What the Blog? is an Essentials video series discussing what’s next for The Future of Work, and how topics like leadership, social innovation, and diversity in the workplace are becoming more important than ever before. Editors Isabella Moulton and Martin Jacobsz bring you a snappy summary of articles directly from our expertly curated Future of Work Essentials Newsletters.

Our first pick outlines why you may be having difficulty identifying your coworkers emotions: they’re wearing masks. Humans are hardwired to connect with others, so when we cannot read another's expressions, we have more difficulty forming bonds. Without strong connections between coworkers, it becomes difficult to find workplace happiness and real purpose at work. Have you experienced something similar with the widespread use of masks? What do you think is next for the future of the office after COVID? Read it here.

The second article highlights an interesting future of work trend; while the US enjoyed a 6.4% annual rate of expansion in the first quarter of 2021, the U.S. workforce participation remains at its lowest point since 1976. To put it in perspective, 8.4 million fewer Americans were employed in March of this year compared to February of last. Elected leaders must do more to shape the skills-building infrastructure of workers--it’s time for some serious social innovation ideas. Read it here.