Changing the World of Work: Recent Episodes
Advanced Workplace Associates
Changing the way your organisation works is challenging. Whether you’re looking at hybrid working (a mix of in/out of the office) or trying to support or maximise the performance of virtual teams and managers, there’s a lot to get right. This podcast from Advanced Workplace Associates (AWA) untangles the challenges of change and resolves the confusion that often occurs. If you’re responsible for delivering excellent experiences at work, then whatever your discipline (HR, CRE, FM, IT, Operations), we provide clear guidance so you can make positive changes to your world of work today. Through the power of relaxed informal discussion, we share expert insights, the latest research and practical applications. If you want to initiate positive change in the way your organisation works, this is the podcast for you.
Prepare to have your mind stretched as we navigate the human brain with the esteemed neuroscientist and psychologist, Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett. In this captivating discussion, we explore how social media is rewiring our brains, why the parent's role is critical in helping a child's brain develop, and what the challenges of puberty mean for cognitive development. Dr. Barrett offers unique insights into the delicate art of knowing when to step in and when to step back, helping our children handle the complexities of daily life.
The conversation then takes a turn towards the workplace, shedding light on the pressing issue of work-life balance, and the strategies organizations can adopt to promote healthier working environments. From the provision of healthy snacks and walking breaks to a no-email-at-night policy and trust-building exercises, we explore practical measures that can boost brain health and manage the demands of modern life.
Finally, we delve into the fascinating realm of predictions, mental models, and niche construction in business. Dr. Barrett elucidates how humans often adapt their environment to align with their mental models, underlining the crucial role of flexibility and trust in today's fast-paced world. As we wrap up, we emphasize the critical importance of sleep for our mental and physical wellbeing, and the impact of sleep deprivation on our performance at work. Join us for an enlightening journey.
This episode is part 2 of a two part special.
AWA Hosts: Karen Plum and Andrew Mawson
Guest:
- Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD, Neuroscientist and Psychologist, and author of "How Emotions are Made" and "Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain." University distinguished professor of psychology at Northeastern University, Boston MA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
AWA Institute contact:Natalia Savitcaia
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
Are your everyday experiences really a true reflection of how your brain works? Our guest for this episode, acclaimed neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, sheds light on this thought-provoking question. Dr. Barrett takes us through the compelling world of neuroscience, revealing the ingenious manner in which our brains regulate our bodies. She explains how our brain is a master of deception, constantly predicting and preparing based on past experience rather than just reacting to the world. This fascinating discussion decodes how the brain's predictions shape our thoughts, feelings, and decisions in ways that are more metabolically efficient.
The conversation doesn't end there though. We dive deeper into the brain-body connection and the implications it has on our health and well-being. Dr. Barrett further explores how societal pressures and lack of rest are leading to burnout, affecting our mental and physical resilience. She emphasizes the importance of being mindful of others' impact on our lives as we navigate this hybrid working world.
So, if you're intrigued by the complex world of human brains and bodies, and seeking strategies to navigate these challenging times, this episode with Dr. Barrett is a must-listen!
This episode is part 1 of a two part special.
AWA Hosts: Karen Plum and Andrew Mawson
Guest:
- Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD, Neuroscientist and Psychologist, and author of "How Emotions are Made" and "Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain." University distinguished professor of psychology at Northeastern University, Boston MA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
AWA Institute contact: Natalia Savitcaia
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
As we approach the end of another eventful year, what were the highlights for you in the world or work and workplace?
Andrew Mawson, AWA's Founder and Managing Director shares his views on the significant developments that really caught his attention - including AI, which has been through a transformative phase in 2023. This year also seems to have seen a lot of consolidation around hybrid working - leading to an excess of office space being carried by a lot of organisations. And we see an increasing need for organisations to address net zero challenges and encourage staff to get on board and do their bit.
After our look back, we look forward to 2024 and Andrew shares his thoughts about what's to come, and the things that AWA is excited about as we welcome in the New Year.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Andrew Mawson, Founder & Managing Director, AWA
- Mike Jackson, Non-Executive Chairman, Pre-Empt.life, Founder of Shaping Tomorrow, strategist, change agent and business coach, ResultsPlus.ai - Episode 51 - Demystifying AI: what you need to know now
- Mark Gilbreath – Founder and CEO, LiquidSpace - Episode 46 – What should we do with our space?
- Josh Sumner, Workplace Strategist, AWA - Episode 52 - Global trends in hybrid working: AWA’s Hybrid Working Index separates facts from hype
- Richard Lupo, Managing Director SHIFT Environment - Episode 55 -Beyond green – is net zero part of your organisation’s culture?
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
AWA Institute contact: Natalia Savitcaia
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
Picture this: you're navigating the intricate paths of hybrid working - what bearing does this have on talent and succession planning in your organization? That's the meaty conversation we're sinking our teeth into in this episode. We explore the key facets of finding, fostering, and future-proofing strong leadership within organisations. Take a moment to think about your role, your ambition, and how your organisation is supporting you and your colleagues.
We consider how succession planning needs to change post pandemic, highlighting the ongoing challenges of seeking out talent in a remote work environment. There's a critical need to combat proximity bias, to develop skills more intentionally, to widen the candidate pool and work towards outlining role levels rather than specific positions.
Our final focus is on molding a productive organizational culture in tune with the needs of employees and the pivotal role managers play in aligning succession planning with the organization’s strategy. Ultimately we need to craft uplifting work experiences and future planning that works for people and organisation together.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Brad Taylor, Director of Consulting, AWA
- Paul Burton, Senior Associate, AWA
- Jo Reynolds, Director of Talent & Culture, AICPA/CIMA (Association of International Certified Professional Accountants)
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
AWA Institute contact: Natalia Savitcaia
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
Get ready to supercharge your understanding of India's booming office space market with AWA's Shashi Sharma and Director of Corporate Real Estate for Carelon Global Solutions in India, Sanjeev Tullicherry. We ask whether India's economic growth can be balanced with environmental sustainability by adopting strategies like refurbishing existing buildings instead of constructing new ones?
We delve into the heart of commercial real estate's environmental sustainability, extracting insights from the growth of the IT/ITS sector in India and the new trend of hybrid work. We discuss the transformative steps companies are taking towards construction sustainability, and how the Indian government is championing the transition towards renewable energy sources. We also shed light on workplace practices that are pushing the boundaries of sustainability. From waste management to electric vehicle adoption, companies are engineering green practices into their office culture and leasing terms, to make a real difference.
Dive in to discover how certifications like WELL and LEED are stimulating the momentum for sustainable transformation in India's commercial real estate.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Shashi Sharma, Senior Associate, AWA and Head of AWA Institute in India
- Sanjeev Tullicherry, Director of Corporate Real Estate, Carelon Global Solutions
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
AWA Institute contact: Natalia Savitcaia
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
Ever imagined a world where trust, openness, and virtuality are the norm in the workplace? Buckle up as we dig deep into the seismic shift from an office-centric model to the hybrid work norm, all thanks to an unprecedented global pandemic. We have as our guests Andrew Mawson, Founder and Managing Director of AWA, and Brad Taylor, AWA's Director of Consulting, to provide a bird's eye view on this transitional phase and the friction it's sparking between senior leadership and employees.
Now, let's consider the paradox of remote work - it isn't just about being able to work in your pajamas, it's about maintaining a balance between the duty of care and performance expectations. This episode unfolds the role of leaders and HR teams in this context, and we also explore the idea of licensing for remote work. It's a lot to unpack, but if you're trying to navigate the complexities of hybrid work or are simply interested in the future of work, we promise you valuable insights and takeaways!
Get your copy of the new AWA report - "Should we be licensed to work from home?".
Mentions:
- Andrew's Forbes article: Uneasy Ground: The Shifting Tectonic Plates Of Hybrid Working (forbes.com)
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Andrew Mawson, Founder and Managing Director, AWA
- Brad Taylor, Director of Consulting, AWA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
AWA Institute contact: Natalia Savitcaia
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
As hybrid working becomes the new normal, we know you're asking: how do we formalize this? Do we need to review our employment contracts? What about our duty of care for home workers? How do we balance individual needs with organizational efficiency? This episode looks at what needs to change, and what doesn't.
We dig into the detail of employment contracts and relationships in the wake of COVID-19, exploring the benefits of putting more rigor in place to safeguard employee health and wellbeing in this new era. We grapple with some complexities of hybrid work arrangements, including when people work from a variety of locations, near and far.
There are potential challenges popping up around data protection, tax, immigration, and employment rights - all of which we highlight . It's a deep and informative dive into the future of employment post-pandemic.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Ewan Keen, Partner & Joint Head of Employment Department, Simons Muirhead Burton
- Brad Taylor, Director of Consulting, AWA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
AWA Institute contact:Natalia Savitcaia
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
Unlock the secrets of transforming good intentions into actionable plans in the face of climate crisis with our special guest, Richard Lupo, managing director of Shift Environment and author of Happiness by Numbers. Lupo shares his insights on the UK's march towards achieving net zero and how climate change influences our day-to-day lives. AWA's Lara Al Ansari and Brad Taylor also join us, fresh from the AWA Institute's event, 'Beyond Green', sharing their thoughts on making net zero a part of corporate culture. We stress the fact that for any significant change to occur, our well-meaning intentions need to evolve into actionable strategies.
