Fabulous office spaces are devoid of people, and nobody knows if this is the new normal, or if we’re still moving toward one. In this post, Dean explores the team impact of being separated, viewing this as the perfect time to think about what you really want in your future workspace. Check out Dean’s thoughts and share your own.
And if you’re concerned about losing your team culture because so much of your team is out of the office, check out our BE-it program here.
On a recent trip to New York City, I noticed something striking. The streets were full and the traffic was crowded, yet when I stepped into office buildings, they were nearly empty. These large, beautifully designed workspaces felt abandoned, and it raised an important question: What is the new normal for how we work?
Before COVID, offices were packed. Then everything shifted to virtual work almost overnight. Now we’ve returned to something in between, but the balance clearly isn’t settled. In our presence coaching and leadership communication work, we’re hearing more conversations about uncertainty, identity, and what the next era of work should look like.
Many teams are enjoying the freedom, flexibility, and efficiency that virtual work offers. But leaders are also noticing something fading: community. When team members seldom come into the office, the informal support network—the everyday touchpoints that build connection—begins to erode. This affects collaboration, client communication training, and even the confident presence people bring to professional interactions.
I’m not advocating for a return to the strict, factory-era version of office life. The old stress of racing to beat the clock and worrying about being seen walking in at 8:15 was never healthy. Virtual work taught us something valuable about autonomy and balance. But now, we also need to remember what is quietly being lost: the sense of being known, supported, and connected in ways that are hard to replicate through screens.
This is a moment for storytelling for business and thoughtful projection. What should the workplace become? How hybrid should it be? How flexible? How often should people gather in person, and how often should they stay virtual? These questions influence leadership communication, business development training, and the client engagement skills our teams rely on.
For me, mobility is part of the equation—I live in a motorhome, near an airport, moving wherever clients need me. But every person and every firm must find their own balance. In our AEC interview preparation and presentation skills coaching with professional services teams, we see firsthand how much environment shapes energy, creativity, and community.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. What should a hybrid, flexible workplace look like in two to five years? How can we maintain the benefits of virtual work while rebuilding the community and support we get from in-person interaction? Your insights will help shape a follow-up conversation that explores what the new normal might become.
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