Modern Work Ethics: Building Trust in the Age of AI
A Call For A Civility And Balance in the Employee Employer Relationship
Note: This article stems from a One MORE Minute TikTok I posted last week and a viewer requesting the full deck. Here it is: Modern Work Ethics.
Trust is the oxygen of modern work.
In my last article, Leading Without Looking, I shared trust as the foundation for modern work. Without it, even the best-designed systems collapse. As someone who’s navigated the evolution from traditional office environments to today’s AI-enhanced workplace, I’ve learned that success isn’t about where you work—it’s about how you show up, with integrity and purpose.
So I drafted a simple set of ground rules for my team. I shared them and we had an open, honest discussion about expectations and accountability. Work is changing fast, but the fundamentals of how we show up—both for ourselves and for others—haven’t. It’s time to reset expectations, focus on what matters, and prioritize balance in the employee-employer relationship.
Here’s the framework:
Presence & Availability
Don’t just show up, engage. Cameras on, calendars updated, Slack statuses clear. If you’re in the room, be in the room. Remote or hybrid, it’s about respect for the people you’re working with. Disengagement isn’t just noticed—it’s remembered. Silence is rude.
Contribution & Productivity
Do work that matters. Maximize the time and tools you have, and don’t waste energy on “busywork” that doesn’t move the needle. When you look at yourself in the mirror on Monday morning, if you’re not proud of what you contributed last week, if it was not your best work, ask yourself why and rethink how you’re using your time. Innovation beats inertia every time—find a better way.
Work-Life Balance
Respect time off—yours and others’. Work-life boundaries may be blurred, but they’re still worth protecting. Take breaks, take your PTO, and encourage your team to do the same. The goal isn’t just to live longer; it’s to live better while you’re at it.
The workplace thrives on trust, fairness, and accountability. When we work with integrity, respect each other’s time, and focus on impact, we build not just successful organizations, but stronger connections.
We leave a legacy we (and our children) can be proud of.
About the Author: Jeremy Victor is the Chief Customer Officer at Noom, author and host of the Business @ the Speed of AI newsletter and podcast. He’s also the creator of The More Effect, a framework for unlocking human potential in the age of AI. With over two decades of experience in technology and leadership, he brings a unique perspective on the future of work, combining insights from his corporate leadership with lessons learned from coaching Gen Z athletes.
Call to Action – If you’re interested in joining this conversation, I encourage you to drop me an email at [email protected] or sign up for my newsletter Business @ the Speed of AI to explore these ideas further.
Did you know?
It will take 48 years for the representation of white women and women of color in senior leadership to reflect their share of the U.S. population.
#PARITYNOW is my personal mission to close the gender leadership and pay gap, fix the broken rung (the first critical step on the corporate ladder that women often miss), and create equal opportunities in leadership, work, and life. I’m committed to raising awareness and driving change for true gender parity across all industries.
This cause was born realizing my daughters will be 68 and 64 when true parity is achieved. Why aren’t more dads outraged by this? Right? Is it blind bias? I don’t know, whatever the answer it, I’m making it my mission to fix this. Will you join me?
Achievement knows no color. — Abraham Lincoln
Achievement knows no gender. — Jeremy Victor
You have to agree with this following statement, if not, I’m ready for the debate. It is time for change.
There is literally no difference, based on gender or race, in anyone’s ability to perform a task, make a decision, or lead in the modern workplace.