Future-proofing the Workspace: Key Insights from Corenet Global Summit EMEA 2024

Attending the Corenet Global Summit in Berlin this year was eye-opening. The future of work is evolving rapidly, and the conversations at the summit made it clear that human connection, adaptability, and sustainability are now at the heart of workplace strategy. The event featured thought leaders from various industries, all of whom provided fresh perspectives on how to design workspaces that are fit for the future.

One of the most impactful moments for me was the keynote by Simone Heng. Her talk on the importance of human connection really hit home. She explained how loneliness has become a significant health risk, with physical consequences more severe than smoking or alcohol abuse. It made me realise just how crucial our relationships at work are—not just for productivity but for our overall well-being.

Simone laid out five pillars of human connection that really stuck with me: rapport, commonality, vulnerability, being of service, and self-connection. I found myself reflecting on how often we focus on metrics and productivity at work but forget about the human side. Rapport, for example, is something we can build just by adjusting how we speak to others, mirroring their style, and talking about what matters to them. It's such a simple concept, yet so often overlooked in today's digital-heavy, hybrid work environments.

One of the sessions that truly resonated with me was "Getting out of the Echo Chamber," hosted by Laura Berman. The panel, featuring Laura Pearson, Derrick Tate, and Emily Colquhoun, tackled an issue that many organisations struggle with: meaningfully engaging with diverse talent. They emphasised transparency and feedback loops within teams to avoid echo chambers where the same perspectives dominate. I found this particularly relevant in today’s work climate, where diversity and inclusion are priorities but can sometimes feel like buzzwords. It was a reminder that it's not just about hiring diverse talent—it's about making sure their voices are heard and valued.

Another session that left a mark was “Future-proofing Workplaces: Insights and Strategies.” The speakers from Coca-Cola and Gensler discussed what it really means to design spaces for the future. What stood out most was Coca-Cola’s take on in-person interactions. Their CEO encouraged employees to engage in three days of in-person activities, but not just within the office. These activities could be at a bottling plant, a conference, or anywhere that fosters genuine interaction. It was a refreshing take on hybrid work, emphasising the value of physical presence for building relationships and innovation—not just showing up to the office for the sake of it.

Then there was the “Culture Club” session, which added a light-hearted twist to the day. Led by Stephanie Davies, a comedian-turned-CEO, the session was as humorous as it was insightful. Stephanie's comedic roots shone through, and she had the entire room engaged and laughing, making it one of the most enjoyable sessions at the summit. But beneath the humor was a critical message: fostering a workplace culture that balances psychological safety with trust is essential to creating high-performing teams. Her blend of humor and insight made the learning experience unforgettable, reminding us that a positive, fun workplace can also be an effective one. It really drove home the idea that workplace culture is something you can build, but only if people feel comfortable and connected enough to engage.

Reflecting on the summit, I see a few clear trends shaping the future of work. First, human connection is the foundation of a successful workplace. Whether it's through rapport, vulnerability, or simply being present, how we connect with one another will define the success of our teams. Second, flexibility—both in where we work and how we engage—is crucial. Companies that stick rigidly to old models of office-based work risk falling behind. And finally, we can’t ignore sustainability. From real estate portfolios to workplace design, being conscious of our environmental impact is no longer optional.

The Corenet Global Summit was a reminder that the workplace is more than just a space; it’s an ecosystem that needs to nurture people, foster collaboration, and adapt to the changing world. The future may be uncertain, but with the right strategies, we can create work environments that are resilient, flexible, and truly human-centric.

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