Unworking

What if the workplace isn't merely a physical location or a channel for productivity, but a dynamic space for human thriving and connection?

1. The Evolution of the Modern Office

The design and purpose of offices have gone through major transitions over time. Initially, early twentieth-century offices were machines of productivity, focused solely on maximizing output under strict supervision. These workplaces prioritized functionality but often disregarded the well-being and creativity of employees, as seen in Frank Lloyd Wright's Larkin Building.

The late twentieth century saw socially democratic designs emerge, emphasizing collaboration and community. For example, SAS Airlines created a headquarters in 1988 modeled more like a village than a hierarchical workplace to foster connection and empowerment among its employees. Yet, despite progress, these designs retained structural inefficiencies, reflecting leadership's control over worker needs.

Today, a new wave of workplace paradigms is reshaping norms. The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a sudden shift to remote work, driving a reflection on what offices could be. Conversations about the future of work have moved from management offices to open forums of all employees. The demand now is for designs and systems that balance autonomy, health, and effectiveness.

Examples

• Frank Lloyd Wright's Larkin Building emphasized supervision but suppressed creativity.
• SAS Airlines' village-style headquarters fostered community.
• The pandemic forced businesses worldwide to quickly adapt to remote work, challenging traditional office structures.

2. Technology as a Driver of Change

Technology is reshaping the way we think about workplaces. Tools like AI, smart devices, and cloud storage have removed the dependency on physical locations for productivity. These advancements challenge century-old patterns where success relied on a physical paper trail.

Today’s offices operate as data hubs. Sensors track space usage to inform layout decisions, while sociometric badges analyze how workers interact to improve communication. AI integrates these insights, assisting organizations in optimizing their workspaces to be responsive to user needs. For example, digital tools now measure worker performance by real results, not physical presence, reconfiguring dated performance metrics.

Ultimately, the goal of these technologies isn't just to expedite tasks. Modern systems are beginning to explore how environments and tools actively support worker well-being. They provide opportunities for autonomy and connection, making the office an extension of its people rather than a mere container.

Examples

• Sensors inform layout changes by analyzing workspace usage.
• AI-driven metrics focus on outcomes instead of attendance.
• Sociometric tools help identify isolated workers to boost collaboration.

3. Designing Spaces for Experience

Workplace design has pivoted from being solely functional to being experience-driven. With employees often working remotely, offices must now attract them back voluntarily by creating spaces they actively want to visit. The focus is no longer just about efficiency but also about selecting spaces that elevate satisfaction, culture, and purpose.

Borrowing ideas from hospitality and entertainment, many companies are curating memorable employee experiences. They are creating spaces where various work modes—individual focus, group brainstorming, and relaxation—can coexist. Activity-based working (ABW) supports this, allowing more autonomy over where and how employees choose to work within the office.

The challenge now lies in giving employees compelling reasons to return. One answer involves transforming the office into something akin to a community hub—a location where interaction and purpose thrive alongside freedom and flexibility.

Examples

• Companies are rethinking conference room layouts to allow for more collaboration.
• Hospitality-inspired designs focus on well-being rather than functionality.
• Super-roles like Chief Experience Officer reflect this shift toward creating engaging spaces.

4. The Blend of Urban Spaces and Workspaces

The relationship between cities and offices is changing. Traditional business districts, which have shaped urban landscapes for decades, are beginning to fade as remote work grows. In their place, a hybrid style is emerging—one where work and life intermingle more freely.

Concepts like the 15-minute city aim to bring workplaces, homes, and services closer. Cities like London are blending commercial and cultural elements, making them more vibrant and flexible. Offices themselves are shifting to accommodate this urban change by adopting coworking spaces and mixed-use environments where employees gain autonomy.

What’s unfolding is a tighter integration between living spaces and workspaces. The driver here is the prioritization of quality of life—where location is less about convenience, more about personal and professional alignment.

Examples

• London is merging arts with commercial districts to create vibrant spaces.
• The 15-minute city concept aims to reduce commuting by designing localized hubs.
• Companies like WeWork offer flexible coworking solutions instead of fixed office leases.

