In episode 383, host Mike Petrusky speaks with Bryan Berthold, a Global Workplace Experience Leader at Cushman & Wakefield, where he is passionate about helping organizations quantify and elevate people, place, and performance. Mike asks Bryan about the latest report from Cushman & Wakefield called “Reimagining Workplaces: Why Efforts Fall Short—and How to Get It Right” where he shares why the workplace experience is not just about real estate, but also involves HR, IT, and other stakeholders. Bryan says that only 47% of organizations have a focus on workplace experience, and less than 1% treat it as a business priority, so CRE and FM leaders have an opportunity to move the needle in this area. People come to the office primarily to collaborate and connect with others, so mandates alone are not effective in improving workplace experience, but a focus on clear communication, listening, and investment in technology is essential. Mike and Bryan share about C&W’s “Experience per Square Foot” model for measuring and improving the workplace experience as they offer the encouragement and inspiration you need for 2026.
Agenda
- Exploring how workplace experience can be reimagined for hybrid work
- Understanding the role of research in shaping employee well-being strategies
- Identifying practical approaches to collaboration, mandates, and holistic workplace design
What you need to know: Workplace takeaways
Takeaway 1: A holistic approach is essential for workplace success
“The current approach to workplace experience is often siloed and focused on efficiency rather than employee well-being,” Brian explains.
The research shows that only 47% of clients prioritize workplace experience, and less than 1% treat it as a true business priority. Employees primarily come to the office to collaborate and connect, not for individual tasks they can complete anywhere.
For workplace leaders, the lesson is clear: success requires a holistic approach that involves multiple stakeholders and centers on employee well-being. Metrics like “experience per square foot” can help measure and improve outcomes.
Takeaway 2: Mandates must be thoughtful to avoid counterproductive results
“People come in for the top reason to collaborate and connect with others. They can do their heads down work anywhere…” Brian shares.
Mandates that force employees back into the office without addressing their needs can backfire. Instead, organizations should focus on creating environments that employees want to return to — healthier spaces, sit-stand desks, and dual monitors, as highlighted in the HP case study.
The takeaway: mandates should be designed with empathy and employee well-being in mind, not as rigid requirements.
Takeaway 3: Employee well-being drives workplace innovation
“Make them healthier, improve their well-being, and create environments. Not that you force them into that. That’s their first choice,” Brian emphasizes.
Workplace innovation isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about creating spaces that support human needs. By prioritizing well-being, organizations can foster collaboration, improve retention, and build environments that employees choose over alternatives.
Workplace management insights
- Workplace experience strategies must move beyond efficiency to prioritize employee well-being.
- Mandates can be counterproductive unless they are empathetic and responsive to employee needs.
- Employees return to the office primarily for collaboration and connection.
- A holistic approach requires multiple stakeholders and new metrics like “experience per square foot.”
- Investing in well-being and workplace design creates environments employees prefer and thrive in.
Explore the full library of Workplace Innovator podcast episodes for an in‑depth look at workplace insights.
Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjcY0fZ3RVQ
