The landscape of work is undergoing profound changes, driven by technological advancements, shifting societal norms, and evolving expectations from both employers and employees. Unwork recently had the pleasure of attending WORKTECH24 London Special Edition. The conference, spanning three days, brought together the biggest and brightest names to debate, discuss, and deliver the latest thinking on the future of work and the workplace.
From the transformative concept of the 15-Minute City to the role of AI and digital transformation in reshaping workspaces, the discussions uncovered key themes that will redefine how we live, work, and interact with our environments. The UnWork team put together their analysis of the major themes that emerged from the event:
The 15-Minute City: Rethinking Urban Living
The 15-Minute City, introduced by Professor Carlos Moreno, emerged as a central theme throughout the event, challenging traditional notions of urban planning. Moreno’s concept is grounded in the idea of creating urban environments where all essential services – workplaces, schools, leisure spaces, and essential amenities – are accessible within a short walk or cycle from residents’ homes. This model moves away from the sprawling, car-dependent cities of the past, advocating for a more compact, pedestrian-friendly urban design. Moreno’s insights were reinforced by Catherine Gall and Jeremy Myerson, who explained how cities like Paris and Copenhagen are adopting this model to enhance the quality of life, reduce carbon footprints, and foster a sense of community.
The 15-Minute City isn’t merely about time or distance; it’s about accessibility and inclusivity, creating urban spaces that prioritise human connections and the quality of everyday life over mere convenience. This theme was echoed across various sessions, such as the Expert Panel Debate on workplace and innovations in real estate, led by Chris Higgins of GSK, Sol Enenmoh of HSBC, and Gerald add surname of IBM. The session examined how integrating the principles of the 15-Minute City into real estate development can enhance the efficiency and attractiveness of office spaces. By prioritising proximity and accessibility, this urban model offers a vision of the future where work is seamlessly integrated into daily life, reducing the burdens of the community and enhancing overall well-being.
UnWork Opinion: The concept of the 15-Minute City is more than just an urban planning model; it’s a visionary approach to rebuilding our cities to be more sustainable and liveable. Embracing this model can transform our daily routines by making services, work, and recreation more accessible within a short distance. For organisations, it offers a new way to consider office location strategies, employee engagement, and sustainability initiatives, which are crucial for attracting and retaining talent in the future. This rethinking of urban living also promotes healthier lifestyles and supports more effective responses to crises, such as pandemics or economic disruptions, making it a key strategy for future-proofing our urban environments.
AI and Digital Transformation: Empowering Workplaces
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation was another pivotal theme discussed throughout the day. In the session ‘AI – what’s coming next? Why is this time different’, industry leaders Jeremy Coleman of Norton Rose Fulbright, and Rob Garlick of Citi Global Insights explored how AI is reshaping workplaces by automating routine tasks and augmenting human capabilities. Unlike previous eras of technological advancement, today’s AI is more sophisticated and deeply integrated into daily business processes. It allows for more personalised employee experiences, smarter use of data to inform decision-making, and the creation of adaptive workplaces that respond to real-time needs. Ajay Chowdhury’s session, ‘The Future is Here’. Provided a forward-looking view on AI’s potential, highlighting the critical need for organisations to continuously upskill their workforce to remain competitive in an AI-driven world. This theme is closely connected to discussions seen in the Digital Transformation session focused on unlocking the power of data and technology delivered by Andy Targell of JLL. Targell who showcased how businesses can use data to drive cultural and organisational change. The integration of AI into workplace management is not just about enhancing efficiency, it’s about transforming the nature of work itself, enabling a more flexible and responsive work environment that supports both individual and organisational goals. This transformation challenges existing business models and demands a shift in workplace strategies, ensuring they are adaptable to future technological advancements and societal changes.
