Introduction
Summary of the book Unworking by Jeremy Myerson & Philip Ross. Let’s begin by briefly exploring the book’s overview. Reimagining the Future of the Office Imagine stepping into a workplace that doesn’t just focus on getting the job done but supports your well-being, creativity, and personal growth. The world of work is changing rapidly, and the traditional office is no longer the only way to work. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed many companies to rethink how and where their employees work. The result? A transformation in how we view the office space, with a new focus on flexibility, technology, and human-centered designs. In this book, we explore the evolution of the office and how it can adapt to the future. We’ll dive into how technology is changing the workplace, why experiences matter more than ever, and how businesses can create spaces that empower employees. Ready to explore what the future of work could look like? Let’s take a deeper look at how the office might evolve.
Chapter 1: How Did the Office Become What It Is Today? The History and Evolution of the Workplace.
Before we can understand where the office is going, it’s important to look at how it got to where it is today. The modern office, as we know it, didn’t happen overnight. In the early 20th century, companies operated based on strict rules of productivity. Managers were more focused on efficiency than on employee well-being. Offices were designed for constant supervision, with employees working on open floors without much privacy. While this setup helped increase output, it came at a cost. Workers were often unhappy, stressed, and felt disconnected from their work. The result? A growing awareness that there had to be a better way to organize work.
In the late 20th century, a new wave of office design emerged. Inspired by socially democratic ideals, Scandinavian companies like SAS Airlines began to create spaces where collaboration and empowerment were the focus. The idea was to design workplaces that felt more like a community and less like an industrial machine. Offices began to resemble villages where people could collaborate and share ideas, rather than just working in isolated cubicles. However, even with these new designs, many organizations still kept top-down hierarchies, leaving little room for the full potential of employee creativity to shine.
By the 21st century, work began to shift towards flexibility and decentralization. The rise of the internet and digital communication allowed employees to work from anywhere, turning offices into hubs for collaboration rather than just places to punch in and out of work. Companies like Apple, under the vision of Steve Jobs, embraced the idea of designing spaces that fostered spontaneous interactions among employees, encouraging creativity and innovation. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, rapidly changing how we view the workplace. Remote work became the new norm, and offices around the world were suddenly empty. This dramatic shift pushed businesses to rethink the very purpose of the office and how work could be organized in the future.
As companies adjust to new work patterns, the future of the office remains unclear. Some companies continue to hold on to old ways of working, while others experiment with radical flexibility. The key question now is how we can design workspaces that support the well-being of employees while allowing them to be productive and creative. In the coming chapters, we’ll look at how technology, experience, and space design are playing a key role in reshaping the future of work.
Chapter 2: The Future is Smart: How Technology Will Shape the Office of Tomorrow.
One of the most significant factors driving change in the office is technology. It’s hard to imagine a workplace today without the use of computers, smartphones, and cloud-based tools. But what if technology could take the office experience to an entirely new level? Imagine entering an office that is equipped with sensors and AI technology that can track your movements, monitor your productivity, and even adjust the lighting and temperature to suit your preferences. This is what the ‘smart office’ of the future looks like, and it’s already beginning to take shape.
The days of relying on paper-based systems and face-to-face communication for everything are over. Now, real-time co-authoring, cloud storage, and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing how work gets done. Smart offices will use technology to gather data on how spaces are used and how employees interact with each other. This information can help businesses make decisions on everything from office layout to how to improve employee well-being. AI and machine learning will help companies make more informed decisions about what kind of workspaces to create, based on real data, not just assumptions. Instead of simply measuring hours worked, we’ll start to focus on results and outcomes.
As technology advances, it will become increasingly common for offices to be powered by data. Sensors will collect information on everything from room usage to air quality, and AI will use this data to create an environment that promotes productivity and well-being. This is a far cry from the old model of ‘presenteeism,’ where employees were expected to physically be present in the office for long hours, regardless of whether they were actually getting work done. The future of work will be about output and impact, not just clocking in and out.
While technology will play a major role in the future of work, it’s important to remember that these advancements must always serve people, not replace them. A great office should be designed around human needs, and technology can simply help enhance the experience. Instead of dictating how people work, smart technology should allow employees more freedom and control over their environment. After all, the goal is to create a workspace where people can thrive—not just a place where they can work.
Chapter 3: It’s All About the Experience: Why the Future of Work is Employee-Centered.
As we move towards a more flexible and remote work culture, the traditional office is being challenged. It’s no longer just about having a place where work gets done—it’s about creating an experience that employees will actually want to be a part of. After all, if the office is going to survive in a world where remote work is more common than ever, it has to be more than just a place where employees are told to show up. It needs to be an engaging and desirable destination that employees are excited to visit.