We delve into the potency of incentives and nudging in encouraging greener modes of transport and fostering sustainable habits at work. We examine how leadership styles and corporate culture can enable sustainability initiatives and ensure all are included in the NetZero journey. Our conversation emphasizes clear communication, rational understanding and emotional engagement as essential tools in driving change. Prepare to rethink your sustainability strategy as we discuss the importance of a clear vision and an actionable plan in shaping a sustainable future.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Richard Lupo, Managing Director SHIFT Environment - driving sustainability through environmental reporting and related consultancy
- Brad Taylor, Director of Consulting, AWA
- Lara Al Ansari, Analysis & Insights Lead, AWA
With thanks to AWA Senior Associate Monique Pothoff for her thoughts on the AWA Institute event.
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
Mentions:
- Richard Lupo's book ‘Happiness By Numbers’ describes the science of wellbeing measurement and how to include environmental protection
- Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
AWA Institute contact: Natalia Savitcaia
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
Ever thought about the deep-seated toxicity lurking in your workplace? Hold your breath as we navigate this uncharted terrain with consultant psychologist Linda Doe, who brings to the table her vast experience in business psychology. We dissect the meaning of a toxic office culture, the tell-tale signs to look out for, and the devastating impacts it leaves in its wake, including poor mental wellbeing and sometimes alarming rates of staff turnover.
But that's not all! We peel back the layers of the onion to reveal how toxic cultures persist in the era of hybrid and remote working. Linda sheds light on the importance of protecting our mental health, setting clear personal boundaries, and building a solid support network. Beyond that, we explore the role of team building events in nurturing a psychologically safe environment, even in remote settings. The conversation doesn't stop there - we dive into the critical role senior leaders play in setting the culture of an organization and the need for self-differentiated leaders to cultivate an authentic, positive work environment. Tune in to discover how behavioral changes can make all the difference in turning around a toxic work setting.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Linda Doe - Consultant psychologist, MD of Apana Business Psychology and holistic wellbeing champion
- Brad Taylor – Director of Consulting, AWA
- Lisa Sarjeant – Senior Associate, AWA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
AWA Institute contact: Natalia Savitcaia
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
Are you prepared for the future of work? Will you be at the forefront of a revolutionary shift, or will you be left behind, much like Kodak when digital photography rose to prominence? In this engaging episode, we converse with Henry Massey and Andrew Mawson, experts on the brave new world of the Metaverse and its potential implications for our working lives. We unpick the vibrant tapestry of the Metaverse, contemplating an immersive, inclusive, and story-driven hybrid working environment that could drastically alter the way we collaborate, fostering visibility and promoting a sense of community.
Imagine the Metaverse as a sociological experiment, an arena where humans will represent themselves and form tribes. How do we build trust in this virtual realm, maintain authenticity, and tackle challenges such as a Metaverse class system? Our discussion in this episode dissects these intriguing questions. We stress the importance of regulations and policies to foster an inclusive and safe Metaverse environment, explore the generational aspects of this new world, and reflect on how individuals might 'dress' to fit into their chosen tribes.
This transformative potential of the Metaverse isn't limited to social interactions - it will impact the corporate world too. The onboarding experience, the training and upskilling processes could all be revolutionized. Picture a more immersive onboarding experience that could significantly boost employee satisfaction and retention. Think about training methods that harness the power of virtual reality for higher memory retention. And guess what? Some organizations are already making waves by implementing these innovations. So, buckle up, join our conversation, and let's navigate the future of work in the Metaverse together.
Mentions:
Matthew Ball's book - The Metaverse and How It Will Revolutionize Everything
Forbes article: How Kodak Failed
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Henry Massey, Co-founder and Chief Metaverse Officer, Elora & Head of Emerging Technology, Workplace Evolutionaries
- Andrew Mawson, Founder & Managing Director, AWA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
AWA Institute contact:Natalia Savitcaia
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
Curious about how hybrid working is transforming organisations around the world? AWA’s Hybrid Working Index reveals the truth about what’s really going on. We look at different types of hybrid working policies, the volumes of people coming into office, the impact on the usage of workspace and the ultimate decisions being taken to resize real estate.
The most recent results reflect a population of 150,000 people across 15 sectors and 22 countries. We reveal the latest findings and the trends across the data captured since June 2022 – and ask whether we are heading to some sort of steady state?
There is also a fascinating interview with a contributor to the survey, Steve Chapman from the UK Government’s Home Office about how the Index and the wider utilisation data they gather are helping inform decisions about their estate, and changing their approach to planning accommodation for their staff.
Discover how this powerful tool can inform organisational decision making, providing valuable benchmarking data across locations and industry sectors.
Mentions:
- Hybrid Working Index Report August 2023
- For details of the Hybrid Working Health Check, contact Andrew
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Josh Sumner, Workplace Strategist, AWA
- Andrew Mawson, Founder & Managing Director, AWA
- Steve Chapman Head of OFW Estates Strategy, Estates Intelligent Client Function, Security, Estates and Information Directorate
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
AWA Institute contact:Natalia Savitcaia
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
Ever wondered if we should fear a malevolent AI takeover? Reconsider what you know about artificial intelligence (AI) as we host a riveting conversation with Dr. Mike Jackson. As a renowned expert in the field, Dr. Jackson clears the air on misconceptions surrounding AI while shedding light on its potential and the importance of unbiased data and decision making. We also debunk the Hollywood-inspired myth of evil AI entities commanding the world.
We don't stop there but shift gears to discuss the practical applications of AI tools. Discover how AI can be a game-changer in performance appraisals as we delve into ChatGPT with AWA's Director of Consulting, Brad Taylor, and Founder, Andrew Mawson. Not just that, we also recognize the potential of AI in understanding organizational dynamics. The conversation doesn't end without emphasizing the role of collaboration, trust, and leadership in embracing AI and exploring the idea of a 'Chief Workplace Officer' taking the lead on strategizing AI utilization. So join us on this enlightening journey, as we navigate the intriguing world of artificial intelligence together.
Mentions:
- Article mentioned by Karen about the Digital Futures at Work Research
- Approach mentioned by Mike: De Bono Six Thinking Hats
- Andrew Mawson’s Forbes articles
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Mike Jackson, Non-Executive Chairman, Pre-Empt.life, Founder of Shaping Tomorrow, strategist, change agent and business coach, ResultsPlus.ai
- Andrew Mawson, Founder & Managing Director, AWA
- Brad Taylor, Director of Consulting, AWA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
AWA Institute contact:Natalia Savitcaia
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
Today we're taking a compelling journey into the heart of the hybrid work model in India to discover how the pandemic has radically transformed the workspace and encouraged innovative solutions to retain productivity and enhance employee satisfaction. So, buckle up and prepare to delve deep into the intricacies of remote work, office occupancy measurement, and the challenges of policy framing in large tech companies - which provide much of the current workplace narrative in India!
Jagvinder (Pinny) Mann, former leader at Microsoft India, shares fresh updates on the aftermath of the pandemic and the hurdles organizations are facing in reintegrating their workforces. Pinny provides illuminating insights on the use of WeWork type spaces, startups, and how companies are adapting to the new work-from-home era. We'll explore the importance of workplace flexibility, particularly for women, and discuss how different industries are grappling with changes. And finally, we'll celebrate the unexpected silver lining - guilt-free work from home! Tune in and let these industry experts enlighten you on the future of work.
Mentions:
- AWA Hybrid Working Index (please get in touch if you'd like to know more, or to get involved in future surveys)
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Jagvinder (Pinny) Mann - Independent Corporate Real Estate Consultant and Former Microsoft Leader, India
- Partha Sarma - Senior Associate, AWA
- Shashi Sharma - Senior Associate, AWA
- Chaithra K - Associate, AWA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
- AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
- AWA Institute contact: Natalia Savitcaia
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
Ever wondered what really matters to the Gen Z workforce? Join us as we engage in an eye-opening conversation with six Gen Z professionals, including Danielle Farage, a top voice for Gen Z and a Top 10 Future of Work Influencer. Gain valuable insights into the priorities and values that drive this generation, from flexibility and development to a strong emphasis on workplace culture.
We're debunking myths and shedding light on the unique career paths many Gen Zers are taking. Hear firsthand experiences from our guests, Jordan, Chanel, Harika, Claire, and Chaithra, as they discuss the importance of learning, development, and flexibility in their careers. Discover the significance of authentic connections through Danielle's passion project, Friendtorship, and explore the desire for travel and personal growth as key components of Gen Z's vision for the future of work.
Don't miss your chance to better understand this passionate and ambitious generation!
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Danielle Farage, Top Voice for Gen Z & Top 10 Future of Work Influencer, USA
- Chaithra K, AWA , India
- Chanel Burton, AWA , UK
- Claire Chanis, The Cheese Shop of Portland, Maine, USA
- Harika PV, AWA, India
- Jordan Saavalainen, Finland
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
For details about hybrid manager development and working together agreements, contact Andrew Mawson.
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
- AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
- AWA Institute contact: Natalia Savitcaia
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Sign up for our webinar: The truth about AI and what it means for organisations, work and the office’ or contact AWA Institute Head Natalia Savitcaiafor more details. Date: Wednesday 12 July 4pm UK / 11am ET / 8am PT
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
The way we acquire the skills we need is changing - accelerated by the pandemic and the ready availability of guidance and knowledge on social media and through Google searches and YouTube videos. People want to teach themselves and choose the methods that suit them, rather than having their organisation dictate what they should learn. Furthermore everyone seems time starved when it comes to most activities, particularly training, so whatever they do really needs to be specific to their needs and be actionable now.
