Paul Welty On work, being, and staying human

Bookmark: Global ad giant WPP issues sweeping RTO mandate for its 114,000 staff, calling staff back to office 4 days a week

The article discusses WPP’s newly issued mandate requiring its 114,000 employees to return to the office four days a week. This sweeping return-to-office (RTO) policy marks a significant shift in the company’s approach to workplace flexibility following the widespread adoption of remote work practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. WPP’s CEO, Mark Read, emphasized that the initiative aims to foster creativity, collaboration, and company culture, which he believes are better facilitated through in-person interactions. While the mandate reflects a growing trend among large companies to increase office attendance, it has sparked discussions about the future of work and employee expectations in a post-pandemic world. The move is anticipated to influence industry standards around work arrangements, potentially affecting company operations and workforce dynamics. However, it raises concerns about employee morale and adaptability, particularly for those accustomed to the flexibility of remote work. The decision is emblematic of broader strategic recalibrations as companies seek a balance between operational efficiency and the evolving expectations of a tech-enabled workforce. It underscores the complex interplay between technological advancements and traditional workplace paradigms, as firms navigate the ongoing digital transformation and its implications for organizational resilience and employee engagement Global ad giant WPP issues sweeping RTO mandate for its 114,000 staff, calling staff back to office 4 days a week


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Books

The Work of Being (in progress)

A book on AI, judgment, and staying human at work.

The Practice of Work (in progress)

Practical essays on how work actually gets done.

Recent writing

Influence in the AI Era: Why Human Skills Still Matter

I read this and couldn't agree more: human skills are the linchpin in the age of AI. The article argues that while AI can automate tasks, it can't replicate empathy or the nuance of genuine human interaction. This isn't just about keeping jobs. It's about enhancing them. Empathy and leadership are not replaceable attributes; they are the catalysts for AI's true potential. Imagine a world where technology supports human connection rather than replaces it. Are we ready to embrace that vision, or will we let machines lead the way? Let's ensure the future remains human-centered.

Is Automation the Key to Organizational Resilience?

Automation as the backbone of resilience? This article argues it's essential, but let's not forget the human element. While automating routine tasks can indeed free up resources, it's the strategic deployment of human creativity that drives true innovation. Think of automation as the scaffolding, not the structure. The author claims automation transforms efficiency, yet the real transformation happens when we align technology with human insight. So, are we building resilience or just a faster treadmill? Let's ensure our focus remains on enriching human potential, not just replacing it.

The one-person company advantage: why coordination overhead is the new competitive liability

Imagine a marketer who single-handedly rebuilt his company's entire demand-generation engine in just six weeks using a stack of AI tools. Historically, this task would have required a small team, including a copywriter, designer, analyst, and marketing ops person. Yet, here we have a solo operator outpacing what a team of specialists used to achieve. The secret? It's not about exceptional talent; it's about the structural advantages AI tools unlock.

Notes and related thinking