The era of flexible and hybrid work didn't start with the pandemic, instead, it put it on a fast-track to a revolution that was already growing. Business leaders had the unenviable task of keeping their organizations vital and productive while navigating public health crises and seismic economic turbulence. But they couldn't do it alone. Had it not been for the agility and resilience of our workforce and its ability to rapidly adapt to the new rules of work, our institutions and economy could not have persevered as they have.

The pandemic served as an inflection point, rigorously testing the collaboration and cloud technologies that we'd been perfecting for nearly two decades. I don't need to tell you that they passed with flying colors! After an initial period of adjustment, we were able to adapt and rise to the occasion, working productively and contributing while dealing with a wide range of new realities brought about by the pandemic and our new at-home arrangements.

It worked so well that it led us to a major realization: That some form of remote or hybrid work was not only preferable but far more optimal than working in the office five days a week and the nasty commute that came with it. Not only were we more engaged and productive, but we were also healthier in mind, body, and spirit.