Thriving or Surviving? Why the ROI of Human Connection Is Crucial for the Future of Work

“If an organization is forcing everybody to come in nine-to-five with this old model, they’re not going to attract the best talent. Companies have to evolve, and there’s no one-size-fits-all anymore, though there used to be.”

In our latest episode of The Forward Podcast, we chat with Emily Hinks, founder and CEO of Mischief Makers. Emily shows how mischief, facilitation, and playfulness can boost energy and creativity in the workplace. She brings real examples from companies like Netflix and Spotify, showing how focusing on human connection helps businesses thrive in hybrid environments.

What happens when you invest in the return on Human Connection? It could be the secret to future-proofing your business.

Emily breaks down how simple shifts—like adding more playfulness—can improve team engagement and morale. It’s all about making work more fun, which leads to better collaboration and creativity.

Whether you’re a team member, manager, founder, or CEO—working hybrid or fully remote—this episode is packed with practical advice and stories that show how focusing on human connection is essential for the future of work.

If you’d like to skip along to key moments that work best for you – here you go:

• 03:32 Why Emily Started Mischief Makers
• 08:07 The Importance of fun and mischief in the workplace
• 12:18 Effective meeting communication
• 17:07 Can AI help us spend more time on creativity
• 21:36 Case studies for facilitation
• 26:12 Building workplace connections
• 31:17 Organizational statements implemented
• 36:53 Budgeting for fun activities
• 42:49 Addressing hybrid session challenges
• 48:34 Move Forward and Leave Behind
• 54:24 Future self advice

Check out Emily’s Check-in Generator for a fun way to energize your meetings or explore Mischief Makers’ Hybrid Facilitation Training to lead groups more effectively in today’s evolving work environment.

You can find out more at Mischiefmakers.co and EmilyHinks.com!

About The Forward Podcast: In a world where technology intertwines with every aspect of our lives, how do industry experts and leaders plan to navigate forward? Explore bold moves and strategies for success amid constant disruption. Learn the ideas, behaviors, tools, and trends they’ll leave behind, and those they’ll carry forward to shape the future of work, life, and leadership.