August 18, 2021//Blog, Work culture//Jennifer Bulat

The workplace of the future? How Leff’s employees are making hybrid work arrangements work for them

It’s not hyperbole to say that the future of work is in flux. When restrictions brought on by the pandemic began to lift in the spring, we had get-togethers! In-office meetings! Happy hours! This summer had felt like something close to normal.

And then came the delta variant.

As a result, many companies have revised their return-to-work policies. Our policy has not changed; since the spring, we’ve told our employees to work where it makes the most sense for them.

I live less than a mile from the office, so going in two or three days a week is perfect for me—I like to take walks, and I appreciate a change of scenery after working at my dining room table. And I enjoy seeing the few folks who also come in from time to time. But this is obviously not the case for everyone.

Below are some examples of how others on the team are managing their home and work lives, at least for now.

Mimi (senior editor): My attendance at the office can be best described as random. I go to the office for important meetings, but I also use the office as an eight-hour waystation on days that I’ve made plans with friends who don’t live in my neighborhood.

Crucially, working from home on most days has allowed me to eat what I want, when I want. The combination of deep-dish pizza from a restaurant I will never patronize again (10 a.m.), grapes and cheeses (noon), cookies (late afternoon), and a normal-person dinner (normal dinner time) has been intensely satisfying. It feels like I’m in tune with my body the way a Cro-Magnon would have been, except I’m digging around my pantry instead of in the dirt.

Margaret (editor): I’ve spent most of my career as a freelancer, so working from home has been my default mode for a long time. And it’s great—I love having the flexibility to eat lunch with my kids or go for a walk during the day, and of course, it saves a lot of commuting time. That said, I miss the energy of an office environment and the synergies of in-person interactions (not to mention the social connections!). For me, one or two in-office days a week feels like a good balance, and I’m grateful for the flexibility that makes that possible.

Brittany (editorial director): Once I started intentionally mapping out my day to how I like to work, as opposed to how I was used to working, I realized I’m too twitchy to enjoy sitting down for one big block. Working from home, I take shorter, more frequent breaks rather than a lunch intermission to break up my day. On calls that I don’t need to look at the computer screen, I walk around and stretch, or pick up my toddler’s toys, or just sit on my porch for a change of scenery. Cutting out two hours of commuting every day also means I can spend more time with my two-year-old.

I like to go into the office every once in a while for a day stacked with in-person meetings and amazing coworker interaction, but I find editing easier when I don’t have my hilarious coworkers around to distract me. (Lookin’ at you, Annie.) I’m really happy to be able to choose where I can be most productive, and I feel fortunate to work for a company that treats me like an adult who will make the best decisions for myself, my work, and my family.

Caroline (manager, creative operations): I see the remote-work structure as the ultimate signal of trust within an organization. The structure necessitates strong team chemistry, masterful communication, and—chiefly—trust. When done well, the results can be maximum efficiency, and let’s face it: it’s unparalleled for increasing flexibility in most people’s hectic schedules and promoting better workplace mental health. Plus, I feel remote work helps to shake off a lot of corporate stereotypes and allow space for employees to do their best work, free from the rigid framework of many office cultures. For me, it works big time! And the structure makes me a more effective, agile manager. Also, I feel like I have increased daily gratitude for my colleagues.

Daniel (associate managing editor): Run a load of laundry: check. Grab a delivered package before a thief does: check. Be available for the full two-hour window that Comcast requires: check (grudgingly).

The benefits of hybrid work abound. But the most important, for me, is the ability to knock out errands during the day, which frees up leisure time at night and PTO for its ideal use: a worry-free vacation.

Luke (senior vice president, content strategy): Having joined Leff just three months ago, one of the attractions was the opportunity to actually come into the office regularly. I’ve missed that sense of in-person colleague connection being at global firms with dispersed, diffuse teams. So my intent is to try to stack meetings in the office on given days to make the most of that opportunity while being respectful of the needs and desires of others.

Annie (senior editor): Since getting vaccinated, I’ve been going into the office once or twice a week. I love going into the office. It’s energizing being around my colleagues, and I love the time to myself during my commute (you know you’re a mom when …). But if I had to get my kid to daycare right when it opens at 8, haul myself downtown, and race back up to get her by 4:30 or 5 almost every day, I would be stressed. Never mind that I wouldn’t have as much time to get my sh*t done throughout the day and would absolutely have to put in more hours after my daughter’s bedtime than I do now. The flexibility is definitely contributing to my overall sense of well-being.

