Office Transformation
As the office landscape has permanently changed, the perception of work has changed along with it. Today’s modern office is considered a “lifestyle,” an experience that supports a myriad of workspaces that not only inspire and attract incredible talent but compel them to stay.
There is no question that, ultimately, we come to the office to “work,” and providing spaces where that focus can occur remains top of mind. However, the pandemic taught us that what matters now is what we get done, not when we do it. The notion of the 9–5 grind is fading fast. Trust and autonomy are huge, and companies are finally realizing that burnout is real.
Spaces that engage all the senses and anticipate our needs — whether we’re in a great mood or having a rough day — are the ones we fall in love with. These are the places that make us excited to come to work, creating environments that are not just functional but truly delightful.
“A successful workplace creates a work-life balance that helps employees feel like they’re leaving the workday better than when they started.” —Kelly Dubisar, leader of Build to Suit and Headquarters at Gensler.
This month’s cover story, “The Ultimate Office: What’s new and innovative for Arizona’s workforce,” offers insights from leaders in workplace design who bring their expertise to the conversation. The information covers how to support varied needs and collaborative work styles as well as amenities that enhance the office experience. The workplace is evolving beyond a collection of experiences and becoming a space designed to foster intentional transformations.
Promoting employee engagement is an implied intended outcome in the office discussion. Howie Turkenkopf takes a broader look at that concern in the feature article “The ROI of Employee Engagement,” which addresses how investing in well-being, development and recognition can drive business success.
Well-being and mental health have become essential factors to great workplace design post pandemic. The attention has shifted from wellness as an episodic amenity to an essential part of the cultural ecosystem. Christine Juby addresses a lesser-recognized challenge in her article “Behavioral Health Services Battle Stigma in Office Space Search” in this month’s CRE section.
With today’s roller-coaster unease regarding the economy, Michael Blanton’s Economy feature “Top Questions Entrepreneurs Should Ask Their Financial Advisors” brings a timely discussion to financial planning helping business owners protect wealth and adapt plans to new goals and life circumstances.
Another hot-topic feature, the Roundtable article spotlights the growing pressure on HR teams to juggle top-down mandates and widening cultural divides that run counter to carefully crafted people-first strategies for driving productivity.
This month’s mix of business-relevant articles ranges from the impact of tariffs on commercial real estate to what’s trending in the healthcare sector and for-profit and nonprofit collaborations, while elevating corporate social responsibility, as In Business Magazine aims to serve as the resource to support and strengthen our business community.
I am pleased to help bring you this May edition of In Business Magazine. Enjoy the read.
Sincerely,
Martha dePlazaola Abbott
Co-Managing Principal
Gensler – Phoenix
During her more than 30-year career practicing architecture, Martha Abbott has built a comprehensive portfolio inclusive of myriad “Work-Life” projects. She has won accolades for her holistic approach to architecture, is engaged with local organizations such as ULI, Greater Phoenix Leadership and Valley partnership. Most recently, Abbott was a panelist at ASU’s Design School, for Women who Practice Principled Innovation. Abbott studied Architecture at the Vicenza Institute of Architecture in Italy and holds a Bachelor of Design in Architecture from the University of Florida.