For the skills that are more difficult to refine through YouTube and quick Google searches, people are turning to VR and augmented reality, to the metaverse and other immersive experiences like business simulations, where we can try things out in a safe way, without the usual embarrassment of the dreaded role play.
Here's a quick overview of the topics in this episode:
- Making learning actionable (04:57)
- VR and augmented reality (11:08)
- Business simulations (17:18)
- Blended learning approaches (21:02)
Mentions:
- PwC Virtual Reality for learning study (video) and report
- What does virtual reality and the metaverse mean for training?
- Seymour Papert
Courses (for details / dates please contact AWA Institute Lead Natalia Savitcaia )
- AWA Workplace Change Management Course
- Apollo 13 / Business Simulation Events
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Lisa Whited, Senior Associate, AWA
- Anne Balle, Senior Associate, AWA
- Philippa Hale, Senior Associate, AWA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
- AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
- AWA Institute contact: Natalia Savitcaia
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
Organizations are finding it increasingly difficult to attract and retain the right skills and talent – in the face of rising employee expectations and fierce competition. Under these conditions, the experience people have at work is critical – leaving this to chance is foolish and wastes an enormous opportunity to ensure people have what they need to deliver for your organization.
Delivering the best workplace experiences requires you to carefully manage the workplace (whether that’s an office, or people’s homes). The Workplace Management Framework provides a structure for the development and assessment of best practice in the management of the workplace. And there is now a training course (available through IFMA) to help workplace professionals learn what they need to know and how to implement these best practices.
Here's a quick overview of the topics in this episode:
- Defining the experience of work (05:40)
- The creation of the workplace management framework (12:25)
- Discovering the “how to” aspects of the training program (18:14)
- Designing for change (21:31)
Mentions:
- Workplace Management Framework document
- Course: IFMA Workplace Strategy & Leadership Program
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Andrew Mawson, Founder & MD, AWA
- Brad Taylor, Director of Consulting, AWA
- Lucy Jeynes, Managing Director, Larch Consulting
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
AWA Institute contact: Natalia Savitcaia
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
As organizations continue to figure out their approach to hybrid working, many are finding that they have more space than they need. While some are holding onto that space, in the belief that people will gradually return to working in the office, others are looking for ways to offload it. And there is also a need to ensure that the space that is provided works well - generating confidence that it will fulfil the needs that they have when they come into the office to work with colleagues.
Here's a quick overview of the topics in this episode:
- A paralysis of decision making about space? (04:27)
- Many offices aren't designed for hybrid working (10:48)
- Addressing the friction in our workplaces (19:17)
- The new role in harmonising the delivery of the workplace (26:08)
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Nida Mehtab, Senior Associate, AWA
- Clare Danahay, Associate & Designer, AWA
- Mark Gilbreath, CEO/Founder, LiquidSpace
- Matthew Atkin, Senior Associate, AWA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
AWA Institute contact (for details of upcoming events and membership):
Natalia Savitcaia
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
Leadership is leadership - if leaders and managers struggled pre pandemic, it's likely they're struggling now - unless they've upskilled. Hybrid is shining a bright light on management and leadership skills - exacerbating shortcomings and causing some to return to pre pandemic ways of working - to what's easier for them (not easier for their people).
This is a dangerous, slippery slope that will see people quit because they know how it feels to determine and control they way they work and to find meaning in their work. It's time to think about how managers are appointed, supported and rewarded to avoid these unfolding disasters.
Here's a quick overview of the topics in this episode:
- Trust is key (07:52)
- Listen, question assumptions and experiment (17:57)
- Appoint the right people and reward them appropriately (19:30)
- What can we do to make a difference? (24:43)
Mentions:
- Help your employees find purpose—or watch them leave (McKinsey article mentioned by Lisa)
- Six Factors (mentioned by Lisa) - Managing the virtual workforce (AWA report)
- Millennials And Gen Z: Now Is The Time To Reshape Businesses To Harness Their Power (Forbes article - mentioned by Partha)
- Promoting Technical Experts to People Managers (Evolving Strategies article - mentioned by Lisa)
- AWA Institute details and events (mentioned by Karen)
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Lisa Whited, Senior Associate for change management, AWA
- Partha Sarma, Senior Associate, AWA
- Imran Qureshi, Head of North America, WTW
- Philippa Hale, Senior Associate, AWA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
Advanced Workplace Associates contact: Andrew Mawson
Advanced Workplace Associates Institute contact: Natalia Savitcaia
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
Bupa is a great example of aligning ways of working to a strategic vision of what the company needs to be. Senior leaders had already set Bupa on an agile journey before the pandemic and plans were well advanced - helping them adapt quickly when the pandemic struck. There have been many challenges, as for all organisations, but there are ambitious plans for the future.
And we'll hear about how the data AWA gathers from staff surveys helps to inform the design and planning of effective office environments, so that when people do come into the office, the experience is positive and they feel that they benefited from being there.
Here's a quick overview of the topics in this episode:
- Becoming an agile business (05:00)
- Getting the most from Bupa's portfolio (17:10)
- Understanding what people do is fundamental to workplace design (21:34)
- Using the data to best effect (25:04)
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Neil Jones, Property Director, Bupa
- Clare Danahay, Associate, workplace planning and design, AWA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
Advanced Workplace Associates contact: Andrew Mawson
Advanced Workplace Associates Institute contact: Brad Taylor
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
This is part two of our exploration of workplace experiences - thinking about how to deliver them day in, day out and adapting them to changing circumstances - so they continue to be relevant and to satisfy the needs of individuals, teams and the organization as a whole.
Covid was a big test for everyone's ability to adapt and ensure that people's experiences of work continued to serve each organisation's purpose, and hybrid is the next opportunity to fine tune and refine the degree to which your workplace experiences support your corporate objectives.
Here's a quick overview of the topics in this episode:
- The recruitment process - a vital illustration of who you are (08:19)
- Adapting the workplace experience when things change (15:53)
- Reward Gateway's story - part 2 (18:14)
- Where to next for RG's workplace experience (27:33)
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Andrew Mawson, Founder and Managing Director, AWA
- Brad Taylor, Director of Consulting, AWA
- Catrin Lewis, Head of Global Engagement and Internal Communications, Reward Gateway
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
Reward Gateway additional materials:
- London office ways of working and office tour
- Project Meadow YouTube video, sharing the story of the London office
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
Advanced Workplace Associates contact: Andrew Mawson
Advanced Workplace Associates Institute contact: Brad Taylor
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
We all have "workplace experiences" every day - but whether they are left to chance or consciously thought about and curated can make a world of difference to how we absorb our organisation's vision, brand and values.
Writing values on the walls and expecting that to do the job won't cut it. If the lived experience of the organisation (in the office, at home, and culturally) is filled with jarring disconnects from the story it tells about what it values, then the level of friction and lack of authenticity may drive people to disengage, and ultimately to leave. Which is why workplace experiences matter now, more than ever.
Here's a quick overview of the topics in this episode:
- The brain is the starting point (01:21)
- We can't leave workplace experiences to chance (07:12)
- Reward Gateway's journey - part 1 (17:16)
- Every element of the experience represents your brand (25:26)
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Andrew Mawson, Founder and Managing Director, AWA
- Brad Taylor, Director of Consulting, AWA
- Catrin Lewis, Head of Global Engagement and Internal Communications, Reward Gateway
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/
Reward Gateway additional materials:
- London office ways of working and office tour
- Project Meadow YouTube video, sharing the story of the London office
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
Advanced Workplace Associates contact: Andrew Mawson
Advanced Workplace Associates Institute contact: Brad Taylor
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
Once upon a time - workplace capacity was calculated by taking the number of people to be accommodated, assigning a desk to each person and adding some other spaces. But with hybrid working, when people don't need a desk every day or even when they come into our building, how should we be determining how much space we need, and what facilities and types of space to provide? And how can we ensure we create holistic workplace experiences by working across disciplines (HR, CRE, IT, FM)?
This episode draws on a December 2022 AWA Institute webinar which also addressed this topic.
Here's a quick overview of the topics in this episode:
- What is workplace capacity? (01:58)
- Taking a different approach (05:39)
- Measuring success (15:53)
- CRE, FM, IT, HR working together holistically (22:52)
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Calle Sågbom - Associate, AWA
- Nida Mehtab - Senior Associate, AWA
- Matthew Atkin - Senior Associate, AWA
- Tamar Draper Mahru, Vice President, Global Real Estate & Workplace, Twilio
Details of AWA contributors
From the AWA Institute webinar - The 7 key considerations of workplace capacity:
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Old space calculations won't cut it in the hybrid world - start with 'demand' by understanding the way teams work.
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Spaceless headcount growth strategies mean that conventional ways of accommodating headcount growth are toast.
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Demand volatility needs to be factored in and flexible supply solutions sought.
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Innovation in space occupancy is needed to smooth demand.
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Using assets well, will need out of the box thinking.
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To create vibrant 'buzzy' work environments and effective working, organisations need to consolidate their occupancy of space on a daily basis.
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Always consider the implications for services/amenities.
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
AWA Institutecontact: Brad Taylor
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
2022 seems to have been the year that hybrid working really got into its stride. We've covered many aspects of hybrid and other ways of working topics during this year.
This episode is a look back at some of the highlights!
