Swapna Sathyan is Board Chair at CannonDesign as well as Principal and Director at Blue Cottage of CannonDesign. She is passionate about helping clients envision the future and transform their organizations to achieve that vision. Workplace Innovator host, Mike Petrusky, discusses with Sathyan her perspectives on the way we work today and how embracing change and viewing the workplace as an evolving work system is essential for leaders. They explore the role of technology in shaping the future of work as caring for the people in our organizations will involve more complexity due to evolving science, health, education, and organizational objectives.
Agenda
- The changing dynamics of the workplace
- The impact of technology on work environments
- The importance of inclusivity and openness in understanding these changes
- How to embrace the future of work
What you need to know: Workplace takeaways
Takeaway 1: The importance of understanding the purpose of real estate in the changing world of work
Both Mike P and Sathyan emphasized the need for a broader understanding of the workplace, with a focus on the work system rather than just real estate alone. The interplay between real estate, HR policies, technology, and culture is a focal point.
“As you think about the future, ten years ahead, 15 years ahead, what does work entail? What does collaboration really mean? What does convergence mean and how do you layer in technology advances?” asked Sathyan. She also mentioned the need for organizations to understand the reasons why real estate exists and how it ties into organizational objectives.
Sathyan cited an example of a client who achieved success by integrating real estate, HR policies, and employee wellness initiatives into their workplace. “[It was less things like] the gym that was needed, it’s the employee wellness, because then that tied to less days off, and that tied to an ROI from a financial perspective,” she said.
Takeaway 2: The role of technology and data in shaping the future of work
The speakers highlighted the power of technology and data in shaping the future of the workplace. They discussed the potential of personalized, responsive environments, predictive analytics, and the integration of design, technology, and science.
“I think the amount of information we get and how it can be harnessed through technology is amazing,” said Sathyan. She also mentioned the potential for future workplaces to change their look and feel based on the individual’s needs.
Sathyan further illustrated the use of technology in creating inclusive designs. “To have personalized, responsive environments, and then extend that to empathy and design. So, designing for inclusivity and then layering in all the work that is coming to fruition in neural architecture and how design can influence how we feel, how we act… are we more productive, are we more engaged?” she said.
Takeaway 3: The value of openness and curiosity in the changing workplace
Throughout the discussion, the speakers emphasized the importance of being open, inclusive, and curious in the ever-changing world of work. They suggested that understanding other people and perspectives can lead to better design for the future.
“Keep your eyes, ears open. It’s about being open. Be embracing. Be inclusive. Be curious. Learn about other people, learn about other perspectives,” said Sathyan. She argued that the more we know about the world now, the better we can design for the future.
Workplace management insights
- The concept of the workplace is evolving from a static place to a flexible work system that can accommodate different needs and changes in work dynamics.
- Technology plays a crucial role in shaping future work environments, from harnessing data for decision making to creating personalized, responsive environments.
- Inclusivity and openness are key in understanding and addressing the changing needs of the workplace.
- Real estate decisions should not be made in isolation but should consider other factors like HR policies, employee wellness, and organizational objectives.
- The future of work requires a holistic view of the built environment and the work system, considering elements like space, people, culture, and change.
