Speaker Simon Long at Desk Dialogues #3 by Conexus Studio

Flexible work arrangements are on the rise—and so are return-to-office mandates. In this transformative era where people are seeking greater work-life balance, how can we design spaces that not only draw employees back but do so in a way that feels natural, inspiring, and rewarding? This was the central theme of our third Desk Dialogues session at Conexus Studio on 28 November 2024, where our speaker, Simon Long, captivated the audience with his powerful insights into the future of workplace technology.

At Conexus, we invite industry leaders like Simon to share their expertise as part of our commitment to designing forward-thinking, future-ready workspaces. We recognise the importance of learning from the best – experts who are shaping the future of the workplace and pushing its boundaries. Simon, Senior Director of Client Technology Consulting at CBRE APAC, brings over 20 years of experience in pioneering smart building solutions, AI-driven strategies, and digital transformation, having contributed to over 100 transformative tech projects. His passion for the subject was palpable, leaving the audience inspired and eager to rethink how we design workspaces.

An Experience-Centric Future: The Key to Attracting Employees Back to the Office

Simon’s session highlighted a critical point: to make people want to return to the office, the experience must offer real, tangible value. “The benefit must outweigh the cost and time,” Simon said, emphasising that the future of the workplace is not only about aesthetics, but about creating an experience that speaks to employees on a deeper level.

Today’s forward-thinking offices often integrate creative design elements, F&B spaces, and multi-use areas, but as Simon highlighted, the future lies in elevating these experiences with technology and data.

Experience Meets Technology: The Future of Smarter Workplaces

Simon offered a glimpse into what the workplace of the future could look like—an office that responds to its users. Imagine entering a space where the lighting, temperature, and air quality adjust automatically based on occupancy levels. Workspaces that adapt to your needs in real-time, blending comfort, productivity, and collaboration. Simon demonstrated this future with a live demo of Ellie, an AI-powered workplace assistant, which optimises the workday experience by personalising adjustments.

Start Small, Think Big: The Power of Data in Shaping Work Experiences

Simon also encouraged businesses to tap into the untapped potential of their data.

“Start putting your data to work,” he urged, “and leverage technology to enhance both the work experience and operational efficiency.” By doing so, organisations can open the door to new revenue streams, create smarter environments, and ultimately improve the overall experience for employees.

An Evening of Learning and Connection

The event concluded with lively discussions over refreshments, where attendees—ranging from industry professionals to project managers and HR leaders—explored how technology and data can reshape their own workplaces. Simon’s passion for the subject was contagious, leaving the audience feeling inspired and motivated to explore how they could apply these insights within their own organisations.

For those who couldn’t attend, we hope this glimpse into the future of work inspires you to join us at our next Desk Dialogues. Don’t miss the chance to learn from industry leaders and help shape more engaging, smarter work environments for the future.