In today’s digital workspaces, the “brick and mortar” mindset should be a relic of the past. Yet, countless organizations, shackled by traditional notions, find themselves trapped in outdated practices and mindsets. Michael Mizrahi, Head of Operations at Levels, provides his tips on breaking free from these old-school conventions.
1. Redefine Workspace Culture
Gone are the days when physical presence signified productivity. In a world led by technology, clinging to old ideals can obstruct genuine progress. Mizrahi emphasizes that a physical workspace no longer bounds employees. Instead, the digital environment is their realm, and within it, employees need autonomy and trust.
2. Be Explicit in Digital Workflow Definitions
Being “digital” doesn’t mean an automatic streamlined process. Digital chaos is real. Just as in a physical office, where you’d have clear demarcation of spaces and processes, the digital space requires its own clarity. As Mizrahi would argue, while you won’t be investing in physical infrastructure, you’ll be defining workflows, tools, and processes. It’s essential to spell out what each tool is meant for and when and how to use it.
3. Avoid the Pitfalls of Sync Messaging
Michael Mizrahi highlights a key point: not all communication tools are created equal. Tools that dominate modern workplaces, like Slack, can disrupt more than they aid if not used judiciously. Every team member, especially in a growing tech company like Levels, brings their own messaging habits. Over-reliance on such synchronous messaging tools can obstruct deep work, creating digital noise and reducing effective communication.
4. Shift the Focus from Time to Results
While Mizrahi’s Levels thrives in the health tech space, the principle applies across industries: value the results, not just the effort. In a digital workspace, time is fluid. It’s not about when an email was sent or how many hours someone appears online. It’s about the quality of work and the results achieved. This shift in mindset from hours clocked to goals reached can be the catalyst for genuine productivity and job satisfaction.
5. Embrace the ‘Async First’ Approach
The asynchronous work model, as advocated by Mizrahi, acknowledges the diversity of the modern workplace. When you have a team spread from New Zealand to Portugal, expecting overlapping hours isn’t just impractical—it’s counterproductive. Adopting an async-first model ensures that each team member can work during their most productive hours, irrespective of the time zone.
6. Build Trust, Not Surveillance
The digital workspace might allow for easier surveillance of employees, but it’s not a route Mizrahi suggests companies take. Instead of focusing on hourly productivity or checking in, it’s more vital to build a culture of trust. Let employees structure their work around their life, allowing for flexibility. By doing so, companies not only promote a healthier work-life balance but also foster a sense of responsibility and ownership among their employees.
In digital workspaces, the old playbooks aren’t optimal. It’s a space of dynamic change, and to harness its full potential, leaders needs to adapt. And the path forward involves a mix of intentional strategies and a willingness to step away from outdated norms.