Adaptive Workspaces

In a world where the hustle often overshadows health, here's an idea from Chinese schools that's worth exploring globally: desks that convert into beds for power naps! Imagine pressing a button and transforming your work or study space into a cozy nap zone. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐩𝐬? Research supports the undeniable link between rest and productivity. These transformative desks are not just furniture; they're tools for better cognitive performance. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲'𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥: >> Enhanced Focus and Learning: Studies show that a short nap can boost alertness and improve learning by refreshing the mind. It's like hitting the reset button in the middle of your day. >> Boosted Productivity: Napping can rejuvenate the mind, enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills. This means higher quality work and fewer mistakes - critical in professional and academic settings. >> Improved Well-being: Regular napping reduces stress and can contribute to better overall health. It leads to a more energized, motivated, and efficient workforce or student body. 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬: Imagine if workplaces embraced this technology. Offices designed with well-being in mind could see significant gains in employee satisfaction and output. It's a step towards acknowledging that productivity isn't about working longer, but smarter. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬? Adjustable power nap desks could change how we view office ergonomics and design. By allowing employees a space to quickly recharge, companies can foster a healthier, more productive work environment that respects and utilizes the natural human need for rest. 💭 Could the integration of such innovative furniture into workspaces be the key to balancing productivity and well-being in our fast-paced world? #innovation #technology #future #management #startups

Recent data from LinkedIn reveals that 50% of job applicants are inclined not to work in the office full time, and 40% of current employees would consider quitting if forced to return full-time. Despite this, the number of job listings offering remote work has decreased significantly, leading to an ongoing tension between companies and employees regarding remote work and returning to the office.     In his recent FastCompany article, Dr. Gleb Tsipursky delves into strategies for navigating this evolving landscape. Gleb opposes a one-size-fits-all approach and recommends adopting a team-led model. In this model, management collaborates with teams to customize office arrangements based on their unique requirements. He emphasizes the importance of open dialogues with employees about the purpose of the office and aligning on its role. This kind of flexibility and openness is at the root of the approach we’re taking within my own team.    To cultivate workspaces that foster both productivity and individual growth, we must prioritize things like collaboration, social interaction, mentorship, and team cohesion within the office. By actively listening to employees and adopting a thoughtful approach, we can find the most successful #HybridWork solution. 

What if forcing employees back to the office is Amazon's biggest mistake? I love this practical case study of how Grammarly is setting a new standard with its hybrid approach: 👉 Data-Driven Decisions: They asked their employees what they wanted. 90% said they don’t need to be in the office daily, so Grammarly ditched the one-size-fits-all model for something that actually works. 👉 Structured Flexibility: Forget rigid schedules. Grammarly’s “planned on-sites” bring teams together twice a year, letting managers decide when in-person time really matters. 👉 Spaces That Actually Work: Bye-bye cubicles. Grammarly’s offices now look more like creative hubs than traditional workplaces, with collaboration zones and quiet areas designed for what teams actually need. 👉 In-House Hybrid Tools: Alongside platforms like Tactic, Grammarly created custom tools to make hybrid work seamless, proving they’re all in on making the most of every moment together. 👉 Connection Over Compliance: From cultural celebrations to global parties, Grammarly knows that a connected culture is built, not forced. Grammarly’s lesson? Stop pretending hybrid work is easy—but start treating it like it’s worth it. Why would a company not do this?

Your WFH Setup: From Survival Mode to Productivity Powerhouse 🚀 Remember those early WFH days? Kitchen tables, questionable chairs, maybe even an ironing board desk? (No judgement!) While we've adapted, truly thriving remotely requires investing in your setup. In COVID I learned quickly that your environment massively impacts your work and well-being. Here’s my breakdown of WFH essentials. Trust me, your body and brain (and colleagues!) will thank you: Ergonomic Chair: Your dining chair was built for meals, not marathons. Proper office chairs are designed for 8-10+ hours, offering crucial lumbar support and armrests. Investing here isn't a luxury; it's preventing future chiropractor bills! 😅 Standing Desk: Sitting all day? Standing all day? Both get tiring. An adjustable desk lets you switch it up! Alternating boosts circulation, energy levels, and focus, plus studies link it to reduced back pain. Keep moving! 🚶♀️↔️🧘♂️ Good Light: Dim lighting = eye strain, headaches, and drowsiness. Good lighting (a mix of indirect ambient + direct task light) is scientifically proven to enhance concentration and reduce fatigue. I got a proper office lamp. Brighten up your productivity! ✨💡 Multiple Screens: One screen is like trying to code with tunnel vision. Multiple monitors are proven productivity boosters. Research often cites gains of 20% or more by slashing window-switching time and keeping info visible. See more, do more! 🖥️🖥️ Laptop Stand: Hunching over your laptop = guaranteed neck ache. A simple stand elevates your screen to eye level (ergonomics 101!), promoting better posture and saving your neck and shoulders. Straighten up! 💪 Keyboard & Mouse: Laptop keyboards/trackpads are fine for quick emails, not coding deep dives. External peripherals allow for natural wrist/hand positioning, reducing strain (bye-bye RSI risk!) and boosting typing speed/comfort. Click happy! 🖱️⌨️ External Webcam: Ditch the grainy, awkward laptop cam angle! An external webcam offers superior quality and lets YOU control the frame. Look sharp, feel confident in meetings. 🎬 Good Mic/Headset: This one might be more for your colleagues, but PLEASE! 🙏 A decent mic or headset drastically improves audio clarity and cuts background noise. It transforms virtual meetings for everyone else. Be the audio hero your team needs! 🎤🎧 Google Logo (not for everyone 😄): Starting remotely during peak COVID felt surreal. So I needed a physical reminder that I'd actually switched jobs beyond just closing one laptop and opening another. Sometimes you need that little anchor! Might make sense for you to use a different logo ;) Investing in your WFH setup is investing in your health, focus, and overall effectiveness. What's the one WFH upgrade that made the biggest difference for you? Share below! 👇 #WFH #HomeOffice #RemoteWork #Ergonomics #Productivity #Tech #Google #SoftwareEngineering #WorkFromHomeSetup #HealthyHabits

