Dr. Gleb Tsipursky – The Office Whisperer
Nirit Cohen – WorkFutures
Angela Howard – Culture Expert
Drew Jones – Design & Innovation
Jonathan Price – CRE & Flex Expert
- CEO of PLASTARC Melissa Marsh says that companies are at a “halfway point” between pre- and post-pandemic work models, with many still figuring out their hybrid and remote policies.
- Marsh emphasized the importance of creating flexible, human-centered workplaces that foster strong employee connections.
- She predicts that cities will transform into mixed-use spaces with less office space, leading to vibrant, more livable urban environments.
With hybrid work models and return-to-office mandates still in flux, organizations are grappling with the question: what does the workplace of tomorrow truly look like?
What if the office of the future wasn’t just a place to work, but a place you want to be?
According to the Pew Research Center, 46% of employees say they would quit if required to return to the office full-time. Combating this calls for more than just rearranging desks — it honestly demands a complete rethink of how we design workspaces. All in order for workers to even consider coming back.
Melissa Marsh, Founder & CEO of PLASTARC, joined the Allwork.Space Future of Work Podcast and offered a fresh perspective on what’s truly needed to build desirable work environments as companies struggle with return-to-office policies, hybrid work models, and defining the new role of physical workspaces.
With a deep background in social research, workplace innovation, and real estate strategy, Marsh provides key insights on rethinking office design, transforming cities, and creating spaces that people actually want to use.
The Midpoint Between the Past and Future of Work
Marsh believes that we are currently at a “halfway point” between the past and the future of work, especially as businesses figure out their ideal balance of remote and in-office work. Some companies have instituted return-to-office mandates, others have embraced long-term hybrid models, and some are taking the opportunity to rethink their entire use of space.
Marsh predicts that as organizations settle into new rhythms, there will be clearer definitions of remote and on-site roles, helping eliminate the discomfort many employees feel today.
“Instead of many organizations feeling like they’re in this sort of tug of war about whether they’re an in-office or a hybrid or a remote organization, they’ll have gone through this puberty phase or this toddler phase, and will have figured out who they are and what is their employment proposition from a location perspective,” she said explained.
Creating Desirable Workspaces
There’s a strong point to be made for designing workplaces that employees want to be in, not just places they have to go. For businesses, she suggests looking outside traditional office spaces for inspiration — drawing on places like yoga studios or favorite community spaces.
Creating environments where people feel comfortable and engaged should be paramount, as they lead to a more productive and meaningful workplace experience.
Data and technology can help create these environments, but only if it’s used transparently and in the interest of the employees.
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Rethinking the Office and Commuting
Marsh also touched on how commuting fits into the modern workplace. Rather than relying solely on traditional office environments, she suggests that organizations take advantage of more flexible office solutions.
Coworking spaces and short-term office rentals provide the opportunity to meet various workplace needs, whether for team meetings, creative collaboration, or private workspaces.
Workplace decisions should cater to both the organization’s needs and employees’ preferences.
Just like commuting, where employees should have the freedom to switch between walking, biking, or taking public transport, office spaces should offer flexibility, giving teams the ability to choose the best environment for their tasks at any given time.
The Transformation of Cities and Office Spaces
As office space utilization continues to decline, Marsh envisions significant changes for cities. She believes cities will undergo transformations that turn them into more mixed-use, vibrant spaces where work, residential, and leisure spaces coexist.
Marsh sees the future use of office space as dramatically reduced in favor of more residential and mixed-use spaces, creating a renewed sense of vitality in cities that aren’t just defined by nine-to-five work hours. This transformation will help repurpose underused office space into something more meaningful.
“Cities which are still currently experiencing relatively low office utilization rates will have less office space, more residential space, more mixed-use space. And there will be a new type of vibrancy that comes into our cities,” she said.
The Future: Flexibility and Human-Centered Workplaces
Looking ahead, the focus in workplace design conversations should be on flexibility, rather than trying to revert to old norms. The way we work has already changed, and flexibility now plays a key role in supporting modern workers at all stages of their careers.
The future of work involves offering a variety of options that allow employees across all generations to be productive in the ways that suit their needs best.
