NewsMySuncoast / WWSB (ABC Sarasota)June 25, 2026Sarasota County
How Remote Work Has Changed Career Mentorship
Author Kristina Crystal explores how the shift to digital communication has made it harder for new employees to learn unwritten workplace norms. Her new book, 'Office Osmosis,' offers strategies for professionals to intentionally develop skills that were previously learned through in-person observation.
Read the full story at MySuncoast / WWSB (ABC Sarasota)Why It Matters
The shift to digital-first workplaces may require employees to adopt more deliberate strategies to learn organizational culture and professional relationship-building that were once acquired through informal, in-person interactions.
Key Facts
- Kristina Crystal authored a book titled 'Office Osmosis, What They Learned But You Didn’t' to address gaps in career mentorship.
- The author identifies an 'invisible curriculum' of workplace success that was historically learned through in-person observation.
- Digital communication tools like Slack, Teams, and text messages have created 'closed digital doors' that limit informal learning opportunities.
- The author argues that professional setbacks are often caused by a lack of understanding of organizational culture and relationships rather than a lack of technical competence.
- The book introduces the concept of 'The Hallway MBA' to describe unwritten insights gained through proximity to experienced colleagues.
- The author advocates for moving from 'accidental learning' to 'deliberate learning' in the modern workplace.
- The book provides four-week action plans for professionals to build habits related to navigating team dynamics and digital communication.