Leading product design for RingCentral, an organization that creates and sells products to help people communicate and collaborate at a distance, was a fascinating role though the COVID pandemic years. One day, just like everyone else, we were all sent home and told to figure out how to work remotely.

Over the next two years, the RingCentral design and product teams researched and designed products to help people be successful with work-from-anywhere, and, later, with hybrid work. Also, over that time, armed with the insights of our research, I became RingCentral’s go-to person on the Future of Work, talking to press and analysts, appearing as a guest on podcasts everywhere from Fast Company, to Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and the Harvard Business Review, etc. All in service of communicating remote work best practices for individuals, teams, and organizations.

“When discussing the future of work, in addition to the clear benefits of work from anywhere, Peachey also warns of inequalities likely to appear in hybrid work environments. He notes that while remote work gives workers flexibility and broader participation opportunities, it will also drive real disparity, especially in career development and organizational inclusion. Remote workers will face challenges in being visible and involved in spontaneous interactions and decision-making processes.

“To address these issues, Peachey insists on thoughtful worker and team first design in RingCentral’s communication and collaboration tools. By leveraging tools and best practices, team leaders ensure remote employees are part of the conversation and have equitable opportunities to contribute and advance. This involves creating a connected culture where everyone, regardless of their physical location, feels included and valued.

“Peachey points out the evolving role of leadership in this new work environment. Leaders who adapt to these changes, develop softer skills, and learn to manage remote teams effectively will likely thrive. These leaders must foster an inclusive culture, ensuring that all team members, whether remote or in-office, can collaborate effectively and feel equally valued.”