Boris (controller): I typically will work Mondays and Fridays from home, while coming in one or two days in the middle of the week. I never had any opportunities to work from home in my prior roles (before the pandemic), so there was a level of conditioning about physically going to work that I don’t think I’ll ever truly be able to shake. I absolutely find myself more productive when working at an office because it creates a clear delineation between work and home environments and puts me in a different headspace. Being around other human beings is also something that improves my mental state after being isolated with just my cat for days at a time.

Tiana (marketing associate): I’ve discovered I’m (surprisingly) much more productive at home. However, because my workspace now occupies the same area as my “living” space, it does become hard to separate the two mentally. I’ve been to the office only a handful of times in the past few months, but I plan to start coming in once a week or so to break up the week. It is nice to get an extra hour of the day back when it would normally go to a commute. But I think that just as breakfast is a healthy start to your day, having a good morning routine (that isn’t rolling over and starting work) is also extremely important. I also come into the office when I accidentally take the women’s bathroom key home.

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Senior adviser

Allan elevates thought leadership with a veteran editor’s perspective on distinctive content and a journalist’s eye for trends in world events. He began his career as a writer and editor covering business, economics, and the environment for the Tallahassee Democrat, the Miami Herald, The New York Times, and The International Herald Tribune in Paris. Allan went on to work at McKinsey & Company for more than 20 years in Europe, Asia, and North America, where he specialized in emerging markets and shaped global thought leadership as editor in chief and editorial board member of the McKinsey Quarterly. At LEFF, Allan works with colleagues and clients to launch new projects, and he uses his expertise to support the professional development of LEFF’s team of editors.

 

Director of LEFF Sustainability Group

Katie is passionate about the power of storytelling to motivate audiences to action, particularly related to environmental issues—the throughline of her multifaceted career. She has managed a water project for the World Bank, been one of the UK’s climate security negotiators at NATO, helped design green strategies for several governments as a McKinsey & Company consultant, and taught courses on writing for public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School. Based in Brussels, Katie currently develops sustainable content strategies; edits a wide range of climate content, including infographics and major reports; and oversees LEFF’s Into the Weeds interview series, which shares stories of the people and organizations combating climate change.

 

VP of marketing and business development

Chad has brought brand narratives to life for more than 15 years by developing powerful stories, inspiring stakeholders with unique marketing campaigns, and building communities of enthusiastic audiences. Chad honed his approach to content as a sales and marketing executive for Disney and ESPN Media Networks, where he used storytelling to increase revenue for mobile and linear-channel products. Since then, he has held several senior marketing roles across healthcare, education, and technology companies. Most recently, Chad was the vice president of corporate marketing at Telarus, where he developed comprehensive branding initiatives across multiple technology disciplines, including cloud, cybersecurity, and AI. Chad joined LEFF in 2024, and he’s excited to launch innovative marketing strategies that drive growth and deliver transformative results.

Senior adviser

Mary is a data visualization expert with a rare combination of talents. Trained as a fine artist, she also enjoys writing, advanced math, and learning new skills; she taught herself coding and UX, and she’s continued to build valuable proficiencies that keep her on the cutting edge of content. Prior to joining LEFF, Mary worked at McKinsey & Company, developing the precise, engaging charts that have become a hallmark of the firm’s widely read publications. Today, she collaborates with LEFF editors and clients to distill even the most complex ideas into compelling, intuitive data visualizations. By asking the right questions and determining the best formats, she ensures data visuals amplify key insights.

Senior adviser

Peter is an expert at developing clear, compelling stories about complex subjects—a skill that’s served him well as an award-winning journalist, editor, and book author. A former reporter for The Wall Street Journal and writer for Fortune magazine, Peter also spent seven years at the McKinsey Global Institute, where he stayed at the forefront of major trends in business and technology as a senior editor and editorial director. Peter has also written five nonfiction books, including a bestseller in France, where he currently resides. He brings his unique perspective as a collaborative, tactical thought partner to his work at LEFF by uniting stakeholders, upholding a high standard of quality, and ensuring content is well-structured and aligned with client needs.

People director

Tracy built her career in people operations by developing a wide range of skills; because of her many capabilities, she refers to herself as the “Swiss army knife of HR.” But Tracy’s work goes beyond typical human resources functions: She’s committed to elevating the complete employee experience. She draws on her work across industries—including roles at Rockwell Automation, Harley-Davidson, and the American Medical Association—to promote a workplace culture of openness and acceptance, and she’s guided by her empathic nature and willingness to embrace a challenge. In everything from implementing new processes for feedback and evaluation and supporting employees through times of great change, Tracy makes LEFF a special place to work by ensuring that everyone feels welcome, valued, and seen.

