In this episode of What the F is Happening to the Office?, Bob Fox sits down with Lauren Hasson, Senior Vice President of Workplace Strategy at JLL, to explore why the post-pandemic workplace hasn’t evolved as expected—and how we can fix that.
Lauren shares how companies can turn their office into a “living lab” for innovation, why choice is the ultimate workplace benefit, and what leaders need to know about data, behavior, and the real ROI of good workplace design. If you’re a designer, facility manager, strategist, or just rethinking how and where we work—don’t miss this conversation.
6 Takeaways From the Conversation with Lauren Hasson,
1. Workplace Strategy = User Experience
“Think of workplace strategy like UX for physical space.” Design isn’t just about layout and finishes—it’s about how people interact with the environment. Every decision should be rooted in the experience of the end user, from entry to exit.
2. Experimentation Should Be Ongoing, Not One-Time
“Every office should have a living lab.” Organizations need to treat space as a platform for learning. Instead of static environments tied to long leases, create zones for A/B testing layouts, furniture, or tech—then iterate based on real behavior.
3. Choice Is the Ultimate Amenity
“People perform better when they can choose where and how they work.” Design for neurodiversity and personal preference by offering a variety of settings: quiet zones, collaborative spaces, open lounges, and private focus areas. Flexibility in choice = increased satisfaction and performance.
4. Metrics Need an Upgrade
“Stop relying solely on RSF per seat.” Real estate metrics should shift from space density to experience-based value—like RSF per person (including shared space), cost per visit, and employee engagement scores tied to specific spaces.
5. Design Alone Isn’t Enough—Leadership Must Model Behavior
“If the work café isn’t being used, look at how leadership is using it.” Even the best-designed spaces fall flat if not actively embraced by leadership. Leaders need to be visible in shared areas to give others permission to use them fully.
6. Beautiful, Thoughtful Design Matters More Than Ever
“We’re competing with home offices now.” People have curated their own work-from-home experiences—and expect the office to feel just as good or better. Aesthetics, comfort, and emotional tone now play a critical role in workplace success.
Credits:
Created & Directed By Bob Fox
Produced By Work Design Studios
The post What Would it Take to Make The Office Matter Again? appeared first on Work Design Magazine.
