Over the past two decades, I've watched workplace communication transform from primarily face-to-face interactions to increasingly digital exchanges. What began as a gradual shift accelerated dramatically in recent years, leaving organizations to navigate unfamiliar territory. The hybrid workplace-where employees divide time between remote and in-office work-has evolved from a temporary adaptation to an enduring reality. This transformation fundamentally changes how teams connect, collaborate and create value together.
The modern internet is a hostile environment full of spies, miscreants and narcs, prompting savvy users to protect themselves with coded language.
"Her phone buzzes-no bars. Wi-Fi icon: dead. The protest footage from last night sits trapped in her device like a caged bird with clipped wings. She filmed everything: the tear gas clearing, protesters linking arms, riot shields retreating."
Digital communications today are fast, unchecked, and silently monitored. Most conversations are overheard by corporations or the State as data becomes the new oil.
The boundaries between reception and response have collapsed. Digital whiplash has branded itself on to my cheek. My psychological tabs are maxed out, and there's no alert to clear storage or update my internal OS.
