The concept of workplace strategy has expediated following the recent pandemic, driven by the demand of businesses to justify having a traditional office space. Pre-pandemic offices were utilised at around 50%, and now with hybrid work patterns becoming the norm it has reduced even further to as low as 20%. What does this mean for companies? Our research suggests that 97% of people say the office is a key component of company culture, and companies with strong cultures outperform their piers 4 to 1.

So how do we create office environments that truly support our people to do their best work? Spaces have a strong impact on people’s mental state and well-being. They can change feelings, help focus, inspire creativity and bring teams together.  As more and more people start to express a desire to return to the office more often, it becomes evident that the main reason offices lay underutilized is that most offices have not been designed with people in mind.  

Every business is different and within every business, the composition of gender, religion, nationalities, and culture is immensely diverse therefore teams require a high level of customization and data-based strategy to align and work in symbiosis with the physical environment they evolve in. So how do we create attractive offices, aligned with people’s expectations and specificities, so that our people do not need to be forced to come back but instead want to come back because the office provides them the value they need?

We are extremely pleased to welcome three leading experts in the world of workspace to help us answer those questions and shine a light on how the most successful companies in the world think about the office.

Hannah Nardini is one of the UK’s leading workplace strategists applying her 26 years of experience in the design of office interiors and the workplace. Starting her career in Interior Design, specialising in Psychology, she is a professional in focusing on how people interact with each other and the environment they are within and understanding how this affects outcomes. Hannah has a unique and holistic approach to workplace solutions.  Her focus is creating a great and practical work environment that inspires occupants to perform at their best. Along the way, she will help customers to increase productivity and happiness levels, reduce real estate portfolios, build a positive workplace culture, reduce attrition rates and attract a new, yet elusive generation of workers.  WKspace now offers a joined-up consultancy process for clients on a global platform which means Hannah regularly undertakes public speaking and conference engagements worldwide on a wide range of workplace, well-being, and office design issues. 

With a passion for both design and workplace strategy, Kristie uses her knowledge to become an extension of our client’s business and create environments that truly change and enhance the way they operate. Completing a Bachelor of Spatial Design at AUT University and undergoing a Diploma in Business combined with years of local experience on a range of workspace, retail and hospitality projects, Kristie brings a fresh perspective to the world of work.

Having been involved in a commercial design and construction company from a young age, Jonas has developed extensive industry experience and knowledge. Jonas is an excellent facilitator, working with his clients to define project objectives and outcomes to ensure that each project is a success. As a senior team member, Jonas thoroughly understands client requirements and works to see that budgetary and scheduling expectations are met or exceeded. With his long-range view, he focuses on developing innovative solutions that underpin our client’s strategic vision.