.
Special thanks to our podcast sponsor Office Revolution and Haworth for hosting this event - companies doing big things to move the design industry forward.
Want to sponsor an episode?
Design Nerds Anonymous is the only podcast of its kind – holding an engaged audience of architects, designers, CRE leaders, and end users – and delivering the most insights per minute on the forces shaping the built environment. With over 100K+ downloads, the show features industry powerhouses from brands like Chick-fil-A, Hilton, and StoryBrand, having bold conversations on what’s next in business and design—market shifts, process innovation, and the hidden dynamics driving change.
Learn more about becoming a sponsor.