What The F* is Happening to The Office?

Hybrid work broke the old playbook—but leaders never agreed on a new one. In this episode of What the F* is Happening to the Office?, Bob Fox, Founder of Work Design, sits down with Amanda Schneider, Founder and President of ThinkLab (Sandow Design Group), to explore why workplace culture is failing—and how Gen Z may hold the key to fixing it.Drawing on years of research, focus groups, and real-world experience, Amanda explains why today’s workplace is stuck in “hybrid purgatory,” where policies don’t match reality, trust is eroding, and burnout is rising. Together, Bob and Amanda unpack what Gen Z is really asking for—flexibility, transparency, purpose, and empowerment—and why these demands reflect what all generations have wanted all along.Amanda also shares personal insights from building a successful remote-first company, raising a family while leading a research organization, and writing her upcoming book Work for What’s Next. She offers a practical framework for helping individuals, teams, and organizations design healthier, more effective ways of working.Pre-order Amanda's new book: https://amzn.to/4sXq6oW

What if the next evolution of work isn’t an office — but a marketplace of hidden genius?We’re applying old thinking to new technology — and wondering why work still feels stuck.In this episode of What the F* is Happening to the Office?, futurist and executive coach Rex Miller introduces The Fourth Place — a bold new model for how work, learning, and human connection come together in an AI-driven world.The Fourth Place is a hybrid environment — part café, part makerspace, part internal Genius Bar — designed to unlock the “long tail” of hidden expertise inside every organization. It’s a continuous learning hub where AI, human wisdom, and curiosity converge to solve problems traditional management structures can no longer handle.Rex joins host Bob Fox to explain why the future belongs to organizations that move beyond command-and-control hierarchies and toward distributed networks of value.In this episode we explore:The Fourth Place, defined — Why the office must evolve into a mashup of Kinko’s, Starbucks, and an internal Genius BarThe long tail of talent — How to bypass management bottlenecks and tap into infinite employee capabilityMedia rewires the brain — Why generational differences are really media-platform differencesAI as a partner, not a replacement — Shifting from “expert” to “guide” while eliminating frictionThe loneliness crisis at work — Why belonging drives retention and performance“Friday is Fourth Place Day” — A radical way to turn the quietest day of the week into the most valuableThe bottom line:The next workplace isn’t a place you’re required to go — it’s a place you want to go to learn, connect, and create.💬 Question for you:If your organization had an internal Genius Bar where employees taught each other skills, what would you sign up to learn — or teach?Future of Work · Workplace Strategy · AI and Work · Organizational Culture · Leadership

The modern workplace is in radical flux, driven by hybrid work, AI, and shifting talent strategy. In this essential episode, host Bob Fox sits down with Brian Elliott—CEO of WorkForward, BCG Senior Advisor, and publisher of the authoritative Flex Index—to cut through the noise. Drawing on his experience at Slack and Google, and leading one of the most influential workplace research programs, Brian brings real data and grounded insight to the most pressing questions.This conversation goes far beyond the "remote vs. hybrid" debate, exploring the critical mindset shift leaders need to navigate change. We unpack how companies are using workplace strategy as a powerful leadership tool, the truth about flexibility and organizational performance, and the transformative role of AI and automation in workplace experience and operations. If you are a workplace strategist, HR executive, or simply asking “Why do we go to the office anymore?”, this data-rich discussion will challenge your assumptions about office space, culture, engagement, and the true future of work.

What if we could look into a crystal ball and design the future workplace today?Are we preparing for what’s next, or redesigning yesterday’s office?In this episode of What the F* is Happening to the Office?, Bob Fox sits down with Mark Bryan, Chief Research & Strategy Officer at IIDA, to explore why most “future of work” conversations are stuck debating layouts, policies, and attendance - instead of how work itself is fundamentally changing.Mark introduces strategic foresight, a data-driven discipline focused on preparation, not prediction, and explains why organizations must design for measurable human outcomes: trust, wellbeing, learning, social cohesion, and performance.We explore:• The convergence of AI, connected devices, and digital twins• Why utilization data can mislead decision-making• How immersive environments go beyond headsets• The coming technology “supercycle” reshaping work• Why the workplace must evolve from container to trust platformIf you're a workplace leader, architect, designer, CRE executive, or strategist trying to prepare your organization for the next 10 years, this conversation will expand how you think about work, technology, and human potential.Subscribe for weekly conversations with the leaders shaping the future of work and the built environment.Special thanks to Global Furniture Group for supporting this episode.https://www.globalfurnituregroup.com/

What happens when Gen Z starts reshaping the rules of work—while the Boomers are still playing by the old ones? In this essential episode, host Bob Fox sits down with generational researcher and leadership expert Warren Wright, CEO of Second Wave Learning (formerly of Gallup), to explore how the newest generation is changing the workplace culture from the inside out.Warren brings decades of insight to unpack the forces driving this generational shift. Gen Z is challenging traditional norms with a fierce desire for purpose-driven work, radical transparency, and strong psychological safety. We dive into how these values—alongside unique workplace communication styles—stack up against those of the multigenerational workforce (Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers). Learn what organizations must do now to adapt their leadership development, enhance employee engagement, and leverage reverse mentoring to foster effective generational collaboration, ensuring they are ready for the true Future of Work.