UnWork Opinion: AI and digital transformation are not just about adopting the latest technologies; they present a paradigm shift in how business operate. The rapid pace of technological change requires organisations to be agile, fostering a workplace that can thrive amidst automation and digital disruptions. Embracing AI-driven solutions is not just about efficiency – it’s about empowering employees with new capabilities and creating innovative work environments that adapt to changing demands. For the future of work, organisations must focus on building a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, equipping their workforce to leverage these technologies effectively.
Workplace Innovation and Employee Engagement
The discussion in the Future Workplace and Employee Engagement panel with industry experts Imogen Privett of UnWork, Andrew Thexton-Pee of Thames Water and Alyssa Jaffer of Allbright emphasised the importance of creating workplaces that foster employee well-being and engagement. GSK’s case study also reinforced this concept – their approach to building one of the healthiest workplaces globally highlighted how integrating well-being initiatives and flexible working arrangements can lead to improved productivity and job satisfaction. This aligns with the broader themes of workplace innovation, which was further explored by Dan Drogman of Smart Spaces. His session, on powering the world’s smartest skyscraper revealed how smart technologies, including digital twins and IoT (Internet of Things), are being used to create dynamic work environments that respond to real-time data and enhance the employee experience. By embedding these technologies into the fabric of the workplace, organisations can support employee engagement not just through amenities but by creating an ecosystem that supports continuous learning and innovation. This theme underscores the necessity of adapting physical workspaces to meet the changing demands of modern work, which increasingly involves flexible work arrangements and the seamless integration of digital tools. It suggests that workplaces must evolve from static homogeneous spaces to dynamic, personalised environments that cater to diverse employee needs and promote a sense of community.
UnWork Opinion: Employee engagement is not just about creating a happier workforce; it’s about building a resilient and adaptable organisation. In today’s competitive environment, companies that invest in fostering a supportive and engaging workplace culture are more likely to attract and retain top talent. The integration of wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, and a sense of community can transform how employees perceive their work environment making it a place of value rather than obligation. For the future, organisations need to prioritise employee well-being as a core element of their business strategy, ensuring they can thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Future-Proofing Workplaces through Technology
Smart Spaces session highlighted the critical role of smart technologies in future-proofing workplaces. The integration of technologies such as AI, machine learning, and digital twins into office management not only optimises space usage but also enhances the resilience of workplaces. This theme was further explored in the panel discussion led by Ravi Lakhani of Cordless Consultants, Dan Drogman of Smart Spaces, Jess Costanzo of Simmtronic, Lewis Pinner of Verkada and Amir Einav of Pointgrab, which examined the role of data-driven insights in driving change management. The panel discussed how real-time data analytics can inform everything from space utilisation and energy efficiency to employee engagement and satisfaction. This represents a significant shift towards a more data-centric approach in managing workplaces, where decisions are increasingly based on concrete, actionable insights rather than intuition alone. The concept of future-proofing extends beyond just physical infrastructure- it involves building adaptable organisations capable of responding to unforeseen challenges, such as pandemics or economic downturns. As organisations continue to navigate an uncertain future, embracing technology-driven strategies to enhance workplace flexibility and resilience becomes not only beneficial but essential for long-term success.
Unwork Opinion: The future of work is increasingly digital, requiring workplaces to be not only technologically advanced but also flexible. Smart technologies, powered by AI and data analytics, offer a pathway to optimise work environments and enhance productivity. For organisations, investing in such technologies means more than just modernising their spaces; it means preparing for a future where agility and adaptability are crucial. Future-proofing involves creating a culture of continuous innovation and learning, ensuring that workplaces remain dynamic and resilient to whatever challenges may come their way.
Sustainability and Equity in Urban and Workplace Design
Sustainability emerged as a key theme across the event, particularly in sessions from Marnix Mali of Booking.com and the aforementioned panel discussion on data in the workplace. These discussions underscored the importance of integrating sustainable practices into workplace strategies, from reducing carbon footprints to ensuring equitable access to resources. The 15-Minute City model aligns with these principles, advocating for urban designs that reduce the need for excessive travel and promote sustainable living. This theme was also prevalent in GSK’s approach to workplace health and wellbeing, where sustainability was not just a checkbox exercise but a core value driving decision-making. The integration of green technologies and sustainable practices into workplaces is not only crucial for the environment but also for fostering a sense of corporate responsibility and community within organisations. The theme of sustainability challenges businesses to consider their broader impact on the environment and society, pushing them towards more responsible and equitable practices that benefit all stakeholders. This focus on sustainability is essential for aligning work practices with the global goals of environmental stewardship and social equity, ensuring that the future of work is both prosperous and sustainable.
