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Flexibility and innovation: Amanda Stanaway discusses key trends shaping the future of the global workplace in 2026
Flexibility and innovation: Amanda Stanaway discusses key trends shaping the future of the global workplace in 2026
– Flexibility is crucial for organisations adapting to hybrid work and global challenges.
– Food is a strategic advantage for fostering relationships and collaboration in workplaces.
In this episode of The Connector, host Belinda Coates is joined by global workplace strategist Amanda Stanaway, as they tackle the dramatic evolution of the workplace in 2026.
Organisations are embracing hybrid work models and rethinking how teams connect, collaborate, and create in a world increasingly shaped by technology and flexibility.
The concept of “hotelisation” is emerging as a key trend, turning traditional offices into spaces that feel more like premium hospitality environments. Softer designs, personalised services, and experience-driven spaces are replacing rigid cubicles, creating offices people actually want to spend time in.
These spaces balance human interaction with digital solutions, making work both productive and enjoyable.
Food is no longer just a perk; it has become a strategic tool for collaboration and creativity. Inspired by Google’s workplace dining approach, shared meals are helping teams build relationships, spark ideas, and foster a culture of innovation.
AI is also playing a growing role, not just in managing buildings but in designing spaces that adapt to employees’ needs, optimise collaboration, and even influence behaviour to support desired outcomes.
Cities themselves are now seen as interconnected ecosystems rather than a collection of isolated buildings. The rise of “third spaces” – shared amenities and flexible environments beyond the office – is helping organisations create community-driven workplaces that support both remote and in-person teams. Innovation is being driven less by flashy features and more by intentional design that encourages meaningful interactions and creative thinking.
Amanda emphasises that the future of work hinges on human-centric strategies: designing ecosystems that bring people, technology, and spaces together in ways that enhance connection, creativity, and performance.
Flexibility, experience, and AI-driven design are no longer optional—they are central to what makes a workplace successful in 2026.
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