The COVID pandemic forced most workers to shift from the work office to the home office. As we navigate this new normal, organizations must decide on their post-pandemic workplace strategy: office-forward, remote-first, or hybrid. Meanwhile, employees have also developed their preference, whether working from home, the office, or a combination of both. This book helps leaders to align their workplace strategy with employee preferences. It helps them to understand the different types of employees they have and how to engage employees whose work preferences may or may not align with that of the organization. Through in-depth interviews with both employees and executives, the authors identify nine distinct employee personas and present findings about the personas’ demographics, specific behaviors, attitudes, preferences, and motivations. They then offer practical advice on how organizations can leverage these personas to support their chosen workplace strategy. Whether you are looking to identify which employee personas fit best within your company, understand the personas on your team, explore how different personas interact, or assess the costs of misalignment, this book is an essential resource on balancing organizational strategy and employee well-being. “In a sea of uninformed opinions about remote and hybrid work, this book is a life raft. Two experts examine what the evidence actually shows about flexible work arrangements—and explore what it takes to get people across levels on the same page.” (Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of THINK AGAIN and host of the TED podcast Re:Thinking) “ The New Workplace offers a fresh perspective on aligning workplace strategies with employee preferences to create a more effective and fulfilling work environment. Through their insightful research and compelling personas, Purvanova and Mitchell provide practical guidance for leaders and employees navigating the complexities of modern office, remote, and hybrid work models. This book is an invaluable resource for fostering alignment, engagement, and success in today’s ever-evolving workplace.” (Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, SHRM) “ The New Workplace is a comprehensive guide that delves into the evolving dynamics of the modern work environment. It offers invaluable insights into the diverse personas that populate today's workforce, providing a nuanced understanding of how different employees align with remote-first, office-forward, and hybrid strategies. Through detailed analyses and practical tactics, The New Workplace provides actionable strategies for aligning employee preferences with organizational goals, enabling companies to foster a more engaged and productive workforce. By implementing the book's recommendations, organizations can navigate the complexities of the new workplace, ultimately driving success and innovation in their operations.” (Hannah Jackson Foldes, Ph.D., VP Talent and Performance, 3M) “Fascinating, practical, myth-busting research to inform the evolving office/hybrid/home conversation that is continuing towards a new ‘one-size-does-not-fit-all’ workplace equilibrium that best matches and aligns corporate strategies with employee preferences.” (Bernard Tubiana, Principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP) “ The New Workplace is an essential guide to understanding the dynamics of today’s evolving work landscape. Through well-researched insights, it identifies the diverse personas within organizations and offers practical advice on aligning individual work preferences with company strategies. This book is a vital resource for leaders managing the complexities of remote, office, and hybrid work models.” (Jenni Hipwell, Vice President of People and Culture, Zirous) “In today’s rapidly shifting workplace landscape, success hinges on understanding the distinct strengths of remote, hybrid, and in-office models. Each approach brings unique opportunities and challenges, and when thoughtfully leveraged, they can drive innovation and strengthen organizational culture. The New Workplace provides leaders with the research and insights needed to strategically design virtual and physical experiences that empower their teams and position their organizations to thrive. As with many business decisions, there’s no universal solution—only the right one for your organization to sustain and sharpen its competitive edge.” (Paul Hlivko, EVP Chief Information and Digital Officer, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield) “Purvanova and Mitchell have written what will become the definitive guide for organizations, managers, and employees in navigating the modern workplace. They dispel the notion of any one best way of organizing work, focusing instead on costs and benefits of remote, hybrid, and traditional workplaces. This engaging and practical guide serves as a valuable tool for organizational leaders looking to create the best work environment; for managers who face this n