This shift in thinking comes from an increasing focus on employee experience. Companies are beginning to understand that people don’t just want a paycheck—they want a space that supports their well-being, creativity, and sense of purpose. To achieve this, businesses are looking to industries like hospitality, retail, and entertainment for inspiration. These industries have long understood the importance of creating memorable experiences that leave customers feeling satisfied and excited to return. Now, companies are trying to do the same with their employees, focusing on improving satisfaction, culture, and overall work experience.
In addition to making workspaces more enjoyable, companies are starting to offer more flexibility. The old office setup, with fixed desks and rigid hours, is quickly being replaced with more dynamic spaces. Activity-based working (ABW) allows employees to choose where and when they work, depending on the task at hand. Whether it’s a quiet room for focused work or a collaborative space for brainstorming sessions, employees have the freedom to move between different environments that suit their needs. The future of work isn’t about fitting everyone into a single model—it’s about offering choices and flexibility.
But it’s not just about having a comfortable place to work. Companies must also create an environment that encourages connection and collaboration. Even though remote work is here to stay, there is still a need for in-person interaction to foster creativity and team spirit. By designing spaces that encourage these interactions, companies can create a strong sense of community and purpose. The question businesses must ask themselves now is: why should employees come into the office? The answer lies in creating a space that offers value, connection, and meaning.
Chapter 4: The Space to Rethink Space: How Hybrid Work is Changing Cities and Offices.
The rise of hybrid work is not just changing the office—it’s also impacting the cities we live in. The traditional city model, with its central business districts and office towers, is being disrupted by new ways of working. As more people work remotely or in hybrid settings, the need for traditional office space in city centers is decreasing. This shift is giving rise to new ideas about how cities and offices should be designed, focusing on flexibility, sustainability, and community.
One of the most exciting developments is the concept of the ’15-minute city,’ where everything people need—work, shopping, entertainment, and leisure—is accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their home. This idea is challenging traditional urban planning, which was based on the assumption that people needed to commute long distances to work in centralized office spaces. With hybrid work allowing people to work from anywhere, the emphasis is shifting from commuting to quality of life, with proximity to work becoming less of a priority. This shift could reduce traffic congestion and pollution, while also making urban living more livable.
Within offices themselves, the layout is evolving. Instead of rigid structures with fixed desks and departments, companies are embracing flexible, modular designs that allow for quick changes in team setups and work modes. The rise of coworking spaces, like WeWork, is another sign of this trend. These spaces allow companies to rent office space on demand, making it easier for businesses to scale up or down depending on their needs. No longer tied to traditional office buildings, organizations are finding new ways to work and collaborate in fluid, dynamic environments.
In the future, cities and offices will have to adapt to the new realities of work. Mixed-use developments, which combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, will become more common. Offices will no longer be isolated from the rest of the city—they will be part of a broader ecosystem that prioritizes flexibility, sustainability, and well-being. The post-pandemic city will be one where work, life, and community are seamlessly integrated, and the office will be just one piece of the puzzle.
Chapter 5: One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Designing Workspaces for Diversity and Inclusion.
In the past, office designs followed a one-size-fits-all approach, where everyone was expected to work in the same way. But in today’s diverse workforce, it’s clear that a more inclusive approach is necessary. Companies need to create spaces that accommodate the different needs of their employees—whether they are neurodiverse, introverted, or prefer a more collaborative environment. The office of the future will be one that recognizes and embraces diversity in all its forms.
Inclusive design means providing options that suit a variety of work styles and preferences. For example, architect David DeWayne’s concept of the ‘eudaimonia machine’ includes five distinct rooms, each serving a different purpose: a gallery for community, a salon for discussion, a library for information, an office hour for routine tasks, and a deep work chamber for focused, uninterrupted work. These rooms allow employees to choose the space that best suits their needs, while still encouraging interaction and collaboration. The idea is that by providing different types of spaces, companies can cater to the diverse ways people work and make sure everyone feels comfortable and supported.
This approach also extends beyond physical space. In order to truly support diversity, companies must foster an inclusive culture that values different perspectives and allows everyone to contribute their ideas. Simply hiring diverse talent isn’t enough if employees don’t feel welcomed and empowered in the workplace. By designing spaces that accommodate a wide range of work styles and needs, companies can create environments that allow everyone to thrive.
In the hybrid world, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. To create a truly inclusive workplace, companies must move away from standardized office designs and towards personalized spaces that meet the unique needs of their employees. The office of the future will be a place where everyone has the freedom to choose how, where, and when they work, and where diversity is not just welcomed, but celebrated.
