Ep138 - Designing Magnetic Workplaces with Melissa Marsden

In this conversation, Tom and Melissa discuss the importance of workplace engagement and the role of office design in fostering a productive environment.They explore employee engagement statistics in Australia, the implications of return-to-office mandates and the evolution of office spaces post-pandemic. Melissa shares insights on placemaking, measuring success in workplace strategy, and navigating hybrid work dynamics. The discussion also touches on the significance of rituals and ceremonies in the workplace and speculates on the future of work, emphasising the need for human connection amidst technological advancements.Takeaways21% of Australians are actively engaged at work, highlighting a significant engagement gap.Mandating return to office can lead to resistance; choice is crucial for employee satisfaction.Cultural and performance issues must be addressed beyond just physical workspace.Understanding the purpose of a workplace is essential for effective design.Collaboration spaces are increasingly important in modern office design.Placemaking focuses on creating environments that support community and interaction.Measuring success involves employee surveys to assess communication and satisfaction post-move.Hybrid work requires clear agreements on when to be in the office.Rituals and ceremonies foster community and connection within teams.The role of community builders is becoming vital in distributed workforces.Resources: Work Life by Design Podcast: https://www.melissamarsden.com.au/podcast Website: https://www.melissamarsden.com.au/ Connect with Melissa: https://au.linkedin.com/in/melissamarsdenhttps://comuniti.com.au/us/