Here's a quick overview of the topics in this episode:
- A test and learn approach to hybrid (from 3 AWA clients) (02:21)
- Changing our approach to meetings and wellbeing (07:38)
- Hybrid in different industry sectors (energy, insurance, tech, life sciences, charitable and higher ed (13:10)
- AWA 's Hybrid Working Index (21:20)
If you're interested in joining the Hybrid Working Index, Josh **would be very happy to provide details.
The Hybrid Working Index summary report is available here**.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests (in order of appearance and episode number if you want to check them out):
- Liz Westcott, Managing Director EMEA, Mintel (Ep24)
- Margot Power, Faculty Change Manager, Faculty of Science & Engineering, University of Manchester (Ep23)
- Sarah Cousins, Head of Organisational Change, British Heart Foundation (BHF) (Ep38)
- Helen Guest, Senior Associate, AWA (Ep19)
- Anne Balle, Senior Associate, AWA (Ep22)
- Trevor Alldridge, Chief Executive, Boost Cognition (Ep26)
- Ken van Someren, Boost Cognition (Ep29)
- Fiona Condron, Audit Partner, BDO (Ep34)
- Nick O'Donnell, Director of Estate & Facilities, Kings College, London (Ep 35)
- Dr Colombine Gardair, Director of Innovation, AWA (Ep31)
- Lisa Whited, Senior Associate, AWA (Ep28)
- Sophia Fonseca de Nino, AWA (Ep27)
- Michael Hirahara, Principal & Co-Founder, Fulcrus Investments (Ep 30)
- Joshua Sumner, Consulting Methods Lead, AWA (Ep39)
- Andrew Mawson, Founder & Managing Director, AWA (Ep39)
- Dr David Greenfield, Managing Director, SOENECS (Ep36)
Details of AWA contributors
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
AWA Institutecontact: Brad Taylor
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
Here are the latest results from AWA's worldwide Hybrid Working Index, tracking office attendance, desk usage and the hybrid working policies of 62 organisations across 220 offices and nearly a quarter of a million people within those offices.
Use of the office is falling, calling for a different approach to how we deliver and manage the workplace.
Here's a quick overview of the discussion points in this episode:
- What is the hybrid working index? (01:30)
- The latest results (08:19)
- We need a shift in thinking (18:48)
- No going back (22:48)
If you're interested in joining the Hybrid Working Index, Josh **would be very happy to provide details.
The Hybrid Working Index summary report is available here**.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Josh Sumner – Consulting Methods Lead, AWA
- Andrew Mawson – Founder & Managing Director, AWA
AWA Guest details
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
AWA Institutecontact: Brad Taylor
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
There is a wealth of advice and guidance available to organisations looking to implement or refine their hybrid working approach. Helping organisations change the way they work has been AWA's bread and butter for the last 30 years, so we know a thing or two about this - albeit that the Covid pandemic accelerated the journey for us as well as our clients.
Hearing real life experiences from clients who have gone through a change journey is very powerful. In this episode we hear from the British Heart Foundation who have implemented a programme called "Flexibly Connected", and continue to refine it's operation through a test and learn approach.
Here's a quick overview of the discussion points in this episode:
- Ingredients for success (03:49)
- Test and learn approach to change (07:07)
- The six factors - high performing teams (18:31)
- 7 steps to hybrid working (21:58)
Mentions:
- AWA Research: The six factors of knowledge worker productivity
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Sarah Cousins, Head of Organisational Change, British Heart Foundation (BHF)
- Philippa Hale, Senior Associate, AWA
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
- AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
- AWA Institute contact: Brad Taylor
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
Organisations put a lot of effort into creating appealing and powerful customer experiences. But how much effort goes into the creation of employee experiences - whether in the office or away from it?
Do organisations see their employees as consumers of the organisation? Do they consider how employees' experiences can trigger emotional responses and memories, or create attachment and commitment to the brand and its values - all things that can promote either loyalty and longevity, or faster turnover?
Employees have more choices and a much keener sense of entitlement post pandemic, which is driving a lot of anxiety around talent recruitment and retention. But if we start to think of organisations as "products" and employees as consumers of those products - doesn't that change everything?
Here's a quick overview of the discussion points in this episode:
- Put the employee at the centre of everything (05:15)
- Employees feel entitled and are exercising choice (09:42)
- Learning from consumer experience research (17:05)
- Ways to start changing our approach to employees (26:20)
Mentions:
- IFMA Workplace Strategy & Leadership Program
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Brad Taylor - Director of Consulting, AWA and Leader of the AWA Institute
- Andrew Mawson – Founder & Managing Director, AWA
AWA Guest details
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
- AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
- AWA Institute contact: Brad Taylor
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
What is the circular economy? Is it just recycling? What do we have to do differently? What does it mean for the workplace? Will it cost more? Why do we have to do things differently? How can we get started? What are some simple examples I can use to start meaningful conversations in my organization?
So many questions, for which we have some straightforward answers and inspiring examples of what can be achieved. There's no time to lose - we have to start thinking differently and acting differently, to save our planet.
Here's a quick overview of the discussion points in this episode:
- What is the circular economy? (01:46)
- This is a gift for implementing agile / hybrid working (07:46)
- 'As a service' examples -copiers, coffee, furniture, lighting (15:49)
- What this could mean for workplace design (23:20)
Mentions:
- Circular Economy Club
- Lisa’s book – 'Work better. Save the planet'
- IFMA partner training course
- Circular Economy Institute courses
- Mycelium insulation product
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Dr David Greenfield, MD SOcial, ENvironmental & EConomic Solutions (SOENECS) Ltd and RAEng Visiting Professor of Circular Economy, University of Brighton
- Lisa Whited, Senior Associate, AWA
- Celeste Tell, Senior Associate, AWA
AWA Guest details
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson
AWA Institute contact: Brad Taylor
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Want to know more about AWA?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Visit our website
Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast
Universities and colleges are complex organisations - in many ways quite different to other businesses in sectors such as finance, insurance and technology. With their mix of students, academics, researchers and professional services staff, there are a many needs to be met.
So how are they managing after 2 years of the COVID pandemic, where many more people started working away from their offices and students and lecturers began a journey of online learning? Many academics and researchers were already working in flexible ways before March 2020, but professional services much less so. Where are they now?
Here's a quick overview of the discussion points in this episode:
- A renewed emphasis on staff learning, development and benefits (04:16)
- A game of two halves - professional services / academics and researchers (13:02)
- Going global to reach the best talent (19:36)
- Co-creating work experiences (28:03)
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Caroline Jones, Employment Tax Director, BDO
- Nick O’Donnell, Director of Estate & Facilities, King's College London
- Dr Colombine Gardair, Director of Innovation, AWA
AWA Guest details
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
Advanced Workplace Associates contact: Andrew Mawson
Advanced Workplace Associates Institute contact: Brad Taylor
Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon
Covid has prompted many of us to question what we’re doing with our lives – and what we’re doing at work. Many are asking whether they and their organisation have a clear purpose – and not getting a clear, satisfactory answer. Charities have potentially had the upper hand here – the desire to do good in the world has given them an advantage in recruiting employees who feel passionately about their cause, or who are drawn to the non profit sector in general.
But what now - when commercial organisations are catching up and getting clearer about their purpose, while at the same time, it’s becoming more ‘expensive’ to ally yourself with an organisation that doesn’t pay as well as the alternatives. Can charities still rely on purpose to sustain them in the new hybrid world?
Here's a quick overview of the discussion points in this episode:
- Career paths in charitable organisations (06:40)
- Purpose vs what's right for individual circumstances (13:41)
- The purpose pay gap (19:19)
- Benefits beyond purpose (29:15)
Mentions:
- Pro Bono Economics Report: The price of purpose? Pay gaps in the charity sector
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Guests:
- Brad Taylor, Senior Associate, AWA
- Fiona Condron, Audit Partner - Not for Profit, BDO
- Liz Cotter Schlax, President & CEO, United Way of Southern Maine
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
Advanced Workplace Associates contact: Andrew Mawson
Advanced Workplace Associates Institute contact: Brad Taylor
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
There's been so much talk over the last 2 years about how we are working - in offices, remotely, hybrid. At the same time, in the UK we've been treated to lots of adverse publicity about the workings of the Prime Minister's office, 10 Downing Street.
Is this office still fit for purpose? Is the West Wing any better? How would we go about redesigning the working experience for the incoming Prime Minister?
Here's a quick overview of the discussion points in this episode:
- The 'workplace' issues at 10 Downing Street & parallels in the US (2:18)
- Re-designing the Prime Minister's office (16:14)
- Thinking differently (23:24)
- Andrew's suggestions to the Prime Ministerial candidates (25:53)
References during the podcast / additional sources:
- AWA's research on knowledge worker productivity - the 6 factors that really make a difference
- David Rock, author of the SCARF model, Neuroleadership Institute
- "The Economist Asks: Can we learn to disagree better?" - Economist Podcast, featuring organisational psychologist Adam Grant
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Andrew Mawson – Founder & Managing Director, AWA
- Lisa Whited - Senior Associate, AWA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
Advanced Workplace Associates contact: Andrew Mawson
Advanced Workplace Institute contact: Brad Taylor
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
Hybrid working is certainly a phrase that most people seem to have heard. But there isn’t a common understanding about what it is, and what it means for the way people are working or managing. Many organisations are still working out what the best options for them, what this means for the amount of space they need and how it’s used. AWA's new Hybrid Working Index will provide key insights into how things are going.
