-
1 week ago | 
workdesign.com | Michelle Weiss
In this episode, host Bob Fox talks with Caitlin Begg, sociologist and founder of Authentic Social, about how technology and human connection need to be integrated and how smart workplace design can optimize both. We explore socio-technical design, how communication norms impact hybrid work, how AI is reshaping behavior, why casual “water cooler” conversations still matter, and how leaders can create more human-centric, high-performing environments.
-
2 weeks ago | 
workdesign.com | Stephen Lenz
Perkins+Will’s Stephen Lenz and Joyce Lai demonstrate how today’s top workplace design strategies create agile, inclusive offices that support every generation and drive employee engagement. Designing Offices for All GenerationsAs of 2025, Gen Z accounts for nearly 30% of the global workforce, according to the World Economic Forum. At the same time, the workforce is also aging, with 23% of U.S. workers now aged 55 and older per the .
-
2 weeks ago | 
workdesign.com | Michelle Weiss
This year’s overall winning submission by Adama Traoré, reimagines workspaces for vulnerable youth. This submission is a solar-powered, mobile co-working and training pod bringing digital access, entrepreneurship, and creativity to underserved youth and women in Mopti, Mali. Where work, learning, and hope meet.
-
2 weeks ago | 
workdesign.com | Michelle Weiss
Meet Marwan Shagar, Ibrahim Bilau, and Jingyuan Shen, winners of the 2025 Next Work Environment Competition Third Place Category, for their inventive Sonic-style drive-in inspired carport concept offering on-the-go tech support.
-
2 weeks ago | 
workdesign.com | Michelle Weiss
Meet 2025 Next Work Environment Competition Pick-A-Problem Category Winner, Rylee Zandstra and her innovative solution to a common friction point. Commuter Connect is a solution to the long, boring commute millions of Americans, including myself, face every day.
-
2 weeks ago | 
workdesign.com | Michelle Weiss
Meet Kaylee Hui, the 2025 Next Work Environment Competition Experiential Category Winner, and see her innovative office experience idea at the intersection of culture and place. Chicago’s NEXT office blends modern workplace design with rich Chinese-American identity, creating a culturally rooted, community-focused environment that boosts productivity, inspires daily users, and impacts visiting clients and partners.
-
2 weeks ago | 
workdesign.com | Michelle Weiss
Meet Faila Pierre-Louis, the 2025 Next Work Environment Competition Workplace Category Winner, and see her innovative workplace idea that supports diverse cognitive and sensory needs. “Seamless Synergy” transforms Fujitsu’s workspace by bridging hierarchical barriers, and fostering harmony, fluidity, and integration throughout the workplace environment.
-
3 weeks ago | 
workdesign.com | Brian Haines
Just 20 years ago, organizations seeking to understand how their office space was utilized had to conduct manual surveys that involved walking through the space and counting how many people occupied different areas. To gather meaningful insights into usage patterns and trends these types of manual surveys needed to be performed regularly. Today, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors do the job in real time, offering insights not just into where people are, but why they’re there—or not.
-
1 month ago | 
workdesign.com | Emma Ascott
It’s no longer unthinkable to consider a robotic receptionist or AI-powered assistant welcoming members, managing bookings, or even offering local lunch recommendations with a smile (or at least a programmed one). AI robots are already teaching classes and moderating debates, showing potential in coworking spaces. Coworking centers may use AI receptionists to cut costs and improve efficiency, but human connection remains essential.
-
1 month ago | 
workdesign.com | Michelle Weiss
Stylio Padfolio/Resume Portfolio FolderA sleek faux leather organizer ideal for interviews and meetings, featuring a refillable writing pad, pen holder, and multiple pockets for documents. Price: Under $25Buy on Amazon: Stylio PadfolioClever Fox PlannerThis planner doubles as a productivity journal, helping users manage time effectively with weekly/monthly scheduling, goal setting, and 150 colorful stickers.