Unwork Opinion: Sustainability is no longer a niche concern but a fundamental part of business strategy. The emphasis on sustainability within workplace design reflects a broader shift towards more responsible business practices. For organisations, this means more than just adopting green technologies—it involves a rethinking of how workspaces can support broader social goals. Embracing sustainable principles in workplace design not only benefits the environment but also enhances employee well-being and satisfaction, creating a positive feedback loop that strengthens organisational culture and resilience.
Workplace Culture and Community Building
Creating a strong workplace culture has been a top agenda item for businesses since the pandemic. This years’ WORKTECH London demonstrated that it is still just as important a few years on, as it emerged as a critical theme, discussed across various sessions. The session on the Future Workplace and Employee Engagement and GSK’s case study highlighted the importance of leadership in nurturing a positive organisational culture. Building a sense of community within workplaces was shown to enhance employee satisfaction, foster innovation, and improve collaboration. The concept of the 15-Minute City also supports this theme by emphasising the need for community-oriented urban planning. It advocates for spaces that promote interaction and connectivity, not just for work but for daily life. By prioritising human relationships and communal activities, organisations can build stronger, more resilient communities that support employee engagement and well-being. The integration of community-oriented principles into urban and workplace design fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, creating environments where individuals feel valued and connected to their work and their surroundings. This theme highlights the need for organisations to prioritise social connectivity within their physical spaces, ensuring that workplaces are not just places of employment but hubs of community and shared experiences.
UnWork Opinion: Building a strong workplace culture is essential for fostering employee loyalty, creativity, and productivity. A positive organisational culture enhances job satisfaction, reduces turnover, and promotes collaboration and innovation. In an increasingly remote and digital world, maintaining a sense of community within workplaces becomes even more important, as it fosters connections and a shared sense of purpose among employees. Creating work environments that emphasise human connection and communal activities can lead to healthier, more engaged, and more productive employees, which is vital for organisational success.
Adaptation and Resilience in a Changing World
The overarching theme of adaptation and resilience was a crucial theme throughout the day. The session with JLL on Digital Transformation illustrated how organisations must continuously adapt to a changing landscape of work. This theme was also evident in the AI discussions, which highlighted the importance of upskilling the workforce to remain competitive amidst rapid technological changes. The concept of the 15-Minute City also ties into this theme by advocating for adaptable urban planning that can respond to evolving needs. It suggests that cities and workplaces need to be resilient and flexible, capable of adapting to disruptions such as pandemics or economic shifts. Future-proofing workplaces involves not just technological advancements but also cultural and organisational adaptability, preparing organisations to thrive in an unpredictable future. This requires a proactive approach to workplace strategy, where flexibility and resilience are built into the very fabric of an organisation’s operations and culture.
UnWork Opinion: Adaptation and resilience are vital for organisations to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The ability to respond effectively to disruptions, whether technological, economic, or social, is critical for maintaining competitive advantage. Building resilience involves creating adaptable work environments and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Organisations that can adapt to change are better equipped to handle unforeseen challenges, ensuring long-term sustainability and success.
The WORKTECH24 London conference provided a profound understanding of the future of work, highlighting the need for workplaces and urban environments that are not only efficient and innovative but also resilient, sustainable, and community-focused. By embracing these key themes, organisations can position themselves to thrive in a rapidly changing world, ensuring that work is not only productive but also meaningful and aligned with broader societal goals.
If you have any questions or are interested in discussing how UnWork can support you with any of these topics, please get in touch [email protected]