Here's a quick overview of the discussion points in this episode:
- The hybrid index and how it works (2:01)
- Key findings from first survey (7:46)
- Working together agreements (15:26)
- Using the index and implications for space (19:19)
If you're interested in joining the Hybrid Index, Josh **would be very happy to provide details.
The first Hybrid Index summary report will be available soon - please contact Josh for your copy.**
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Josh Sumner – Consulting Methods Lead, AWA
- Andrew Mawson – Founder & Managing Director, AWA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
Advanced Workplace Associates contact: Andrew Mawson
Advanced Workplace Institute contact: Brad Taylor
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
We hear a lot about collaboration and innovation potentially suffering when people work in a hybrid way - spending more time apart than physically together. While innovation might be the icing on the cake for some companies - for others, like those in life sciences, innovation is at the core of their business. So how are they adapting to hybrid ways of working?
Here's a quick overview of the discussions:
Adam Hoy:
- Key challenges in the life sciences sector (1:30)
- Managing space requirements (7:10)
- Different space models for partnering (11:51)
Colombine Gardair:
- The need to travel vs carbon reduction efforts (17:50)
- Enhancing the remote collaborative experience (20:00)
- Immersive experiences - where to start? (28:44)
If you have any questions that you'd like to discuss, please get in touch with host Karen Plum.
Deloitte 2022 Global Life Sciences Outlook
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Adam Hoy VP, Head of Worldwide Real Estate & Facilities, GSK
- Dr Colombine Gardair, Director of Innovation, AWA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
Advanced Workplace Associates contact: Andrew Mawson
Advanced Workplace Institute contact: Brad Taylor
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
While it’s the company bosses that typically hit the headlines with their pronouncements about where people will be working – “everyone in the office or else!”, we like to look behind the scenes to find out what’s going on, and this time we look at the Tech sector. How are companies evolving and managing in their new normal ways of working?
Here's a quick overview of the discussion:
Here's a quick overview of the discussions:
Anne Balle & Clark Elliott:
- Key challenges in the tech sector (1:58)
- Hybrid working – figuring out as we go along (6:39)
- Focus on the people managers and the culture you want (16:05)
Michael Hirahara:
- Are tech companies downsizing real estate? (20:23)
- Promoting technical people into management roles (25:13)
If you have any questions that you'd like to discuss, please get in touch with host Karen Plum.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Anne Balle – Senior Associate, AWA
- Clark Elliott – Senior Associate, AWA
- Michael Hirahana – Principal and co-founder - Fulcrus Investments
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
Advanced Workplace Associates contact: Andrew Mawson
Advanced Workplace Institute contact: Brad Taylor
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
In a return to the subject of wellbeing, we pose the question – is it sufficient to run a campaign and regard wellbeing as a nice to have? Is it worth the money, the time and the effort? If a focus on wellbeing is to pay off, what does it take and where do you start?
Here's a quick overview of the discussion:
- What do we mean by wellbeing? (1:45)
- Why should organizations care about wellbeing? (4:52)
- Why make it part of organizational strategy? (08:37)
- How to implement well and avoid the pitfalls (15:31)
- Where to start? (25:45)
If you have any questions that you'd like to discuss, please get in touch with host Karen Plum.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Anne Balle, Senior Associate in Change Management, AWA
- Trevor Alldridge – Chief Executive, Boost Cognition Ltd (AWA's Cognitive Wellness Unit)
- Ken van Someren – Performance Director, Boost Cognition Ltd
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
Advanced Workplace Associates contact: Andrew Mawson
Advanced Workplace Institute contact: Brad Taylor
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
This is a focus on the insurance sector - the big organisational / sector drivers and how they're influencing the way people work, the opportunities opening up as the industry embraces digitisation, personalisation, automation and artificial intelligence.
The sector is experiencing post pandemic growth and like other sectors is caught up in the war for talent as it repositions itself to attract the skills that it needs to fulfil its future potential.
Insurance sector guest Brian Marchal joins us from long standing and much valued AWA client Willis Towers Watson, to share experiences over the pandemic period, the embracing of hybrid working and the impact on space requirements in the post pandemic world.
Deloitte 2022 Industry Insurance Outlook (mentioned by Lisa)
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Lisa Whited, AWA Senior Associate, USA
- Izabel Barros, AWA Senior Associate, Brazil
- Brian Marchal, Workplace Strategy Director - Real Estate and Workplace Solutions - Willis Towers Watson (WTW)
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
Advanced Workplace Associates contact:
Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute contact:Brad Taylor btaylor@advanced-workplace.com
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
This is a focus on the energy sector - the big business / sector drivers and how they're influencing the way people work in those sectors, the opportunities opening up as the industry repositions itself in light of the climate emergency, and the impact on recruitment and retention of talent .
The transition away from fossil fuels and the need to secure independent energy supplies mean organisations are shifting their focus, collaborating with competitors and moving to protect the skills and expertise they need as they face stiff competition now hybrid working is so prevalent.
From Northern Ireland, we hear that there 's a pressing need to address the shortcomings of the education system that isn't preparing young people to fulfil the available roles and how employers have to step in to fill the gap.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Pat Turnbull, AWA Senior Associate, Chicago, USA
- Sofia Fonseca de Nino, AWA Senior Associate, Houston, USA
- Gordon Parkes, Executive Director People & Culture, Northern Ireland Electricity Networks
AWA Guest details
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
Advanced Workplace Associates: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute : Brad Taylor btaylor@advanced-workplace.com
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
Ever been drunk at work? Research shows that disrupted sleep, dehydration, distraction and uncomfortable working environments impair our ability to take in information, recognize patterns and make decisions. That impairment can reach the same effective level as being over the UK blood alcohol limit for driving.
If we don't get these things right, either by looking after ourselves or as organisations by creating the right conditions at work, both physical and cultural, we could effectively have a workforce that’s drunk on the job.
Looking after wellbeing in its broadest sense makes good individual and business sense. There’s lots we can do as individuals, managers and organisations – including paying as much attention to ourselves as we do our smartphones – check your battery status!
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Trevor Alldridge – Chief Executive, Boost Cognition Ltd (AWA's Cognitive Wellness Unit)
- Ken van Someren – Performance Director, Boost Cognition Ltd
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contacts: Brad Taylor btaylor@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
As we are emerging from the pandemic, we are faced with the next challenges – a shortage of good candidates to recruit, and more demands from existing people who know more about what they want, and how to get it.
Although these may be challenges, they are also opportunities to be seized and it’s time to be planning and executing strategies to be irresistible to current and future ‘talent’, offering options and choices and embracing more #hybrid ways of working.
Here we take a look at what’s going on, how organisations are responding to the challenges and share the experience of the EMEAR region of Epson, where the focus is on providing the best experiences for employees and the range of needs and expectations they are now articulating.
We also consider some ideas around recruiting for ‘potential’ and whether there is a future for outcomes based employment contracts.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Ethan Kelly-Wilson - Senior HR Manager EMEAR, Epson Europe BV
- Lisa Sarjeant – Senior Associate, AWA
- Brad Taylor – Director of Consulting, AWA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contact: Brad Taylor btaylor@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
We’ve all lived through two years of the Covid-19 pandemic. Undoubtedly it has done untold amounts of damage to people’s lives and to many businesses. That said, some organisations seized the opportunity to make changes – and as we’ve seen in other podcast episodes, the pandemic has been used as a catalyst for that change. For some organisations, the pandemic allowed them to implement things within a year that might otherwise have taken many years.
Market intelligence agency Mintel (a much valued AWA client for many years) is one such organisation. They have pursued not one but six major initiatives over the last two years – reacting to what their staff and clients needed (clear communication, more flexibility and a focus on wellness) , but also responding to major events such as the death of George Floyd in the US, which sparked a major push to develop a clear global diversity strategy.
A general approach to test, learn and refine seems to serve Mintel well, with a consistent focus on the fundamentals – communication, asking for feedback, listening and seeking expert advice to address new challenges.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Liz Westcott, Managing Director EMEA at Mintel
- Adiat Baker - Global Diversity Manager & MintelGives US – Chair, Mintel
- Rick Miller - RD | Food and Drink Associate Director, Specialised Nutrition, Mintel
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contact: Brad Taylor btaylor@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
Organisations are changing and adapting their working styles following the pandemic and the periods of time everyone spent working remotely. Many are embracing hybrid working, so how is this affecting the way they work, and is it affecting their culture?
Hear this first-hand account of how the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Manchester is adapting, using a pilot of new ways of working to learn what works best and how this is impacting its culture.
We also explore the power of having a working together agreement, co-created by those that will use it, and how it helps to strengthen many aspects that make teams more effective and productive – such as trust, cohesiveness and a willingness to share information and knowledge. Developing a working together agreement reinforces aspects such as the trust that developed during the periods of lockdown, where people showed beyond a shadow of doubt that they could be trusted, and managers started to adapt their management style.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Margot Power, Faculty Change Manager, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester
- Lara Al Ansari, Organisational Behaviour Associate, AWA
- Josh Sumner, Workplace Strategist & Change Management Consultant, AWA
AWA Report: Change for Good – 10 lessons from the pandemic
Link to AWA team page
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates
AWI contact: Brad Taylor btaylor@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
Are you still plagued by meetings you’d rather not attend? Do you wonder why you were invited or what you’re expected to contribute? Do meetings drain your energy and rob you of the time that you need to “do the real work”?
