Introduction: The Global Transition To Hybrid Working

• Susan Clarke, Research Director, Smart Buildings at Verdantix

Following the pandemic, organizations are rethinking how work is done and the future role of offices in creating productive working lives for employees. This opening session will set the stage for the virtual event by sharing fresh Verdantix research on global workplace trends and technology programmes.

Learning From A Workplace Pioneer: IBM’s Journey To Smarter Working

• Susan Clarke, Research Director, Smart Buildings at Verdantix

IBM has long been at the forefront of smarter working trends, from being an early pioneer of remote working in the 1980s to rolling out agile ways of working at scale during the global pandemic. In this session, IBM’s global real estate team will share their own workplace transformation story following COVID-19, highlighting learnings and findings for other real estate leaders globally.

Using Technology To Support Your New Workplace Programme

• Susan Clarke, Research Director, Smart Buildings at Verdantix

As firms move towards new ways of working, they will need new digital tools that help manage flexible workspaces and bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds. In this session, IBM will share customer stories on how technology can play a fundamental role in helping firms ease the workplace transition while also creating an excellent employee experience.

Best Practices For Operationalizing A Successful Hybrid Working Strategy

• Susan Clarke, Research Director, Smart Buildings at Verdantix

With many organizations announcing new plans to transition to hybrid working, facilities and workplace teams are often on the front line for operationalizing these strategies. To be successful, workplace leaders will need to navigate multiple challenges from employee pushback to identifying the right technology solutions. This panel brings together corporate real estate and facilities leader to explore:

• What are the pitfalls to avoid in agile and hybrid working?
• What are the steps to take for successful hotdesking?
• How can firms ensure inclusivity for remote workers?
• How can FM leaders form valuable alliances with HR and IT?

Harnessing the Power of Space Analytics For Smarter Planning

• Ibrahim Yate, Industry Analyst at Verdantix
• Bram Aarntzen, Solution Director at Planon

Innovation across sensor technology and workplace analytics is enabling building managers to capture new dimensions of data on space usage. In this session, a technology innovator will share their perspectives on the most valuable use cases for these new insights from data-driven space planning to right-sizing your portfolio.

Strengthening Employee Engagement With Workplace Apps

• Ibrahim Yate, Industry Analyst at Verdantix

Workplace experience apps are an emerging technology category that supports heads of real estate and HR in their efforts to enhance the employee experience of buildings. In this session, a technology innovator will share their perspectives on the most valuable use cases for apps in the workplace and tips for a successful rollout.

Next Practices For Creating A Strategic Role For The Office

• Ibrahim Yate, Industry Analyst at Verdantix
• Bram Aarntzen, Solution Director at Planon

While some market commentators have predicted the end for offices, leading firms are starting to develop entirely new visions for offices as strategic hubs and collaboration centres. In this session, real estate and technology experts will challenge our thinking by exploring their future strategic role for physical workplaces. This panel will explore:

• How to align office strategies with business objectives?
• What do employees want from an office today?
• What should the office of the future deliver?
• What actions can workplace managers take today?