SenseMaking from the Web is a curated list of recent articles I’ve read and thought worth sharing with my subscribers. I’ve automated this but the curation, which is a discerning process, is all human. I’ve added some commentary.

The myth that remote work stifles innovation and creativity is gaining ground–but the same evidence shows that it was only true in the pre-2010s workplace

Posted on January 3. The pendulum keeps swinging and this time, in this article, in favour of remote work. It posits, with evidence, that with the advent of social and collaborative technologies at work post 2010, the myth of remote work stifling innovation and creativity no longer holds water. I largely agree with this.

From Employees To Customers: 10 Trends That Will Redefine Enterprise Communications In 2024

Posted on December 26. Video interactions with customers for onboarding (by banks for instance), Online Chat, powered by AI/ML and moving from transcript to transaction are three of my top trends in this list.

Another top risk for 2024: Moving fast on generative AI

Posted on December 21. An announcement of execs’ top risks for 2024 highlighted the following three which add to the challenges I highlighted here: Generative AI is here but enterprise adoption is not – here are your strategy choices

1. Economic conditions, including inflationary pressures – AI in the workplace is not cheap after all (emphasis mine)
2. Ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent, manage shifts in labor expectations, and address succession challenges
3. Cyberthreats

The Role of AI in Workforce Management for Peak Performance

Posted on December 19. This article focuses on the “use of artificial intelligence tools to analyze data, predict trends, and automate tasks. Some of the tasks that are involved include employee engagement, payroll, and scheduling. In terms of workforce management, it is comparable to having a smart assistant, which frees up your time to focus on the human side of things”. Where I work at Microsoft (disclosure), there is most definitely an emphasis on this with Viva, the employee experience platform, infused with Copilot. More on that here: New ways Microsoft Copilot and Viva are transforming the employee experience.

The Outsized Benefits of “Minimalist” Leadership

Posted on December 18. “Although we have known about the benefits of servant leadership for a long time, many CEOs are still far from putting it into practice. While minimalist leadership may feel counterintuitive and uncomfortable, those who dare to practice it will gain an edge in industries requiring engaged and innovative employees.” I couldn’t agree more with this and feel it applies to all forms of management and bureaucracy which I have written about here: Cutting bureaucracy – 5 ways to sharpen your scissors.