We discuss these issues and share what we're doing with clients to help them break those patterns of behaviour by tackling the real issues underlying our reliance on meetings. This is far from a quick fix, if you’re going to do it properly, but nevertheless there are things you can think about doing today to make real change.
It seems we need to put more energy into planning our interactions with others. This is something that doesn’t always feel valuable, but if you’re going to invite 6 people to an hour long meeting (imagine how much that is costing your organisation), don’t you owe it to everyone to ensure it’s the best use of their time?
The brain needs breaks: Microsoft article/research mentioned by Lisa & Karen
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Anne Balle, Senior Associate, Change Management, AWA
- Lisa Whited, Senior Associate, Change Management, AWA
Details about AWA guests
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contacts: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com and Brad Taylor btaylor@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
Do you have good technology solutions for hybrid working? Many organisations had to scramble to get the right solutions in place when everyone was instructed to work from home in March 2020, but however those were addressed, we now have different challenges.
To ensure that people feel they are having a good and effective working experience wherever they are working, we need to have equity in terms of online collaborations. If people connecting remotely have a different experience to those “in the room”, then we won’t achieve the much desired sense of inclusivity that will enable people to feel empowered to choose where they work.
The last thing we want is for people to be driven back to the office because online meetings are so poor. So what can we do? Meeting room technology, Wifi and booking systems seem to be key.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guest:
- Paul Wood, Infrastructure and Operations Manager, CIPD
For details about the AWA guests, please click this link
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact:
Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates
AWI contacts:
David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com
Brad Taylor btaylor@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
In 2021 we had to cope with a lot of uncertainty and ambiguity. Leaders weren’t able to make and communicate clear decisions about the future ways in which their people would be able to work. Many opted to be honest about the uncertainty and difficulty of seeing a clear path forward.
But as time wore on, the lack of clear decisions started to prove difficult for staff who wanted to know what they were going to be able to do – carry on working from home, return to the office, relocate their home to another location, etc.
In this episode we return to two of our guests from last Summer’s podcast episodes to see what is happening in their territories – the USA and India. It seems that more clarity is being provided, and while not always suiting everyone, at least people are now clearer about their options – and many forms of hybrid working are emerging.
We explore the situation in the USA and India as observed by our local Senior Associates, providing a glimpse into the trends they are seeing.
If you’re interested in the event mentioned during the episode, here are the details:
AWI event: How do we use technology to manage the hybrid workplace?
16 February 4pm UK : 11am US Eastern : 8am US Pacific
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0kduGqqjwtGdTX6TIvCTZDYrfjHETH9m-e
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Nida Mehtab, Senior Associate, USA, AWA
- Partha Sarma, Senior Associate, India, AWA
Link to AWA team page: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contacts: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com and Brad Taylor btaylor@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
Many teams have never explicitly agreed the things that they can and can’t do in terms of how they work together. Therein lies the root of a lot of miscommunication, misunderstanding, tension and wasted effort. So at a time when organisations are deciding how they want to work - we now have an opportunity – a catalyst for having conversations and agreeing what’s ok and what isn’t. This is a way to understand each other better, have greater cooperation, more openness and willingness to experiment, develop and progress.
Having a "working together agreement" is something that can lead to a lot of enlightenment and improved effectiveness within a team. But what about the leaders in our organisations – do they need an agreement too?
We would say, emphatically – yes! Through developing an agreement, leaders can share and learn from each other, and this can also pave the way to ensure their commitment to the development of such understandings within the teams that they lead.
This doesn’t have to be a lengthy, complicated process – you can simply start with a conversation and an agreement about something you’d all like to try.
Give it a go, and see how you get on.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Helen Guest, Senior Associate, Change Management, AWA
- Dr Colombine Gardair, Senior Associate, Cognitive Science, AWA
For details about the AWA guests, please click this link
If you'd like to hear more about working together agreements, listen to Episode 12 of the podcast
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contacts: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com and Brad Taylor btaylor@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
To kick off 2022, we share one organisation’s ongoing journey to establish a hybrid way of working. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is a major UK charity and has been a much valued AWA client over the years. Executive Director of People & Organisational Development Kerry Smith and Head of Organisational Change Sarah Cousins share their story – from before the pandemic hit in 2020, to their plans and expectations for 2022.
Covid-19 has, as for many organisations, changed the way BHF operates, how it raises funding to support its research and how it runs its retail operations. Mirroring these changes, its way of working has also significantly changed – fundamentally through embracing transparency, honesty and involving staff in planning the future way of working. The challenges of the pandemic to people’s wellbeing, mental health and sense of certainty have created a much greater awareness of what their community need. People are at the heart of everything – even more so than before.
Our guests discuss their “flexibly connected” programme; the creation of working together agreements; how they are supporting managers to consolidate the skills they need to manage hybrid teams; the evolution of blended location employment contracts; and their move into a new, smaller office, which has 50% less desks and is organised around activities, not neighbourhoods.
So much has changed since March 2020 - so much of it for the better!
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Kerry Smith, Executive Director of People & Organisational Development, British Heart Foundation https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrysmithj/
- Sarah Cousins, Head of Organisational Change, British Heart Foundation https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcousins/
British Heart Foundation website: https://www.bhf.org.uk/
BHF’s new office: A “walk-through” was commissioned to help colleagues feel part of it, to understand the space and find their way around. It’s generating excitement about the new modern, cutting edge office and encouraging people to come back when the time is right.
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contacts: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com and Brad Taylor btaylor@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
In keeping with tradition, this is our look back over 2021, reflecting on how the world of work is changing.
We have gathered a collection of highlights, insights, inspiration and advice from the wonderful guests that appeared on the podcast - change managers, workplace strategists, people experts, tax and employment law specialists, workplace transformation experts and business leaders. We look at aspects ranging from climate change to the vital role that managers play in the operation of hybrid working.
In addition to deep insights, there are also magic moments where we are counselled to set ourselves an “extremely hairy, audacious target” for space reduction; to “never have your back to your people”; and to listen hard to them because “the thing is almost never the thing”. Whatever they bring to you is rarely the real issue – and only by the power of listening and conversation does the real problem emerge.
The key takeaway and thread across the podcast, is the importance of communication. It sounds so simple – just talk to each other. But so often it’s a neglected, underrated activity and a skill that needs work.
We wish you a very healthy, safe and successful 2022 and thanks for listening to our podcast.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Andrew Mawson, MD, AWA
- Lisa Whited, Senior Associate, AWA
- Lara Al Ansari, Associate, AWA
- Adria Horn, Executive VP, Workplace, Tilson Technology Management
- Brad Taylor, Director of Consulting, AWA
- Sue Warman, VP, People, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Ainsley Wallace, President & CEO, University of Southern Maine Foundation
- Celeste Tell, Senior Associate, AWA
- Gervais Tompkin, Founder of Plus Gervais LLC
- Chris Hood, ex-Director of Consulting, AWA
- Pierre-Louis Godin, Sustainable Business Manager, Emitwise
- Philippa Hale, Senior Associate, AWA
- Partha Sarma, Senior Associate, AWA
- Anne Balle, Senior Associate, AWA
- Hannah Crisp, Senior Associate – Employment, Allen & Overy LLP
- James Hourigan, Partner / Global Employer Services, BDO
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
Shareable link
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contacts: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com and Brad Taylor btaylor@advanced-workplace.com
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
After 20 months of Covid, and looking back on the mediocre workplaces that we’ve all experienced, what does the future hold? The balance of power certainly seems to have changed, and people feel empowered to make choices about where they work on any given day. Many are opting to work more of the week from home than in the office.
This is causing some consternation in organisations. There is anxiety about the loss of culture, socialisation, collaboration and innovation through not having people in the office enough of the time. Whether any of these things are actually true, there is no doubt that the option to go into the office some of the time, to see and interact with colleagues is an important part of most people’s world of work.
How then can we draw people back to the office? Can we make it “better than home” for the right types of activities? How do we create a sense of purpose that people can connect to? How can we show people that we value them? Can we make the workplace hackable, so people can customise it to their needs? And can we make a significant contribution to climate change, by reducing the amount of space we occupy and therefore the amount we continue to heat, light and resource.
All of this and more (including bathrooms!) in this episode.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Lisa Whited, Senior Associate, AWA
- Clark Elliott, Senior Associate, AWA
- Chris Hood, ex-Director of Consulting, AWA
- Gervais Tompkin, Founder of Plus Gervais LLC
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
Further material referred to by Lisa:
The Headline exercise
TED Talk: How to start a movement
If you would like to attend the AWI webinar - "Working abroad - dispelling the tax myths" on 12 January 2022 (4pm UK, 11am US Eastern, 8am US Pacific) , please use this link to register:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tMG3gRQhRuG1XjPClvFZDg
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contacts: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com and Brad Taylor btaylor@advanced-workplace.com
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
As working arrangements start to settle down (Omicron variant notwithstanding!), what do employers and employees need to be aware of from a contractual point of view? Every contract of employment in the UK needs to state the “place of employment” – so if an organisation is embracing hybrid working, do those contracts need to change?
What about if an organisation does, or does not want to encourage employees to come into the office – how do both parties stand legally? If they want to reduce office space and take advantage of more people working from home, what are the rights of staff that want to work in the office? And can employers compel staff to come in if they are convinced that’s where they do their best work?