What happens when AI meets the office? Host Bob Fox sits down with Jeremy Reding, Global Workplace Leader & Senior Principal at DLR Group, architect, and workplace futurist, to explore the cutting edge of workplace design. Tracing his roots from hands-on design communities to leading global workplace strategy for top tech companies, Jeremy offers an inspiring look at how organizations can navigate the future without losing the human experience.This essential episode dives into how AI is fundamentally reshaping the office: think small, high-focus AI-driven team rooms replacing large desk banks. We discuss the necessity of a human-first approach, ensuring culture and wellbeing drive the design, with technology serving as invisible, seamless support. From the rise of a low-tech counter-movement (authentic materials, tech-free zones) to the creation of adaptive environments that personalize comfort and health, this conversation is your blueprint for creating high-performing, immersive, and truly connected modern workspaces.

Is the real workplace problem space—or is it leadership? Host Bob Fox sits down with Ray Milora, Senior Director of Workplace Design & Construction at Cisco, to unpack the critical elements that actually drive people back to the office. Ray shares an inspiring, candid blueprint: it’s not excessive amenities, but leadership presence, clear purpose, and friction-free hybrid tech that truly matter.This episode reveals how Cisco is using a single, unified tech stack to eliminate common meeting friction, effectively making the office a powerful business tool for talent attraction and closing sales. Learn how Ray is leveraging AI for workplace strategy to convert design conversations into visuals in hours, not months, radically accelerating workplace design. We challenge outdated metrics and explore how to build portfolio flexibility while right-sizing, proving that activated spaces and intentional culture are the real keys to the future of work.

Hybrid work isn't broken because employees don’t want to gather—it struggles due to the coordination tax, that hidden productivity killer that strikes when freedom lacks structure. In this essential episode, host Bob Fox sits down with Mark Gilbreath, CEO & Founder of LiquidSpace, to dive deep into the real enemy of hybrid: coordination chaos.Mark unpacks how smart enterprises like T-Mobile, Allstate, and Airbnb are achieving massive cost savings and unlocking the tangible "Hybrid Dividend" by pivoting to a people-first planning model. We explore the necessity of adopting flexible workspaces and leveraging AI-powered portfolio intelligence to match work activities with the right space, proving that 83% of office bookings are for group work, not solo focus. This powerful conversation is a must-listen for anyone questioning the future of work, providing actionable workplace strategy insights and data-driven decisions that transform workplace transformation from a distraction into a double-win for both cost efficiency and employee engagement.

What would it truly take to make the office matter again? Host Bob Fox sits down with Lauren Hasson, Senior Vice President of Workplace Strategy at JLL, to tackle why the post-pandemic office hasn't evolved as expected—and how to fix it. This is an essential conversation for leaders, facility managers, and designers rethinking how and where we work.Lauren shares an inspiring vision, urging organizations to turn their office into a "living lab" for continuous innovation, where experimentation is ongoing, not one-time. She reveals why choice is the ultimate workplace benefit, necessitating a variety of settings designed for neurodiversity and high employee satisfaction. We dive deep into the real ROI of good workplace design, arguing that metrics must upgrade from simple square footage to experience-based value, such as cost per visit and employee engagement scores. Learn why beautiful, thoughtful design and strong leadership modeling are crucial for compelling people to choose the office over their curated home environments, ultimately driving the Future of Work and successful Hybrid Work strategies.

If we could pioneer a new vision of the workplace, what would it truly look like? Host Bob Fox explores this possibility with Jennifer Berthelot-Jelovic, founder of A SustainAble Production and a global authority who helped shape the WELL Building Standard. This inspiring episode is a powerful call to action for leaders ready to embrace holistic sustainability. Jennifer shares her unique expertise from leading some of the world's most ambitious WELL, LEED, Net Zero, and Carbon Positive projects, revealing how workplace design is evolving into a living ecosystem focused on human health and climate resilience.This conversation is essential for leaders rethinking hybrid work policies, as we explore actionable insights on designing for neurodiversity at work, supporting mental health workplace initiatives, and ensuring high air quality workplace standards. Discover how the convergence of sensors in buildings, data, and AI is driving accountability for creating truly sustainable workplaces and a high-performance workplace. Jennifer provides the frameworks and real-world success stories necessary to achieve profound employee wellbeing and climate readiness in every modern office.

Prepare to redefine what corporate wellness truly means! Bob Fox welcomes Brendan Herbert, COO of Infinity Wellness Partners, for an inspiring conversation on creating healthier, high-performing teams in the era of hybrid work. Brendan reveals how innovative companies are moving past outdated programs, embracing a holistic model that integrates ergonomic tips, accessible on-demand fitness, and impactful mental health support through strategic HR strategies. Discover how simple, fast interventions like 1-5 minute "brain breaks" and advanced AI wellness concierge systems are breaking down barriers to employee wellbeing and transforming the office into a vibrant wellness lounge. This episode is a powerful call to action for leaders ready to elevate their workplace culture and demonstrate that a commitment to employee health is the ultimate driver of performance and a successful return to office.

