As we mark five years since the world entered COVID-19 lockdowns, one thing is clear: the way we work has been irreversibly transformed. What began as a reactive shift to remote work has evolved into a more strategic, people-centric approach to productivity, driven by technology and reimagined expectations. Industry leaders reflect on how the past five years have reshaped work and what it means for the future.
The right tools, not the right location
James Campanini, Head of Logitech for Business, underscores how the definition of productivity has changed over the past half-decade. He told us, “the last five years have altered how we work, proving that productivity isn’t about location, it’s about having the right tools to work effectively, wherever you are.” According to Campanini, one of the most important priorities should be equipping teams with technology that enhances collaboration, from high-quality video and audio that makes virtual interactions feel natural and seamless, to ergonomic setups that actively support well-being and focus.
He continues, “productivity isn’t something enforced through rigid oversight of where someone is; it works on a basis of trust, flexibility, and the right support structures. Companies that embrace tech-enabled, flexible working environments will be the ones that empower their teams. Instead of concentrating on location, employers should ensure that every workspace – whether it’s a dedicated home office, a traditional office, or a hybrid of both – is set up for success.”
As remote and hybrid models mature, businesses are beginning to realise that location is only part of the puzzle. Dan Lawyer, Chief Product Officer at Lucid Software also highlights the evolution of collaboration tools and mindsets, adding “hybrid work and collaboration continue to evolve beyond the short-term fixes introduced at the start of the pandemic. Yet, many organisations are still searching for the right balance, with our research showing that 52% of managers cite productivity as a top challenge when shaping new policies. The key isn’t just where teams work, it’s how they work together. Success comes from establishing effective tools with the strategic approach to foster clarity, alignment, and shared understanding. When platforms integrate seamlessly, workflows remain transparent, allowing businesses to focus on collaboration and accelerating work itself—not just the location.”
From flexibility to fulfilment
Five years on, the desire for flexibility is still not just a nice to have but an expectation. While the push to get employees back into the office is growing stronger, office workers clearly don’t feel the same way. In fact, recent research found that only one in ten Gen Z workers want full time office work, and two thirds of younger workers believe they should be paid more for fully on-site roles.
However, as Paul Birkett, VP of Strategic Portfolio Management at Ricoh Europe, points out, flexibility alone isn’t enough. Businesses have to equip employees with the right technology empower them and allow them to thrive and innovate. He says, “the world of work has been fundamentally reshaped. What began as an unexpected global experiment in remote working has evolved into a world where hybrid working is the norm, and now, nearly 75% of workers prefer a hybrid pattern. It is therefore a necessity that businesses do more than just enable flexibility; they must empower their people to thrive wherever they or their colleagues are
“Success hinges on giving employees the right tools, solutions, support, and technology. Automation plays a key role in this, helping to eliminate repetitive, low-value tasks so that employees can focus on meaningful, value-driven work and essentially feel empowered to find fulfilment through work.
Birkett continues, “crucially, technology should enhance human potential, not replace it. This includes rapid movements in AI, where there is huge opportunity to reinforce the value of human touch and creativity. The next chapter of work will be defined by organisations that can strike the right balance between digital transformation and human experience. Success will come to those who invest in their people and provide tools that enable them to collaborate well and drive innovation.”
As Birkett suggests, the organisations that succeed will be those that pair digital innovation with a deeper investment in the people.
Safer, smarter work in manufacturing
In more physical sectors like manufacturing, the transformation has been just as profound. Mark Gray, UK Sales Manager at Universal Robots, outlines how automation has helped future-proof industry and worker wellbeing. “The future of work in manufacturing is on the brink of a transformative shift,” says Gray. “Driven by automation that boosts productivity and reshapes the experience of work itself. Collaborative robots (cobots) are central to this change, working alongside humans to take care of the dull, dirty and dangerous jobs that no one wants to – or should – do, freeing workers to take on more stimulating tasks and develop into new roles.
“The benefits of automation extend beyond the reduction of manual work, with cobots playing a critical role in creating a safer working environment that protects workers’ health long-term. By automating tasks like heavy lifting or high-repetition assembly, manufacturers significantly decrease the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and long-term health issues. One of our customers Volvo Cars have seen a clear correlation between increased automation and reduced sick leave due to injury.
“We must explore ways for individuals to remain in manufacturing workforces longer, without subjecting them to physically demanding tasks that could harm their long-term health. This is particularly important considering our aging workforce, with physical stress exposed as a major factor driving workers over 50 to opt for early retirement. By developing new pathways with less physically intense roles, through robot collaboration, we can retain valuable expertise, while fostering a safer, future-proofed environment for all.”
10 years on…TBC
From offices to factory floors, from start-ups to global enterprises, the workplace has undergone a lasting transformation. As these voices show, the future will be defined by more than just policies and platforms, it will be shaped by the organisations that centre their people, empower innovation and embrace change as a long-term opportunity, not just a crisis response.
What the next five years have in store for the office and world of work alike, remains to be seen.