 

Design director

Christa was always drawn to art and design, and over time, she also discovered a passion for progress: She’s motivated by meeting goals, building teams, and refining the many small steps between concept and content. Christa built the foundation of her design career at an advertising agency before moving on to the marketing department of a healthcare university, where she oversaw print and digital projects as a graphic designer, senior creative and brand specialist, and creative services manager. Today, Christa is excited to explore the possibilities of LEFF’s ever-growing content offerings, lead a group of creative designers, and use her experience and strategic design thinking to deliver outstanding results for clients. 

 

Production director

Jen approaches copy with a clear philosophy: Edit in service of the reader. She began her career in journalism, where editing newspaper copy on the second shift meant meeting tight daily deadlines and making quick decisions. Roles as a senior editor, executive editor, and director of editorial production followed, and Jen used her good judgment and love for the written word to elevate copy for entertainment news and B2B publications. Whether navigating the intricacies of highly specialized style guides or constructing crosswords in her free time, Jen is at home in the possibilities of language. At LEFF, she leads the production department: a collaborative, adaptable team that maintains our—and Jen’s—deep commitment to quality and clarity.

 

Group account director

Joe values preparation, but an early career experience taught him to troubleshoot in unfamiliar situations. One of his first roles in marketing required him to travel suddenly to Toronto to help a multinational restaurant business build its presence in Canada. Two years later, Joe had worked through regional differences and complex logistics to help the client meet its goals, and he became a more active listener in the process. Whether successfully delivering game-changing outcomes in an agency setting or at a university, where he directed marketing operations across campuses, Joe remains focused on solving problems with well-informed decisions. At LEFF, he’s overseeing the processes that ensure everyone has what they need to do their best work and strengthening the connection between effective operations and exceptional client service.

VP, content marketing

Karianne has a unique history of engaging audiences and telling stories. After studying music, she found new ways to express herself in the world of branding. Her more than 20 years in marketing and strategy are a testament to her ability to bridge business and creative mindsets, and she has developed content to communicate the ethos of global brands such as GE, State Farm, Motorola, and Procter & Gamble. Prior to joining LEFF in 2024, Karianne was vice president of digital at Weber Shandwick, led workshops at General Assembly, founded her own business, became a certified well-being expert, and released an album. As the lead of LEFF’s content marketing team, she looks forward to helping clients discover new opportunities to make an impact with lively, thoughtful content.

SVP, content innovation

Luke has crafted a writing life by pursuing—and creating—fresh opportunities. As a newspaper journalist in his native Australia and then as a foreign correspondent, freelance writer, editor, and management consultant, Luke developed the keen editorial eye and strategic perspective that has led him to the forefront of thought leadership and B2B publishing. Luke has helped leading organizations share transformative insights through print media and emerging digital platforms. Before joining LEFF, he was an executive editor at McKinsey & Company, managing director of Deloitte Insights, and global editor in chief for EY. Always driven to match the medium to the message, Luke collaborates with LEFF’s content marketing, editorial, and design departments to showcase clients’ most important ideas.

Partner

Alia approaches content like a conversation: She listens to clients to learn about their goals and responds with strategies that resonate with their audiences. Alia is an expert at translating ideas into smart, compelling integrated campaigns, and her experience in the agency world honed her abilities as a versatile creative partner and insightful innovator for enterprise clients such as Toyota, Kaiser Permanente, and Allstate. She got her start in publishing after living and working in Ukraine, where she focused on HIV/AIDS education and grant writing. At LEFF, she has assembled a team of multifaceted creatives who tell clients’ exciting, meaningful stories across channels and formats.

Founder and President

Scott started LEFF in 2010 with the drive to make something new, and he’s committed to leading a creative team that says “yes” to a challenge. Scott’s early experiences playing music and managing a band gave him a chance to harness the power of promotion, cultivate strong professional relationships, and address problems with original solutions. As a managing editor of the McKinsey Quarterly and director of publications for Chicago 2016, the city’s Olympic bid organization, he continued to make bold decisions and explore ways to create distinct, powerful content. Now, Scott is helping clients achieve their goals with content that meets today’s complex business needs and strategies that position them for future success.