The office as you know it is over. In this must-listen episode, host Bob Fox sits down with Meg Swanson, Chief Market Officer at Eptura, to explore the seismic shifts reshaping the workplace experience. Meg provides an inspiring look at how organizations are embracing seamless technology integration and leveraging the power of data-driven decisions to create truly engaging and efficient modern workspaces. Diving deep into findings from Eptura's 2025 Workplace Index, this conversation illuminates the critical necessity for adaptive real estate strategies that balance space optimization with evolving employee needs and generational workforce expectations. Discover how facility managers, armed with AI-enhanced tools, are moving to the forefront of office design to champion successful hybrid work and a revitalized return to office. If you want to master the future of the physical workplace, this is your blueprint.

Workplace experience expert Jess Klay joins Bob Fox to break down the Three Pillars of Workplace Strategy—Connection, Wellbeing, and Adaptability—and how they are shaping the next generation of office environments. Whether you're a facility manager, workplace strategist, corporate real estate leader, or HR professional, this conversation is packed with insights on how to create dynamic, human-centered spaces that drive engagement, innovation, and business success.What You’ll Learn:How connection and community impact workplace cultureWhy wellbeing and sustainability are critical for employee retentionThe role of AI-driven space planning in optimizing real estate decisionsHow companies can evolve and adapt to meet changing workforce expectationsAs organizations rethink their offices, hospitality-driven experiences, hybrid work models, and smart workplace technologies are defining the future. Whether you're navigating an office redesign, workplace policy shift, or simply wondering what makes people want to return to the office, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of What the F is Happening to the Office?, Bob Fox talks with Caitlin Begg, sociologist and founder of Authentic Social, about how technology and human connection need to be integrated and how smart workplace design can optimize both.We explore socio-technical design, how communication norms impact hybrid work, how AI is reshaping behavior, why casual "water cooler" conversations still matter, and how leaders can create more human-centric, high-performing environments. Caitlin shares actionable ideas to reset norms, encourage deeper collaboration, and rethink how we use technology without losing our humanity.Caitlin Begg is a sociologist, researcher, and founder of Authentic Social, an applied research lab based in New York City and Amsterdam. Her work focuses on designing a socio-technical future by optimizing the balance between human connection and technology, with a focus on workplace communication, AI, and digital culture. A frequent speaker across Europe and the U.S., Caitlin also hosts the Progression to Analog podcast, exploring how we stay human in an increasingly digital world.

The United State of Work: Julia Hobsbawm on the Global Transformation of Work What the F* is Happening to the Office?In this episode of What the F is Happening to the Office?, host Bob Fox is joined by Julia Hobsbawm, a globally recognized author, speaker, and thought leader on the future of work, workplace culture, and social health.Julia shares her personal journey from a nontraditional career path in media and communications to becoming one of the leading voices reshaping how we think about work in a post-pandemic world. Together, they explore her groundbreaking new report, “The United State of Work,” which marks five years since the global lockdowns began and examines how work has fundamentally changed across 12 countries.

How is the workplace evolving in the face of cultural, technological, and structural disruptors? In this compelling discussion, Melissa Fisher, PhD, a social scientist, cultural anthropologist, and thought leader on work, shares groundbreaking insights into the shifting dynamics of the modern workplace. As an award-winning writer, speaker, consultant, and professor, Dr. Fisher examines how hybrid work, AI, and societal change are redefining how we work, collaborate, and lead.From the post-pandemic push for flexibility to the ongoing debate between leaders like Jamie Dimon and Jane Fraser on the necessity of in-office presence, this conversation dives deep into the real forces shaping the future of work. Dr. Fisher explores workplace culture—its symbols, values, and rituals—and how they influence employee engagement, leadership structures, and long-term organizational success.

Join us for a powerful conversation with Leigh Stringer, Global Director of Advisory Services at Perkins&Will and bestselling author of The Green Workplace and The Healthy Workplace. Leigh explores how the pandemic reshaped our understanding of equity, health, and inclusion at work—digging into invisible factors like air quality, sensory experience, and neurodiversity. From hybrid collaboration to community-driven design, she shares strategies for creating more adaptable, inclusive, and sustainable workplaces. A must-listen for anyone shaping the future of work. Subscribe for more insights on how work and the workplace are evolving.

Wendy Feldman Block, one of the pioneers in WELL and LEED Platinum-certified office lease negotiations in the DC market, discusses the evolution of workplace wellness, sustainability, and the changing dynamics of commercial real estate.In this conversation, Wendy shares her unexpected journey into wellness-focused real estate, how pandemic-driven concerns like air quality accelerated demand, and why landlords and tenants must rethink office space to attract employees back. She also highlights the latest trends in ESG reporting, social sustainability, and how major players like Brookfield and BXP are leading the charge.

What if the office felt more like your favorite hotel?In this episode, hospitality expert Tanner Campbell shares how the principles behind great hotels—connection, experience, and intentional design—can transform the workplace. We explore how to create spaces people actually want to be in, spark collaboration through design, and build a workplace culture that feels alive.If you're reimagining what the future of work looks like, this conversation will change how you think about space.