🌟 Dynamic Work: The Blueprint for a Flexible Workforce

Hello! 👋

It’s Thursday, 12 Sep, and today we explore “Dynamic Work” - a glimpse into the future of how work will evolve. First time reading? Join over 300 intellectually curious readers. Sign up here. 

In this issue:

• Key Idea: Okta’s Dynamic Work model

• Recommended Reads: Sequoia on distributed work

You share. We listen. As always, send me feedback at [email protected]

Quick note: This email is best read in light mode.

Let’s get started!

Key Idea

In 2020, the world scrambled to adapt to remote work—but some companies were already ahead - like Okta. This global leader in identity and access management was living the future long before the rest of us.

Long before the pandemic hit, over 30% of their workforce was already thriving outside traditional office walls.

As the world shifted, Okta saw an opportunity to redefine the workplace—not just for themselves, but for other companies facing a new reality. The result? Dynamic Work.

Dynamic Work is Okta’s flexible work model that enables global hiring and remote work while providing location-independent benefits, schedules, and experiences. In short, it’s Okta’s answer to the question: How should work evolve in a world where flexibility and freedom are top priorities?

And it’s working. In an internal survey, 81% of Okta employees reported feeling just as productive—if not more—working remotely.

In simple terms, Dynamic Work challenges the old assumption that employees need to be tethered to large, centralized headquarters.

Instead, Okta envisions creative hubs—versatile spaces designed for in-person touchpoints and collaboration, while giving employees the freedom to work remotely from wherever they feel most productive.

Why Dynamic Work Makes Sense Now

Let’s take a step back and look at the key trends pushing companies to adopt Dynamic Work:

1. Urban unaffordability: The cost of living in major cities is outpacing salary growth. More workers are moving to affordable areas, making commuting to centralized offices less practical.

2. Tech-enabled flexibility: Thanks to cloud infrastructure, productivity apps, and collaboration tools, there’s no need to micromanage employees in an office. Companies that embrace remote work are not only boosting productivity but also improving their teams' quality of life.

3. Changing Workforce Demographics: Millennials and Gen Z—who will soon dominate the workforce—expect flexibility and digital tools. These digital natives thrive in environments that allow autonomy.

4. Building Resilience: As COVID-19 has shown, disruptions can happen without warning. Dynamic work models provide organizations with the resilience they need to navigate unforeseen challenges.

The Pillars of Dynamic Work

To make Dynamic Work effective, Okta relies on three essential pillars:

1. Redesigned Offices: Adaptable spaces designed for in-person collaboration when necessary.

2. Cloud-First Tools: The best apps and cloud architecture for seamless remote collaboration.

3. A Culture of Flexibility: Giving employees autonomy over where, when, and how they work—whether that’s adjusting schedules, choosing remote or hybrid setups, or providing tailored benefits.

These pillars allow Okta to stay competitive, boost employee satisfaction, and maintain productivity, all while remaining agile in an unpredictable world.

An added advantage of dynamic work? With the right systems in place, location becomes irrelevant—opening up opportunities to hire the best talent, wherever they are.

What Next?

Disruptions—social, technological, economic, or environmental—will continue to shape the future of work. Okta’s Dynamic Work model shows us that businesses must adapt by embracing flexible, resilient solutions.

Okta’s leadership in Dynamic Work is not just about remote or hybrid work; it’s about creating adaptable systems that empower employees and keep businesses agile for whatever comes next.

Want to learn how you can implement Dynamic Work in your organization? Here is a whitepaper from the Okta team.

The future of work won’t wait for you to catch up. Is your company ready to adapt to the next disruption?

Until next time,
Kartik

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Recommended reads this week

Curated news, articles, and opinion-pieces about the future of work and living - just for you.

A. Sequoia Capital’s Chairman says the future of startups and VC is distributed. Couldn’t agree more!

B. American office delinquencies are shooting up [The Economist]

US offices have hit a 20.1% vacancy rate, according to Moody’s, which is the highest since 1979, when the rating agency began to keep track.

C. Major US office landlord sees its survival in doubt, hires restructuring officer [Costar]

Hertz Properties Group, a major U.S. office property owner, has "significant doubts" about its survival. Between 2020 and mid-2024, office tenants returned nearly 200 million square feet to the market, with 120 million from central business districts.

D. Who ate my lunch hour? [Financial Times]

Remote workers are skipping traditional lunch breaks, opting to eat at their desks and save time for personal tasks, unlike office workers who still take full breaks. This reflects a shift in work habits, prioritizing flexibility over structured routines. It is the best of times, it is the worst of times.

E. It took Wells Fargo 4 days to notice that an employee had died in their cubicle [Fortune]

About me

What truly matters in the workspaces and homes of tomorrow? What changes are unfolding, why do they matter, and where will they take us?

My name is Kartik and for the past 7 years, I’ve delved into the shifting landscapes of real estate, technology, business, and consumer behavior. With experience spanning corporate strategy, startups, and consulting, I’m now focused on shaping the future of work and living. My mission is to explore what’s coming next and how it will redefine the way we live and work. Through Bold Efforts, I share my insights and discoveries along the way.

Reposts

A. Global trials of 4-day workweeks are proving to boost productivity while also giving people more balance in their lives [Link]

The idea of a 4-day workweek is gaining steam across industries, and it’s fascinating to see how different countries are experimenting with it. From the UK’s pioneering efforts to New Zealand’s bold moves, one thing is becoming clear—less really can be more.

B. Remote-first companies' stocks have outperformed the S&P 500 by an impressive 2.4x over the past two years [Link]

Over the past year, remote-first companies have done more than just adapt—they’ve excelled. The data shows they’ve delivered a remarkable 38% return over the last year, leaving the S&P 500’s 19% return in the dust.

C. Spotify is undergoing a fascinating remote work experiment that has been unfolding over the past three years (and counting) [Link]

Their WFA program had been brewing since early 2020, even before the world turned upside down. The company is on its way to become a fully distributed company by 2025.