The Great Confrontation – employees and their bosses face off over the future of work

The post-pandemic workplace is ground zero for a quiet revolution. As offices reopened, many workers felt a profound reluctance to return — not out of laziness, but because they’d discovered a better way to work. Remote and hybrid models unlocked autonomy, equity and wellbeing, especially for women and marginalised groups. But many employers are clinging to old models of control and visibility, mistaking presence for performance. The result? A looming standoff. This piece explores how the most forward-looking organisations are co-designing “third way” solutions with staff — blending the best of both worlds to invent a future of work that’s not just flexible, but fair and purpose-built. Read More