Another minefield that should not be underestimated is where an organisation has employees that have decided to base themselves in another country. This can result in the employer having obligations and responsibilities under the employment / labour laws of that country as well as the home country.
As ever, the best defence is to be aware of the situation and to mitigate any risks, not to assume that whatever you want to do will be fine. Nobody wants to end up in court or a tribunal (and this can happen very quickly in some countries), particularly as there isn’t a huge amount of precedent associated with the new world of work that we’re living in.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guest:
- Hannah Crisp, Senior Associate – Employment, Allen & Overy LLP https://www.allenovery.com/en-gb/global/people/Hannah_Crisp
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contacts: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com and Brad Taylor btaylor@advanced-workplace.com
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
“If you’re a manager, then managing people is the most important thing you do" says our guest at the start of this episode, which looks at some of the things that managers can do to up their game when navigating current changes in the world of work.
Adjusting to new ways of working has been difficult for many (old dogs and new ones!), and plenty of managers have found themselves a little adrift, lacking the fully developed skills they need to manage in a hybrid world.
We explore some tips and approaches that can set managers and organisations on the right track. Often it just comes down to the basics – put people first (don’t have your back to them), empathise, ask more questions (many more!) listen and communicate authentically.
And for future managers – identify potential candidates and set them up to develop their skills over time, so that when the opportunity comes, they are ready to step into the role.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Brad Taylor, Director of Consulting, AWA
- Philippa Hale, Senior Associate in Workplace Change Management, AWA
- Sue Warman, Vice President People at the AICPA and CIMA https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewarman/ https://www.aicpa.org/home
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
AWI event – 8 December 2021 4pm UK / 11am US Eastern / 8am US Pacific
If you would like to attend, please follow this link to register:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArfuGgrDgtGdDJLcvr0tYtNoIWQpH0jWLn
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contacts: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com and Brad Taylor btaylor@advanced-workplace.com
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
In pre-Covid times, many organisations had very informal arrangements with employees who worked some or all of their time away from the office. Often, managers were the only ones that knew who was working remotely – HR departments had no need to record details or keep track of arrangements.
However, some employees now want to work remotely in a different country from the one in which their employer is based. Some apparently don’t even tell their employer before they leave the country!
This situation can open the employer and employee up to a whole raft of obligations, costs and taxes, depending upon where the employee works, where the company is based, how long the arrangement is going to last, and even the importance of the individual to the business.
Don’t sleepwalk into this situation! Our experts explain why employers need to carefully consider a range of aspects, so they can make conscious choices about what is right for their organisation and employee/s. Above all, you need a policy framework in this area, to protect you from nasty surprises which can range from additional cost to downright illegality.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- James Hourigan, Partner / Global Employer Services, BDO James.Hourigan@bdo.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-hourigan-578022156/
- Ross Robertson, Partner / International Tax, BDO ross.robertson@bdo.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-robertson-40b8913a/
BDO https://www.bdo.co.uk/en-gb/home
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contacts: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com and Brad Taylor btaylor@advanced-workplace.com
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
Many organisations are grappling with their arrangements for hybrid working – trying to figure out what’s right for them. And that’s ok – nobody has a foolproof blueprint for the post pandemic world – everyone is finding what works for them, for now. You don’t need all the answers and living with some ambiguity and uncertainty is something we’ve all had to do since March 2020.
Things will change, and your response should evolve so that the agreements you have in place adapt to where you are and what your people need.
AWA has a 7-step process to help organisations navigate this terrain. We outline the steps, which form part of a change management process and we’ll explore why this is necessary to get everyone on board and feeling like they own the change and the way forward.
The pandemic has been hard, but this is an opportunity to put some things in place that we didn’t have before, and we’ve probably needed for years – like Taco Tuesdays!
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Lisa Whited, Senior Associate in Change Management, AWA
- Anne Balle, Senior Associate in Change Management, AWA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
Author mentioned by Lisa: James Clear: Atomic Habits
If you would like to attend the AWI event - "Upskilling leaders and teams for a hybrid world" on 10 November 2021 (4pm UK, 11am US Eastern, 8am US Pacific) , please contact David Smalley or Brad Taylor – details below - or register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpf-qhrzgjEtGzQAk-TCchAJXIkX-noMeL
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contacts: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com and Brad Taylor btaylor@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
Are there times when you just can’t get started on a piece of work? Do you find it difficult to focus sometimes, particularly when there are constant interruptions? Does working with people you don’t know well feel like hard work?
These situations and many more reflect the level of mental workload we experience under different conditions. They are a combination of many factors – some of which have been researched and links have been established, so we know that they definitely have an impact on the load that we experience. Aspects such as the strength of our personal relationships and trust can help reduce the amount of mental workload we experience.
Our guests, both authors of AWA’s recent research, share some examples of how to unlock the reasons why our mental workload is affected, and what we might be able to do to combat the effect. Raising awareness is important, so we can be more self-aware and equipped to help ourselves (and others in our team) by taking positive action.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Colombine Gardair, Senior Associate, Cognitive Science, AWA
- Lara Al Ansari, Associate, Research & Development, AWA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contacts: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com and Brad Taylor btaylor@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
Is your organisation implementing a hybrid model? Are you responsible for delivering it for your organisation?
We look at who is typically getting the job of making hybrid work, why leadership commitment and support are vital, and how piloting can be a safe way to transition into a new model for your organisation. This journey is complicated and while some organisations don’t know how to get started, others are getting stuck. If this sounds familiar, you aren’t alone.
Find out about the challenges facing those trying to navigate hybrid, such as HR and Corporate Real Estate and pick up some practical tips from our experts.
And if you’d like to know more, sign up for our AWI Event, “Journey to the new world – process for transition” (see details below).
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Celeste Tell, Senior Associate, AWA
- Nida Mehtab, Senior Associate, AWA
- Lisa Whited, Senior Associate, AWA
- Brad Taylor, Director of the Advanced Workplace Institute
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
AWI EVENT: Journey to the new world - process for transition
12 October 2021 4pm BST / 11am US Eastern / 8am US Pacific
If you would like to attend our online event, please register your interest using the link below, or get in touch with David or Brad (email addresses below):https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvcO2grjkpE9aYYvzxusXKJXvKU-6XfDrV
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contacts: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com and Brad Taylor btaylor@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
After a summer of uncertainty, what are the papers saying about the new world of work and the plans of organisations?
My guests picked out four news articles (two from Forbes, one from Inc. and one from LinkedIn News) to illustrate a range of trending topics – looking at the pay of those that choose to work remotely; the difficulty of sustaining an organisational culture with a home-centric workforce; the opportunity for organisations to enable people to pursue ideas and activities outside of their core employment area; and the stress experienced by millennials for whom work has a different importance and meaning as compared to those of earlier generations.
We discuss the issues raised and share our views and experiences in this lively discussion. Links to the articles appear below for those that would like to read them in full.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Andrew Mawson, Founder & Managing Director, AWA
- Celeste Tell, Senior Associate, AWA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
Article links:
Inc, Why Google's Plan to Cut Remote Worker Pay Is a Bad Idea https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/google-remote-pay-cut-calculator-facebook-twitter-employees-policy.html
Forbes, Redefining Company Culture With A Home-Centric Workforce
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2021/08/30/redefining-company-culture-with-a-home-centric-workforce/?sh=74a81918bbbb
Forbes, Are You Brave Enough To Allow For Flexibility?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/08/30/are-you-brave-enough-to-allow-for-flexibility/?sh=51df82042f15
LinkedIn News, Millennials are Most Stressed About https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6836448001368625152/
Valve’s cabal process approach:
Article:
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/the-cabal-valve-s-design-process-for-creating-i-half-life-i-
Research paper: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/254943466_Get_Organized_at_Work_A_Look_Inside_the_Game_Design_Process_of_Valve_and_Linden_Lab
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contact: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
Did the IPCC climate assessment report shock you? Are you wondering what your organisation can do to address carbon emissions and reduce your impact on the planet? There is undoubtedly an emergency but there are things we can do.
In the face of new ways of working, with less people in the office, organisations are thinking about and planning for different levels of occupancy and trying to balance the ability to be flexible and responsive, with the need for some certainty around the requirements of those coming into the office. People are wondering how to make sure they can be with the people they want to collaborate with, if they decide to make the journey to the office.
There are tools that can be used to help organisations manage the accommodation demand and ways to measure carbon emissions in granular detail, so that real reductions can be identified and delivered – rather than using averages and/or using carbon offsets.
Just as the pandemic has inspired us to think differently about how we work, the climate emergency could also be the jolt we need to change the carbon footprint of our businesses.
Andrew Mawson, AWA’s Founder and MD shares his perspectives about models being explored by organisations in the UK market and elsewhere, and the moral conundrum of operating half empty buildings that generate carbon, along with the emissions generated through commuting and business travel. Should we be thinking about sharing buildings and operating a 7 day week, adopting different working patterns that embrace the weekend, rather than building more office space?
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Chris Hood, Director of Consulting, EMEA, AWA
- Raj Krishnamurthy, CEO, Freespace https://www.linkedin.com/in/enria/
- William Buller, Senior Associate, AWA
- Pierre-Louis Godin, Sustainable Business Manager, Emitwise https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-louis-godin-90b700167/
- Andrew Mawson, Founder and MD, AWA
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
AWA report: I don’t like Mondays (or Fridays)
https://www.advanced-workplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/I-Dont-Like-Mondays-Fridays-AWA-Report-Feb-2021.pdf
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contact: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
Is organisational culture wholly connected to physical buildings and experiences? Or can we sustain the things that are important – our purpose and values – virtually? Why are many managers so concerned that culture will be damaged if people don’t return to the office?
