Now that 2023 is officially behind us, we’ve fully shifted our focus towards the year ahead. As we dive into the first quarter, we find ourselves doing what most of you have been doing too, if social media is any indication: identifying what’s in and what’s out in 2024. 

Ins

IN: Making sure remote employees feel a part of the conversation (in every meeting).

• Whether you work full-time in the office, remote, or have a hybrid schedule, you deserve to be seen and heard in every meeting. In the past, that simply meant showing up. Now, employers need to make sure they are giving their employees the tools they need to experience meeting equity, even when they can’t be physically present. 
  
  

IN: Dreaming big

• The changes to how we work over the last few years have reminded us of our resiliency and adaptability. With proper planning, resources, and strategy, anything is possible, and in 2024 we’re going to continue to redefine the possibilities of hybrid work. 
  
  

IN: Tech that gets better with time

• Acknowledging the undeniable metamorphosis in our work methodologies, the emphasis on investing in technology that evolves through AI learning and regular software updates becomes crucial. In a world where change is the only constant, staying ahead with tech that matures and adapts is the best defense against the uncertainties that lie ahead.
  
  

IN: No meeting Fridays!

• It’s good for productivity. It’s good for avoiding burnout. You know it. We know it. No meeting Fridays are in. 
  
  

IN: Pet cameos during video calls

• We want to see the animals. If you insist on asking us to justify this, we’d say that the appearance of furry friends not only adds a touch of joy and humor to virtual interactions but also fosters a sense of connection and camaraderie among team members, creating a shared, lighthearted experience in the remote work landscape. We want to see the animals. 
  
  

Outs

OUT: Tech issues during meetings

• Wasting time troubleshooting tech issues during meetings is officially out. By making sure our meeting spaces are properly equipped with the right technology ahead of time, we can save our meeting time for just that… meeting. 

OUT: Bad camera angles during hybrid meetings 

• It’s already a challenge to feel connected to your coworkers when working remotely. Bad camera angles and being forced to speak to the side of someone's face on a screen only makes that connection more difficult, and it’s an easy fix! If organizations invest in video-conferencing solutions that cover every angle in a room, we can all put our best foot (face) forward during hybrid meetings and focus on the tasks at hand. 
  
  

OUT: Unnecessary meetings

• Just because hybrid meetings can replicate the natural flow of in-person gatherings doesn't mean every situation calls for a meeting. In 2024, the mantra is clear: if it can be an email, let it be an email (or a Slack message). Value your time and the time of your coworkers by making every meeting count.
  
  

OUT: Saying “can you see my screen” every time we share a screen

• Why do we do this every time? It’s like an out-of-body experience at this point. Enough is enough. Together, we can all have the confidence that we are, in fact, sharing our screens in 2024.  

OUT: Coffee badging

• The 2023 State of Hybrid Work revealed that 58% of employees admitted to “coffee badging”. This idea of going to the office just to show your face and leave, while relatable, is one that we should all leave behind in 2024. When you are in the office, make the most of your time there! Collaborate with your coworkers, use office resources, and use the change of location to spark a creative brainstorm. Coffee badging isn’t just a waste of company time, it’s a waste of yours. 

This concept of "ins and outs" has resonated deeply with the Owl Labs team. Rather than resolutions that often feel forced, reflecting on what worked and what didn't serve as a valuable practice. As we step into 2024, the excitement to further elevate the landscape of hybrid work for everyone at Owl Labs is palpable. The journey continues, and we're eager to shape the future of work with innovation, collaboration, and a dash of fun!