Authentic self | Where are boundaries drawn between being professional and personal at work?

Remote work became a norm thanks to the pandemic – that's no secret. As we near the four-year anniversary of the beginning of lockdown, an opportunity is presented to reflect on the state of remote work today.

When we first started to adopt this style of work, most of us assumed it would be only temporary until lockdown eased and the pandemic was over. But here we are almost four years later with the CIPD reporting that 51% of businesses now offer a hybrid model.

Being on camera, remembering to unmute, blurring the background so no one could see your messy bedroom, and Zoom fatigue were all at the forefront of public discourse when the pandemic started. Now, they aren’t so much.

Yet, one unexpected consequence of the pandemic and remote work was businesses allowing, or being forced to allow, a more casual work environment, as many exchanged boardrooms for bedrooms and dining tables. But what are the consequences of the professional world becoming more personal? And are there any benefits to employees and leaders?