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 [email protected] 

Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/    

AWI contact: David Smalley  [email protected]

Advanced Workplace Institute:  https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/  

Music: courtesy of bensounds.com  

Want to know more about AWA?

• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Visit our website

Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast

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 [email protected] 

Advanced Workplace Associates: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/    

AWI contact: David Smalley  [email protected]

Advanced Workplace Institute:  https://www.advanced-workplace.com/awa/services/advanced-workplace-institute/  

Music: courtesy of bensounds.com  

Want to know more about AWA?

• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Visit our website

Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast