Amazing experience visiting the TRUE artisans at Bernhardt Design.

The SC Johnson administrative building was Frank Lloyd Wright’s corporate masterpiece. What does it feel like?

Introducing Steelcase Series 1 with CarbonNeutral® product certification. Every purchase of this chair supports trusted projects that slow climate change and create social benefits.

Niels revolutionized the world of industrial design by focusing on the human experience and devoting his time to creating products that were simple and effortless to use.

A video of the Cynara chair by Okamura

It was an intense but inspiring journey with colleagues from Accenture and Vitra.

The panel discussed how the pandemic has revealed a need for better-designed office spaces.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) have become essential considerations for organizations, with employees increasingly expecting supportive, inclusive environments. True inclusivity requires more than representation; it demands both a culture of psychological safety and a thoughtfully designed physical environment that accommodates diverse needs. Inclusive Design emphasizes empathy and flexibility, supporting varied experiences to meet individual needs and fostering a sense of safety and belonging. Key pillars include neurodiversity, trauma-informed design, physical diversity, and psychological safety, which together promote a workplace where all employees can engage comfortably. As organizations continue to prioritize DEIB, Inclusive Design plays a vital role in creating spaces that nurture connections, foster well-being, and support diverse workforces.

The concept of a four-day workweek is gaining traction, with companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Kickstarter running trials. The 40-hour workweek, established in the early 20th century, is being challenged by advocates for a 32-hour week, focusing on output rather than hours spent. Successful implementation strategies include using objectives and key results (OKRs), intentional scheduling, and eliminating redundant processes. However, the success of a shorter workweek depends on leaders also adhering to it. Legislation is also being considered in some areas to encourage a four-day workweek.

Citigroup, HSBC, and Barclays are requiring more employees to work in offices five days a week due to regulatory changes that make remote work more challenging. Citigroup is requiring about 600 US employees to work in offices full-time, while HSBC is discussing options with about 530 staff in New York. Barclays will require thousands of investment banking staff globally to work in the office or travel to see clients. The banks emphasize the importance of being together in the office for collaboration and culture, but also recognize the need for flexibility. These changes come as regulators reinstate pre-pandemic rules for monitoring workplaces, potentially ending remote work for many bank traders and dealmakers.

HSBC's new US headquarters at The Spiral in New York City's Hudson Yards neighborhood has seen employee attendance jump to 80% since its opening. The relocation from the former site in Bryant Park has been attributed to the welcoming environment and employee involvement in choosing furniture and desk configurations. The Spiral, a 66-story office tower, offers outdoor terraces, environmentally friendly features, and a progressive approach to reshaping the future of work.

The remote work boom has created tax and legal risks for digital nomads and their employers. Working remotely outside of the U.K. can result in paying income tax in both countries and social security in the host nation. Employers need to properly manage and monitor these global working arrangements to protect both employees and themselves. Compliance with local employment laws, immigration standards, and health and safety regulations is also crucial. Understanding the specific regulations of the host country is important to avoid unexpected costs and compliance issues.

Banks such as Citigroup, HSBC, and Barclays are planning to require employees to return to the office five days a week in response to regulatory changes. The reinstatement of pre-pandemic rules and the costs of monitoring employees working from home are driving this decision. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is also reintroducing workplace monitoring rules, which may increase office attendance in financial hubs. While some employees will remain on a hybrid schedule, thousands of staff nationally will be required to work in the office full-time.

To stay fit and healthy in the office, it is important to incorporate regular movement, desk exercises, and walk breaks. Prolonged sitting can lead to health issues, so standing and moving every hour is recommended. Lunch breaks can be used for brisk walks outside, and desk exercises can be performed to engage muscles. Eating well by preparing healthy meals and snacks, staying hydrated, and making conscious food choices is also crucial. Companies should consider offering gym memberships as a perk to promote physical and mental well-being.

A recent survey shows that nine out of ten people and businesses consider air quality in the workplace important. However, a quarter of the U.S. population will be exposed to unhealthy air in 2024. Climate change exacerbates air pollution, impacting productivity and employee health. Improving office air quality through ventilation and filtration systems can have significant economic benefits. Companies are also concerned about volatile toxins from cleaning products and materials. Investing in HVAC maintenance, filter changes, and technologies like HEPA and UV filters can help purify the air. With the prospect of IAQ legislation, firms are pursuing accreditations and using IoT sensors to meet higher workplace air standards.

The Full Spectrum Workplace (FSW) framework aims to find the optimal environment for organizations based on the dimensions of where and when work is done. It challenges the traditional office mindset and suggests that hybrid should no longer apply to the workplace. The FSW is built upon three principles: the workplace is an ecosystem across four quadrants, each organization has a unique FSW setting, and crossing quadrants is as important as each quadrant. The FSW framework emphasizes synergies across different work environments rather than trade-offs. It requires a rethinking of work allocation and offers a dynamic model that aligns with the organization's culture, objectives, and tasks.

Five key trends are reshaping the modern workplace: the use of sustainable materials that invoke emotional responses, learning from the air travel industry to improve the emotional experience of space, changing work patterns with more flexible time schedules, the impact of Gen Z's pragmatism and practicality on work behavior, and the rapid evolution of technology, including AI and VR. These trends are driving a shift towards prioritizing employee well-being and satisfaction, offering greater work flexibility, and requiring businesses to stay agile and adaptable.

The pursuit of flexible work opportunities is driving many people to start small businesses in the U.S. A recent report shows that 44% of small business owners turned to entrepreneurship because they needed more flexible work. Millennials and Gen-Z are more likely to start their businesses immediately after school, while Gen-X and Boomers often have a traditional job or another role before starting their company. Small business owners are motivated by personal passion, community needs, and the desire to support their family and future generations. Pricing and cash flow forecasting are top concerns, but small business owners are happy with their career choice and intend to stay in business for the long run.

Gensler's global workplace research reveals insights into new work patterns, highlighting the decrease in time spent working alone, the increase in time spent learning and socializing since the pandemic, and the return of time spent working with others virtually to pre-pandemic levels. The findings also show variations in how and where people work across countries, industries, age, and role. The research emphasizes the need for quiet and distraction-free spaces in the office, as well as spaces for hybrid meetings. It also identifies opportunities to create workplaces that better meet the needs of individuals and teams.