We consider what culture is (“the way we do things around here”) and how it has been linked consciously to office locations in the past, and that now perhaps there’s a need to decouple that connection and intentionally think about how we can embed the important values within our virtual working practices and behaviors.
Clearly culture isn’t forged in the same way when we aren’t together in the same place, and as with many aspects of managing and working virtually, there is a need to think more deeply and to be more focused and deliberate about the way we reinforce and demonstrate the important aspects of culture.
Continuing our series of interviews with AWA’s global team, Celeste Tell, our Senior Associate in the Pacific Northwest talks about the “musical chairs” movement of people in and out of Seattle, as they find new places to live, now they can work remotely. She also reinforces the notion of addressing culture intentionally and embedding those intangible aspects into the virtual working environment.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Andrew Mawson, Founder and MD, AWA (UK)
- Lisa Whited, Senior Associate in Change Management, AWA (USA)
- Catherine Lamson, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, MEMIC https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-lamson-sphr-shrm-scp-wcp%C2%AE-469b8b5/
- Mel Parkes, Global Head of Workplace Transformation, bp https://www.linkedin.com/in/melparkes/
- Robin Shapiro, CEO, TBWA/WorldHealth https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-shapiro-she-her-hers-4497677/
- Celeste Tell, Senior Associate in Workplace Transformation, AWA (USA)
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
Pamela Hinds and Brian Elliott HBR article quoted: https://hbr.org/2021/02/wfh-doesnt-have-to-dilute-your-corporate-culture
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contact: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
The new working patterns (hybrid, virtual, flexible) that are now widely available are causing organisations to consider how much and what type of office space they need. With the potential for over 800k roles to be delivered away from Inner London offices, what does this mean for the City?
We share recent research conducted by AWA on the potential reduction in roles carried out in offices in London and look at trends in other locations – India and San Francisco - to get a sense of whether moves away from big centres are temporary or permanent. We also hear from the British Heart Foundation who are reducing the amount of space they occupy in London (reducing from 2 floors to 1) as a consequence of listening to the way staff want to work and realising they can substantially reduce their accommodation costs.
AWA’s Senior Associate Clark Elliott also shares that people in Switzerland tend to live outside the big cities, so there hasn’t been a big exodus during the pandemic. He also wonders whether the previous practice of living outside Switzerland and flying into the country to work during the week will hold up once offices are fully open.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
* Lara Al Ansari, Associate, AWA (London)
* Kerry Smith, Director of People and Organisational Development, British Heart Foundation https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrysmithj/ (London)
* Partha Sarma, Senior Associate, AWA (Mumbai)
* Nida Mehtab, Senior Associate, AWA, (San Francisco)
* Clark Elliott, Senior Associate, AWA (Geneva)
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
Links to reports mentioned:
The Future of Work in Inner London: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/TheFutureOfWorkInInnerLondon_V6-UK-Version.pdf
I don’t like Mondays (or Fridays): https://www.advanced-workplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/I-Dont-Like-Mondays-Fridays-AWA-Report-Feb-2021.pdf
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contact: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
Since the start of the pandemic, organisations have been navigating many changes, not least of which is their relationships with employees. We’ve seen a softening in these relationships, with compassion and empathy now the watch words for managers. Our guests discuss the change in the balance of power at work, where many employees now feel empowered to speak more openly about what they need – whether that is within the current organisation, or a fresh start.
Sharing her popular catchphrase “The thing is not the thing”, Adria Horn from Tilson Technology Management explains that she learned through many years leading people in the military that it is often difficult for people to pinpoint the issues they are facing. So whatever they bring to you is generally not actually “the thing” – i.e. there is another, underlying issue that you need to try to help them uncover and then address. All part of the new approach to managing in a world where the pandemic has brought so many changes and challenges, but also opportunities.
In addition, AWA’s Izabel Barros shares her perspective on developments in Brazil, where 95% of Brazilian CEOs are looking to implement hybrid work environments. Labour laws are very strict in the country and Izabel tells us about an agreement reached between an insurance company and a union to implement flexibility at work, which looks like great progress.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Adria Horn, Executive Vice President (Workplace), Tilson Technology Management (USA) https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriahorn/
- Lisa Whited, Senior Associate in Change Management, AWA (USA)
- Dr Izabel Barros, AWA (Brazil)
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contact: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
The role of leaders has undergone a revolution since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic. Leaders and managers have adapted to managing virtually, some have learned new skills, others are waiting for a time when they can go back to the way things were. But their teams have had a taste of a different way of working and as so many are registering a willingness to leave their organisations if they can’t work how they want to, leaders really have to step up.
We explore the challenges, the advancements that many have made and the skills that will help leaders to bring their whole selves to work and be “ruthlessly authentic” as one of our guests so eloquently put it. That authenticity breeds trust – one of the aspects of virtual team working that can be damaged when we don’t see each other very often.
Also, AWA’s Sofia Fonseca de Nino shares what she’s seeing in the Gulf Coast region of the US as energy companies in Houston continue to transform their approach to energy generation but also in terms of the way they work. She also stresses the importance of having connected, clear goals (organisational, team and personal) particularly when working away from offices, as we aren’t surrounded by those visual cues.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
- Philippa Hale, Senior Associate in Change Management AWA (UK)
- Ainsley Wallace, President & CEO, University of Southern Maine Foundation (USA)
- David Smoragiewicz, MD, New England Market Leader, Willis Towers Watson (USA)
- Sofia Fonseca de Nino, Senior Associate, AWA (USA)
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contact: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
In an increasingly complex world, management and decision making are ever more challenging. Using a variety of sources of evidence is a way to avoid our inbuilt, unconscious biases, enabling us to make better, more informed decisions. Eric Barends, MD of CEBMa shares the drivers behind the evidence-based movement and how to gather different sources of evidence to contribute to critical thinking and support decision making.
Eric also offers advice on how to judge the reliability and trustworthiness of research that we read about on a daily basis.
Also, AWA’s Céline Chaverot shares what she’s seeing as French companies and multinationals in France get to grips with the “back to the office” debate. While many have been waiting to see what would happen and what others would do, it seems employees have made their own minds up about what they want for the future.
AWA Host: Karen Plum
Featured guests:
· Eric Barends, Managing Director of the Centre for Evidence Based Management
· Céline Chaverot, Senior Associate, AWA (France)
Author mentioned by Eric: Daniel Kahneman – “Thinking Fast and Slow”
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
Centre for Evidence Based Management (CEBMa) https://cebma.org/
AWA contact: Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contact: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
Are companies simply going back to the way things were – or are they striving for a better future? AWA’s Senior Associate Lisa Whited reflects on how many offices were before the pandemic struck - full of noise, interruptions and inadequate spaces for concentration and collaboration.
We hear from two guests at a recent AWA Webinar – Kerry Smith from British Heart Foundation and Robin Shapiro of TBWA/WorldHealth. Both organisations are adapting to new opportunities and are engaging with their people to jointly design the future of work.
Passionate about the power of conversation, Lisa explains why they can bring about so much positive change. She also talks about the need to support managers to manage their people in a different way (particularly if they are working virtually or in a hybrid way), to provide the right conditions for them to flourish.
Also, Partha Sarma shares what he’s seeing in India as companies adapt to employee feedback. This represents quite a change in approach and culture for India. Many people moved to their home towns during the pandemic and some don’t want to return to the cities. Recognizing that a world of opportunity is available through virtual working, they are even prepared to quit if they don’t get what they want.
AWA Host: Karen Plum, Director of Research & Development, AWA
Featured guests:
- Lisa Whited, Senior Associate in Change Management, AWA (USA)
- Kerry Smith, Executive Director of People and Organisational Development, British Heart Foundation https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrysmithj/
- Robin Shapiro, CEO TBWA/WorldHealth https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-shapiro-she-her-hers-4497677/
- Partha Sarma, Senior Associate in Workplace Strategy, AWA (India)
AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
**CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact:** Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contact: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com
How has the world of work changed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, and how are organisations responding?
AWA’s MD Andrew Mawson shares his unique perspective - based on his work with organisations across the globe, many of whom are facing the same challenges.
While many are using the opportunity to change the way they operate and to give people greater choice, others are calling everyone back to the office. Andrew shares how AWA is helping organisations figure out what’s right for them – outlining 4 key steps that embrace dialogue and engagement to determine the best solutions.
Andrew concludes that "this is really sounding the death knell for the 'traditional' office".
Also, hear what’s happening in California as Nida Mehtab highlights differences in how organisations in tech, utilities, insurance and finance are embracing workplace change, including the impact of regulation and the need to lead the way in sustainability and carbon footprint reduction.
Host: Karen Plum, Director of Research & Development, AWA
AWA guests:
- Andrew Mawson, Founder & Managing Director
- Nida Mehtab, Senior Associate in Workplace Strategy (USA)
- Chris Hood, Director of Consulting EMEA
- Tanisha Krishnan, Associate (UK)
- Lisa Whited, Senior Associate in Change Management (USA)
Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/about-awa/the-team/
**CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:
AWA contact:** Andrew Mawson amawson@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/
AWI contact: David Smalley dsmalley@advanced-workplace.com
Advanced Workplace Institute: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/
Music: courtesy of bensounds.com