Mpowered Podcast, Episode 13 Show Notes
Welcome to Mpowered, the podcast brought to you by Material Bank and created by ThinkLab.
In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question, “How is hybrid affecting designers’ work?” Host Erica Waayenberg, head of research and content at ThinkLab, offers fascinating insight into where designers work now, how are they collaborating, and how you as a rep can fit into that hybrid schedule.
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If you have a question or topic you’d like us to tackle on air, we’d love to hear from you. Simply direct-message Material Bank on Instagram with your success story or question through the messaging function.
Erica: Welcome to Mpowered, the podcast brought to you by Material Bank and created by ThinkLab. Consider this your new weekly dose of bite-sized, actionable insights to help you succeed as a B2B rep. I’m this week’s host, Erica Waayenberg, head of research and content at ThinkLab. We’ll be answering one key question each week, many of them submitted by you. Want to join in? We’ll share details about how to submit your question at the end of the episode.
Our question this week: How is hybrid affecting designers’ work?
Early on in the pandemic, amidst the abrupt (and for many, chaotic) transition to remote work, many were longing for the simplicity of getting back to the office. In fact, in early 2021, executives said that 50 percent of their staff would be in the office five days a week. Now that percentage has gone down to 20 percent, according to the New York Times. And it stands to reason that while the transition to hybrid and flexible work models was accelerated at a pace no one could have predicted heading into 2020, hybrid work is here to stay, and employees and employers are making it work.
Our research shows that designers are satisfied working asynchronously through email or virtual communication with reps on project-specific initiatives. And asynchronous doesn’t have to mean static emails. Consider responding to a specific question with a short video response using a platform like Loom. This is a great way to be respectful of the designer’s time, provide them an answer, and provide you the opportunity for them to get to know you more.
At the end of the day, make sure you’re communicating with designers about their hybrid schedules to work most effectively alongside them.
Thank you for listening in, and I invite you to listen each week for more tips and tidbits to empower you as a rep.
If you have a question or topic you’d like for us to tackle on air, we’d love to hear from you. Simply direct message Material Bank on Instagram or LinkedIn. Drop us a note with your success story or question by clicking on the message button.