Anthony Brown joined the Mix Inspired London panel to discuss what Londoners want from their workplaces today.
Last week, Anthony Brown joined a panel of fantastic speakers at the first Mix Inspired London event, to discuss London and the many issues that have the potential to impact positively and negatively on the way we work in the capital.
Anthony was joined by Jason Adam, Head of Workplace Design at PwC, Andrew Cooke, COO of London & Partners, Katie Kopek , Director from JLL and Peter Murray, Chairman of New London Architecture.
The opening introduction by Katie Kopec, highlighted the numerous pockets of development through the capital in its widest context from The Silvertown in the east, across the knowledge corridor of the west. Project and schemes popping up due to demand of better facilities for a growing number of people.
The point was raised on more than one occasion that perhaps London is ‘full’ and we should look elsewhere. However the reply was consistent: London is London, and along with all major cities in the world, from New York to Paris, will continue to be the most desirable in the country for outside investment and the place people want to be.
The forward thinking panel members turned their discussion to which key issues therefore need to be addressed in order to ensure that London continues to be a leading global force on every level.
A number of concerns were raised on a macro level that will potentially impact the workforce, for example the health + well being of Londoners, the increasing need for ‘active’ commuting, the threat of terrorism, requirements for more housing, better infrastructures to support growth and the increasing use of technology that will change and possibly eliminate certain job functions.
More immediate thoughts focused on what employees really want from their working environment. Increasing evidence shows that the ‘talent’ covert an impressive and stylish space but beyond aesthetics what does do the ultimate working environments need to offer?
The best spaces are those that accommodate the needs of the organisation as well as the individuals that operate within it, actively encouraging interaction in an organised, as well as a serendipitous manner as and when appropriate.
It also seems much of the desire is in the detail – great coffee, lighting and temperature levels that can be controlled rather than imposed, technology that is seamless and just works – without having to make the dreaded call to IT!
Workers want to feel cared for, inspired and comfortable, and these are just few elements that contribute to that ultimate ‘BUZZ’.