In this episode, host Bob Fox talks with Caitlin Begg, sociologist and founder of Authentic Social, about how technology and human connection need to be integrated and how smart workplace design can optimize both.
We explore socio-technical design, how communication norms impact hybrid work, how AI is reshaping behavior, why casual “water cooler” conversations still matter, and how leaders can create more human-centric, high-performing environments. Caitlin shares actionable ideas to reset norms, encourage deeper collaboration, and rethink how we use technology without losing our humanity.
Main Takeaways
Socio-technical Design: Successful workplaces must jointly optimize technology and human behavior.
Communication Norms Matter: Balancing asynchronous (email, Slack) and synchronous (meetings, calls) interactions is critical for productivity and innovation.
Micro-Conversations Are Vital: Casual, unscheduled interactions (“watercooler moments”) drive better decision-making and team cohesion.
Notification Culture Is Toxic: Constant pings diminish collaboration and creativity; setting new norms is essential.
AI Must Be Human-Centric: Organizations should treat AI as a tool to enhance human skills, not replace them.
Analog Experiences Matter: Building habits like “no phones in the morning” can boost focus, creativity, and well-being.
Leadership Modeling: Executives must model the behaviors they want to see — like using collaborative spaces and respecting deep work time.
Slow, Iterative Innovation: Real innovation requires time, experimentation, and human connection — not just rapid output.
Credits:
Created & Directed By Bob Fox
Produced By Work Design Studios
The post Analog in a Digital Workplace with Caitlin Begg appeared first on Work Design Magazine.
