“Unworking” … beyond the pandemic, beyond digital technologies, beyond hybrid working … it’s time to reimagine why and how we work … and reinvent the modern office

October 28, 2022

Over the past one hundred years, the office has been integral to the development of modern society. It has shaped the architecture of our cities, the behaviour of our organisations, and the everyday movements of millions of people.

And then the global Covid-19 pandemic brought our attendance in the office to an abrupt halt and triggered a complete reevaluation of the purpose of the workplace. Is it the end of the office as we know it?

Many companies have only partially returned to their offices. Most are currently exploring hybrid-type models of 2-3 days a week together. Some, like Dropbox have defined themselves as virtual-first companies. Airbnb said you can work anywhere, for life.

Many offices have been scaled back. Some have reinvented themselves – gone are the hot desks and cubicles – instead it is a place designed for creativity and collaboration – meeting rooms, social spaces, creative studios.

In fact that’s the point. It’s not about where you work, its about why and how you work most effectively.

There is a more profound transformation than just home or work. It is about the role of organisations in society, the role of talent in organisations, how teams can be most effective, what attracts GenZ, and much more. Teal organisations emerge, Netflix pride themselves on a no-rules culture, Haufne elect their leaders annually, DBS calls itself a 26000 person start-up.

Here are some of the best sources to explore on future of working:

In the midst of all this, what is the future of the office?

Jeremy Myerson and Philip Ross are founders of Unwork, a consulting firm specialising in office design, or more broadly, work design. They are also founders of the WorkTech Academy.

They’ve just published a new book, “Unworking“.

Here’s why. “Right in the middle of the biggest transformation of work and workplace for a generation, our new book seeks to provide an essential guide to the future by exploring 10 key forces at play.”

“We’ve put our heads together to create a panoramic view of the workplace and a manifesto for ‘Unworking’, – unlearning old habits and rituals established for an outdated office and crafting and creating new ones fit for an age of digital technology, design innovation, and diverse workforces.

We explore how the working patterns and established principles of the office over the past 100 years are now being disrupted by new ideas. Our book aims to bring these new concepts and ways of thinking to life.”

The book will make you think back to the offices in episodes of Mad Men through to the hybrid revolution that is currently underway, with conversations on important topics such as the four-day week, remote work and diversity and inclusion.

How can your office help create a happier workforce? How could your workplace contribute to your team’s wellbeing?

By examining 10 forces of change that all business leaders should understand, Ross and Myerson encourage us to reflect on and rid ourselves of defunct habits and rituals established by an outdated office.

The result leaves you free to create new blueprints for an age of digital technology, design innovation and diverse workforces.

 

More from the blog