Work Process Friction Reversal

What happened

Future operational models are posited to reintroduce intentional inconvenience, moving away from a sole focus on digital convenience. This conceptual shift involves a return to real-life meetings, in-person hiring processes, and skill acquisition through foundational learning rather than expedited digital methods. This alters the prevailing operational paradigm that prioritised frictionless digital interactions across various business functions.

Why it matters

The reintroduction of intentional friction increases operational overhead for Facilities and Human Resources, demanding greater physical resource allocation and coordination for meetings and hiring. This shift reduces the efficacy of digital efficiency controls and increases the oversight burden on operational managers to monitor process throughput and resource utilisation in less automated environments. Physical security and access management requirements for in-person activities will tighten, while IT support for distributed digital collaboration may see reduced utilisation.