5. Tailoring Workspaces for Diversity

Diversity and inclusion now demand attention in workspace design. The days of one-size-fits-all offices are over. Workforces are increasingly diverse across generations, abilities, and personal preferences. Employers must adapt office spaces to ensure everyone feels valued and capable of contributing.

Tools like architect David Dewane's "Eudaimonia Machine" propose solutions. This model features five rooms, each designed for specific tasks—from collaboration to deep focus. It encourages balanced work modes while supporting interaction across roles. This design illustrates the power of spaces that reflect varied work styles without sacrificing shared goals.

By creating environments for every type of worker, companies foster a culture of innovation. But more importantly, these spaces must be built not only to enable tasks but also to ensure inclusion and accessibility.

Examples

• The Eudaimonia Machine integrates both focus and interaction.
• Neurodiverse employees thrive in spaces catering to their needs.
• Hybrid work setups emphasize choice alongside productivity.

6. The Role of Leadership in Workspace Change

Leading organizations can no longer rely on rigid hierarchies. Instead, leaders must embrace flexible, networked systems where employees have choices over how and where they work. The focus should shift to trust and collaboration, enabling workplace environments to adjust to changing demands.

For this cultural shift, management needs to include employees in decision-making discussions about office design. Empowering workers to co-create their environments fosters loyalty, well-being, and innovation. It reframes the office as a collaborative project instead of a static environment.

By giving up some control, leaders can embrace a new kind of influence grounded in empowerment.

Examples

• Some firms now focus on participatory workspace design.
• Decentralized teams allow for faster decision-making and reconfiguration.
• Giving employees autonomy over their settings reaffirms trust.

7. Technology as an Enabler, Not a Dictator

While technology redefines how offices work, its purpose should always serve people first. AI, sensors, and digital tools are valuable not for their raw capabilities but for how they help craft better working conditions. For example, tech-based measurements of space dynamics can uncover areas underused by teams, guiding redesigns.

However, excessive use of tech systems risks alienating workers if it starts feeling invasive. Striking a balance is key—the purpose of technology must remain human-centered. The office needs to be an extension of the individual's natural workflow, not merely a mechanism of control.

Examples

• AI adjusts layouts to reflect worker behaviors.
• Motion sensors help reduce energy consumption in office settings.
• Gamification rewards employees for healthy habits.

8. Beyond Work: The Office as a Social Space

Workplaces no longer exist solely for tasks. Companies must consider employees' social needs. Offices that mimic cultural hubs promote interaction and collaboration, essential ingredients for creativity and belonging. By integrating third spaces—casual areas for gathering and collaboration—office designs align more with modern work cultures.

When these elements are present, workers feel less isolated and more connected. This is true not only for extroverts but also for remote workers seeking occasional collaboration. The goal is to redefine the office as part workplace, part community centerpiece.

Examples

• Informal collaboration zones increase employee satisfaction.
• Third spaces like office cafes encourage spontaneous brainstorming.
• Hybrid setups offer balance between remote independence and in-person interaction.

9. Human Thriving as the End Goal

At its core, the office's purpose isn’t just business results; it’s about fostering human potential. Employees thrive when they have safe, inclusive, and dynamic spaces where their growth is encouraged. This approach emphasizes trust over control, interaction over routine, and meaning over efficiency.

By prioritizing workers' mental, physical, and emotional well-being, companies can create offices that aren’t just places but supportive ecosystems. Such environments nurture productivity and innovation by investing in people first.

Examples

• Flexible spaces ensure mental and physical comfort.
• Purpose-driven environments align personal and professional values.
• Inclusive designs boost creativity through diverse perspectives.

Takeaways

1. Involve employees directly in workspace decision-making to ensure environments align with their needs and preferences.
2. Use technology thoughtfully to create flexible, supportive office spaces without sacrificing privacy or autonomy.
3. Prioritize designing adaptable, inclusive workspaces where diversity and collaboration can thrive.