Chapter 6: Rethinking the Office: How Flexibility and Technology Will Transform the Future of Work.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that flexibility and technology will play central roles in shaping the office. The one-size-fits-all approach to office design is a thing of the past. Instead, companies will need to create spaces that can adapt to the changing needs of their employees. Technology, from AI to smart sensors, will help companies create environments that promote productivity, well-being, and collaboration. But while technology can help optimize the office, it must always serve human needs.
Flexibility is key to the future of work. As employees move between remote and in-office work, companies will need to design spaces that can easily adapt to different work modes. This means creating environments that can be quickly reconfigured for different team sizes and types of tasks. Whether it’s a quiet corner for focused work or a large conference room for brainstorming sessions, the office of the future will be designed for maximum flexibility.
At the same time, technology will help companies optimize the office experience. Smart sensors can track how spaces are used, and AI can analyze this data to help businesses make better decisions about office design and layout. These technologies will allow companies to create spaces that are more responsive to the needs of employees, while also improving efficiency and sustainability. However, as much as technology can enhance the office experience, it’s important to remember that the ultimate goal is to create spaces where people can thrive—not just work.
The future of work is about more than just technology and flexibility—it’s about creating a space that works for everyone. By focusing on the needs of employees and embracing new technologies, companies can create workspaces that support creativity, collaboration, and well-being. The office of the future will be one that adapts to the changing world of work and fosters an environment where employees can do their best work.
Chapter 7: The Human-Centered Office: Why Trust, Autonomy, and Flexibility Are Key to Success.
The most important factor in designing the office of the future is putting people first. As we move away from outdated command-and-control management styles, trust, autonomy, and flexibility will become the cornerstones of workplace success. In the future, employees will be empowered to take control of their work environments, making decisions about when and where they work based on their needs. This shift in power will not only improve employee satisfaction but also increase productivity and creativity.
Autonomy is a powerful motivator. When employees are given the freedom to make decisions about their work, they are more likely to feel engaged and invested in their jobs. This sense of ownership will lead to a more positive work culture and greater innovation. At the same time, companies must trust their employees to get the job done without micromanaging. This trust will create an environment where employees feel supported and respected, leading to higher levels of job satisfaction and overall well-being.
Flexibility is also key to the future of work. With hybrid work becoming the norm, employees need the ability to choose when and where they work. Whether it’s in the office, at home, or in a coworking space, employees will benefit from a greater sense of freedom and work-life balance. Companies that embrace flexibility will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent, as employees increasingly value workplaces that offer autonomy and a positive experience.
In conclusion, the office of the future will be human-centered. By trusting employees, giving them autonomy, and offering flexibility, companies can create environments that foster innovation, well-being, and success. The future of work is about more than just productivity—it’s about creating spaces where people can thrive.
All about the Book
Unworking by Jeremy Myerson & Philip Ross explores the future of work, advocating for innovative practices and environments that foster creativity, collaboration, and well-being, ultimately reshaping our understanding of productivity in the modern professional landscape.
Jeremy Myerson & Philip Ross are renowned thought leaders in workplace innovation, specializing in design, technology, and organizational behavior, dedicated to enhancing the future of work through research and practical applications.
HR Managers, Corporate Trainers, Architects specialized in workspaces, Productivity Coaches, Organizational Development Consultants
Workplace Design, Business Strategy, Employee Well-being Programs, Mindfulness Practices, Innovation Workshops
Workplace Inefficiency, Burnout and Mental Health, Flexible Work Environments, Organizational Culture and Employee Engagement
The future of work is not about where you work, but how you work.
Sir Richard Branson, Sheryl Sandberg, Simon Sinek
Design for Business Award, British Book Design and Production Award, Workplace Innovation Award
1. How can creativity thrive in flexible workspaces? #2. What role does technology play in modern workplaces? #3. Can collaboration improve productivity in teams? #4. How does the office design impact employee well-being? #5. What are the advantages of remote working environments? #6. How do spaces influence employee collaboration and innovation? #7. What strategies enhance work-life balance in organizations? #8. Can open-plan offices enhance or hinder focus? #9. How does workplace culture shape employee engagement? #10. What are the best practices for designing functional workspaces? #11. How can nature be integrated into work environments? #12. What impact does lighting have on workplace morale? #13. How do diverse work arrangements affect company performance? #14. What are the challenges of working in flexible spaces? #15. How important is acoustic design in offices? #16. Can technology create a more inclusive workplace? #17. What psychological effects do spaces have on workers? #18. How can companies support remote employees effectively? #19. What lessons can we learn from unsuccessful office designs? #20. How does the layout of a space influence creativity?
Unworking book review, Jeremy Myerson, Philip Ross, future of work, workplace innovation, design thinking, creativity in the workplace, remote work strategies, work culture transformation, productivity improvement, business leadership, organizational change
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