✅ 𝙼𝚒𝚌𝚛𝚘𝚜𝚘𝚏𝚝 𝙼𝚎𝚜𝚑 𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚘𝚕𝚞𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚣𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚠𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸'𝚖 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚘𝚏 𝚒𝚝. Here's how I'm embracing the future of immersive workspaces: I use #Microsoft #Mesh every day. Just last days, I spent an hour creating a virtual collaboration space. I'm passionate about immersive technology. So let me share my hands-on experience: 🚀 Microsoft Mesh isn't just another tech trend; it's a transformative tool, merging AI, 3D workspaces, and spatial audio to redefine team interactions. ♻️ Built on the Azure platform, it offers features like avatars, co-presence, and rich virtual environments, making remote collaboration more engaging and effective. But what's the real magic of Microsoft Mesh? ➡️ For starters, it's about making remote work less isolating, more interactive. 🔝 I've seen firsthand how it builds stronger team bonds and boosts productivity. Let me show you: -- 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗜 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝗵: 🗝️ Start with a clear objective for your virtual space. 🗝️ Use Mesh's intuitive tools to create immersive environments. 🗝️ Integrate Mesh with Microsoft Teams for seamless collaboration. 🗝️ Engage in more natural and meaningful virtual meetings with spatial audio. 🗝️ Leverage avatars to maintain presence in digital meetings without video fatigue. 🗝️ Customize and use 3D environments for various business needs. 🗝️ Utilize Mesh's no-code editor for rapid event creation. ➡️ For developers: tap into Unity for fully customized immersive experiences. Explore the vast possibilities, from onboarding to virtual museums. Remember, it's about enhancing human connections, even remotely. These steps are more than just a process; they're a journey into the future of work. But if you're looking for more. 📌 Dive deeper into the technical aspects. 📌 Check out real-world applications and early adopters as highlighted in the Microsoft Tech Community. 📌 Visit the Microsoft 365 Blog for the latest on Mesh's capabilities and integration with Teams. 📌 This isn't just about following a trend. It's about shaping the future of collaboration and workplace dynamics. 📌 Microsoft Mesh is more than a tool; it's a game-changer. And I'm here to help you navigate this exciting new landscape. Want to see how Mesh transforms a typical workday? Follow me for more insights in 2024. 👉 Together with Engin Eser we plan a row of LinkedIn Lives to deep dive into Mesh.

🏢 Imagine a workplace that not only alerts you of problems, but also solves them in real time. I recently spoke with Vijay Sankaran, Chief Digital & Information Officer at Johnson Controls, about transforming smart spaces into autonomous systems. Here's what stood out: — Unified Value Stream: Vijay's team used OpenBlue to break down silos, creating a holistic digital platform. — AI in Action: From detecting faults to autonomously fixing them—machine learning, GenAI, and agentic workflows are changing the game. — Innovation from Within: JCI uses its own digital tools internally, which then fuel external customer innovation. Why it matters now: ► AI + sustainability = smarter energy use ► Workplace trends post-COVID still changing how we optimize space utilization ► Thought leadership: Vijay shares his journey on boards and the future role of quantum computing 💬 How is your organization shifting from monitoring systems to autonomous operations? Tune in to our conversation here: https://lnkd.in/eCikvFUt #SmartBuildings #AgenticAI #DigitalTransformation

