(Image source from: hr.economictimes.indiatimes.com)

Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, has acknowledged a "productivity paradox" where most managers believe employees are slacking off, while employees feel they are working too hard. Nadella stated that in such situations, the company must rely on data rather than preconceptions. He discussed the growing demand for workplace flexibility after the pandemic and the challenges it poses. Nadella revealed that data across various sectors and regions shows a structural shift in remote and hybrid work. The data indicates that 85% of managers think their employees are not working hard enough, while 85% of employees believe they are overworked and exhausted. Nadella emphasized that this is real data, highlighting the contrasting perspectives between managers and employees.

The Microsoft CEO emphasized the importance of using data rather than relying on dogma. He stated that leaders need to align their goals and clearly define the desired outcomes and measures of success. Nadella also stressed the need for industry leaders to develop soft skills to better manage employees in an evolving environment. He believes that leaders should bring optimism and energy, provide clarity, generate enthusiasm, and solve complex problems in order to make the world a better place.