The future of the workplace

Abstract

Significant changes have reshaped the workforce and the expectations of those who participate. Working practices, influenced by efficiency and productivity initiatives, have also reshaped the way in which people work within the organisation, and office environments have been through similar transformations. How should the workplace of the future be designed? There is a need to think about a wider contribution to society and about sustainability beyond the current boundaries of preserving energy or reducing waste, and there is a long way to go in terms of addressing the psychological needs at the core of employee engagement. Environmental and design requirements will become obvious when there is a better understanding of the people who do the work and what really motivates them — work first, place second.