My secret to managing remote teams without losing efficiency. Remote work isn’t about trusting blindly or micromanaging every move. It’s about setting the right systems. We focus on two things: hiring people with high ownership and tracking both input and output. Ownership means we don’t have to chase people to get things done. They take accountability without constant follow-ups. But that doesn’t mean there’s no structure. Metrics like average handling time, response time, and missed calls help us track performance without invasive monitoring. People know they have the freedom to manage their time, but they’re also aware that performance is measured. That balance is key. It removes room for procrastination and ensures that results speak for themselves. This approach has also helped us access top talent, especially people who can’t relocate for work but thrive in a structured remote setup. A well-managed remote team is about creating an environment where autonomy, accountability and efficiency work together. What’s your biggest challenge in managing remote teams? #RemoteWork #Leadership #Startups #WorkCulture #TeamManagement #Efficiency

Building a successful remote working environment is challenging. You have to build a culture of collaboration to do it effectively. Here's how we do it at Shoelace 👇 1️⃣ Communication Tools: A cornerstone of remote work is asynchronous communication. Tools like shared project boards & task management software are vital. We built our own OS on Notion that has all client portals, data, and task management built in to keep the workflow simple. Further, synchronous communication tools are just as important, if not more important. If your team isn't actively chatting, they aren't building relationships. Think of Slack as a non-negotiable element. Without it, your team is forced to rigidly engage with one another. 2️⃣ Flexibility: Embrace a culture that values flexibility. Respect individual schedules & understand productivity isn't confined to 9-5. Managers should focus on outcomes, not hours. We have unlimited vacation days, reward time off, no meeting Wednesdays, and half-day Fridays. 3️⃣ Virtual Team-Building: Regular virtual activities are essential. From coffee breaks to structured exercises, they can create a feeling of community. At Shoelace, we hold weekly all-hands update calls, weekly team collaboration sessions, and a monthly 'fun' meeting. 4️⃣ Transparent Communication: Establish open channels. Regular meetings and forums for sharing successes & concerns help maintain a connected community. We do a monthly all-hands call where senior management briefs the whole team on what's in the pipeline before it happens. We also provide updates in dedicated Slack channels and even have a channel to share our wins across client accounts and personal achievements, where the entire team can share and celebrate. 5️⃣ Skill Development: Training in a remote environment is key. Enhancing the skills of your team makes remote work more effective and rewarding. Recently, we started hosting a monthly learning session with an industry expert, which has gone over very well with the team. 6️⃣ Recognition Systems: Implement programs highlighting teamwork and incentivizing effective collaborative efforts. At Shoelace, we have a 'kudos' system, where we give kudos to team members and at the end of the month, they're tallied, and a few winners are chosen. 7️⃣ Mental Health Support: Offer resources like flexible schedules and wellness programs. Remember, mental health matters, especially in remote work. Again, similar to flexible schedules, we foster a culture of understanding. Our team is encouraged to take time off when needed. 8️⃣ Feedback Mechanism: Create channels for feedback. Act on this feedback to continually evolve. Being heard and seen is so important for improving team morale. We have multiple open channels for feedback, anonymous or otherwise, and we demonstrate that we listen and act on it. - Like this post? Like & comment below, and follow me for more high-value marketing insights.

#SmartBuildings and real estate are at the heart of every #SmartCity strategy. With countless sensors generating data, the challenge is not data collection; it is making sense of it in real time. This is where #ApacheKafka comes in. As the de facto standard for #DataStreaming, Kafka enables #IoT analytics that power cost savings, better consumer experiences, and reduced risk. Examples include: - Optimized space usage by tracking occupancy and movement in real time - #PredictiveMaintenance for elevators, HVAC, and other critical assets - Smarter energy consumption that reduces waste and improves sustainability - Enhanced employee experience through adaptive environments - Stronger cybersecurity with continuous monitoring and situational awareness Data Streaming provides the backbone for these innovations, whether deployed in the #Cloud, on-premise, or at the #edge. For governments and enterprises alike, Kafka unlocks the ability to transform real estate and smart buildings into connected, intelligent, and resilient systems. How do you see real-time IoT #analytics shaping the future of smart buildings and real estate? https://lnkd.in/dqm--aSu

I built a co-working space that pays for itself. During the pandemic, I was tired of working from home. So my partner Mike and I decided to build something better—a high-end co-working space tailored for entrepreneurs, operators, and people we actually wanted to be around. In this video, I walk you through: Why we abandoned the idea of buying real estate How we found the perfect office to lease The simple math behind making it profitable How we filled it with great people—fast And why this model works even without a big check upfront If you're an entrepreneur, investor, or just someone who wants a better office without massive overhead, this video is for you. Chapters:00:00 – Why we built a co-working space 01:33 – The pandemic problem that sparked the idea 02:24 – How we found the right space 05:26 – The risk: we signed the lease 06:15 – Pitching the first tenants 07:19 – Amenities that set us apart 08:18 – Staying profitable and competitive 09:30 – What we learned (and what’s next) What’s your take on co-working spaces?