Well at Work: Workplace Futures Part II

― Well at Work

Workplace Futures Part II As we think about the eventual return to the workplace, we must remember its inherent, time-honored value: It’s a tool that facilitates connection—and so much more. At the same time, our current moment is an inflection point—an opportunity to view the future of work anew. In our second installment of Workplace Futures, we examine the new forces at play as we navigate the next.

Where do we work?

The ideal workplace facilitates connection, collaboration and creativity. It engages, enables focus, harnesses technology, and makes our creative output better. Our workspace is a tool—agile and responsive. It is safe and healthy, friendly and welcoming. It invites community exchange and promotes our brand and our collective contributions.

It does not reinforce outdated models of work nor make us conform to its

Panelists

shortcomings. It is a space that works for us, holds our attention, and

Mariana Giraldo Perkins&Will

captures our loyalty not because we have to be there but because

Kelly McEachern Perkins&Will

Strategic Intelligence Map

Mijail Gutierrez Perkins&Will Brigitte Preston Perkins&Will Ibrahim Ibrahim Portland Design

Moderator Julie' Gauthier Perkins&Will

we want to.

Is there a new eco-system of work redefined by expanding physical boundaries? After nine months of working from home, some of us wonder "Will we ever go back to being tethered to a seat or an office?" Will we be able to work and move freely through the community, the city or even the region? The NY Studio Strategic Intelligence Map consolidates the thoughts of design leadership, and identifies new connections, expands physical boundaries and maps multiple scenarios that allow future workers to design the path to their own bespoke workplace. Join us and experience the joy of creating your own path.

"The workplace, to remain relevant, must be activated. " Radical Inclusion

- IBRAHIM IBRAHIM, PORTLAND DESIGN

With this unique opportunity to “reset” the workplace, there’s a new lens to consider: Radical inclusion examines how the next generation of work and the workplace will be shaped by an evolving multi-generational workforce encompassing diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and physical and cognitive needs.

Experience Over Function

Designed as a human-centric arena for people and

When most work can be done anywhere there’s

communities to work, learn and thrive, the radically inclusive

a laptop, the workplace is evolving to prioritize

workplace places the individual at the heart of the design

experience over its traditional utility. Experts

thinking to create truly inclusive environments, shifting the

from our partner firm, Portland Design,

emphasis from capacity to connection, from segregation to

leverage generational research and consumer

integration. It offers extraordinary work experiences that

insights in their framing of the future office. In

empower the individual, encourage interaction, and support

their model, the workplace is a consumer-facing

learning for all. Read more of our insights on this workplace

experience within the public realm—connected

framing here.

to and valued by the community. Co-working is co-mingled with leisure and wellness, and design is less about architecture and more about connection and staging. The ultimate result? A softer place where people and culture come first.

The Future Office Environment Will Center on The Human Experience The future office environment will center on the human experience. The last several months have shown us that remote work is effective for many individuals, but as with all workplace solutions, one way of working will not fit each and every employee.

The design of the future workplace embraces a variety of user types: office workers, remote workers, and everything in-between. Success hinges on building a company culture of trust and belonging that responds to new ways of working. Our PULSE model is an evidencebased approach to understanding the future of workplace and remote work. This tool helps identify different workplace personas and the design implications for each. Learn more here.

Special thanks to Portland Design for contributing to this presentation.