Interview with Working The Future

In our commitment to understanding the evolving world of work, we’re constantly fascinated by how workspaces are transforming alongside changing work practices. As spaces adapt to new expectations, we wanted to gain insight from Working the Future, a leading company on the future of work.

We invited director Cathryn Barnard to share her expertise on these dynamic shifts, particularly around workspaces and the broader trends reshaping how we work. Cathryn's perspectives provide valuable context and direction for anyone interested in the future of work environments.

We hope you enjoy the interview as much as we did. A huge thank you to Cathryn and her team for their time and insights. We split the interview into more bite-sized clips, see below for a description of what will be covered in each and click the image to see the full clip.

To stay updated with Working the Future's latest research and events, be sure to visit their website at workingthefuture.com.

Introduction

9 Minutes

This clip introduces Cathryn Barnard, Co-founder of Working the Future, as she shares her insights on the evolving world of work. Hosted by Neal Byers, founder of Workfromhub, the conversation dives into the key changes shaping the modern workplace, particularly the impact of remote and hybrid work.

Cathryn discusses the significance of staying adaptable in the face of shifts like Brexit and the pandemic, both of which have dramatically altered work environments. She highlights how Working the Future helps business leaders navigate these changes through trend intelligence, redesigned recruitment processes, and diagnostics for effective hybrid working.

Neal and Leni, from Workfromhub, also explain how their concept emerged from the increased need for remote workspaces, particularly in places like train stations. Together, they explore how remote work trends are reshaping the workforce and how businesses can adapt to these shifts by leveraging flexible workspace solutions like Workfromhub.

Inspirational Stories

4 Minutes

In this clip, Cathryn Barnard shares insights on effective organisational change, emphasising the importance of involving all team members in conversations about the future and success. She explains that organisations resistant to change often cling to a “command and control” leadership style, which stifles adaptability.

Cathryn highlights how transparency and authenticity from leaders are crucial in reducing fear and uncertainty, making employees feel secure enough to support change. She also underscores the need for leaders to understand the psychology of change to foster a resilient, adaptable workforce.

Watch the full clip to learn Cathryn’s essential advice for leading meaningful change in the workplace!

Leadership Styles

9 Minutes

In this clip, Cathryn and Neal discuss the evolving dynamics of leadership in the workplace, particularly focusing on the tension between traditional "command and control" leadership and inclusive approaches that invite employee input on key decisions.

Cathryn highlights how mandating rigid in-office policies, especially without employee input, can lead to disengagement and ultimately harm productivity and retention. She emphasises that including employees in decision-making about their work environment fosters ownership, reduces attrition, and boosts overall engagement.

They also discuss the challenges and opportunities for businesses in today’s labour market, noting that limiting hiring to specific locations can restrict access to talent, especially as skill requirements continue to evolve.

Watch the full clip to learn more about the benefits of adaptive leadership and inclusive decision-making in a changing workplace.

Psychology and Trust

6 Minutes

In this clip, Cathryn Barnard discusses the psychology behind workplace change and the critical role of transparency and trust. She explains that employees often feel sceptical of mandated changes, especially after adapting to remote work during the pandemic. Citing recent studies, Cathryn notes that many employees don’t believe their leaders' reasons for office returns, which can create resistance.

Cathryn argues that involving employees in decision-making leads to better outcomes. She emphasizes that clear, honest communication and shared involvement are essential for sustainable change.

The conversation highlights that while top-down decisions might seem efficient in the short term, they can cause long-term disengagement. In contrast, inclusive discussions take time but foster trust, commitment, and a clearer understanding of risks.

Watch the full clip to see why involving your team is key to effective workplace change!

Importance of Communication

3 Minutes

In this interview, Cathryn Barnard shares her insights on the power of communication and collective intelligence in the workplace.

Cathryn emphasises that truly effective communication isn’t just about speaking clearly but also about actively listening to a full range of perspectives within an organisation. She believes that harnessing this collective intelligence is essential for navigating the complex challenges ahead.

Cathryn discusses how hybrid work, advancing technology, shifting work attitudes, and global issues like climate change require leaders to constantly adapt. She argues that leaders should leverage the unique strengths of their teams by involving them in strategic decision-making. After all, these are the individuals actively shaping the organisation’s future.

Watch the full interview to hear Cathryn's vision on how listening and collaborative strategy-building are crucial for future success.

The Risks of Outdated Practices

8 Minutes

In this clip, Cathryn Barnard discusses the critical need for businesses to embrace change and the risks associated with clinging to outdated practices.

She highlights how the pandemic and other global shifts have reshaped expectations, emphasising that stability is an illusion and that businesses must adopt a mindset of continuous adaptation.

Cathryn stresses the importance of "horizon scanning"—regularly assessing potential risks, opportunities, and external trends to stay prepared for future scenarios.

She encourages leaders to bring in fresh perspectives from outside their organisation to gain new insights, which can foster innovation and help tackle similar challenges across sectors. Ultimately, Cathryn warns that businesses unwilling to adapt face the threat of stagnation, urging leaders to view change readiness as a core responsibility.

Workspace Places

12 Minutes

In this clip, the speakers discuss the evolving role of workspaces, particularly "third spaces" like Work From Hub, in supporting today’s flexible work environment.

They explore how these on-demand, professional spaces offer key advantages over traditional offices and home setups.

Benefits include a private, soundproof setting that supports focused work and virtual meetings without the distractions common in cafes or public areas.

The speakers also highlight the convenience for employers to offer such spaces for interviews, exams, and confidential discussions, as well as the value of flexible booking for just the time needed, enhancing both productivity and convenience for modern hybrid workers.

The Wellbeing of Employees

7 Minutes

In this clip, Cathryn Barnard explores the essential connection between workspaces and employee well-being, emphasising the need for employers to consider both mental and physical health.

She discusses the importance of understanding which tasks are best suited for remote work versus collaborative office environments, particularly highlighting that social interaction is crucial for mental well-being and avoiding isolation.

Cathryn also notes that younger professionals benefit from in-person mentorship and role modelling. She further touches on the importance of ergonomic home setups and the often-overlooked workforce of individuals with health conditions that limit their ability to access traditional workplaces.

The conversation urges leaders to broaden their thinking around workspace design and inclusivity, which are crucial for fostering a supportive, adaptable workplace in the future.

Future of Work and the Inevitable Truth

12 Minutes

In this final clip, Cathryn Barnard shares insights on adapting to inevitable changes in the future of work, emphasising the importance of proactive adaptation and trend awareness.

Cathryn highlights the need for leaders to embrace change, particularly around advancements in AI, shifting labour markets, and evolving worker expectations. She encourages organisations to engage in "horizon scanning" to anticipate and prepare for these transformations.

She also underscores the importance of being aware of the larger trends that shape the workplace and emphasises that the future is actively created by the choices we make today.

Listeners can expect a thought-provoking discussion on building adaptive strategies, with Cathryn sharing resources to help leaders stay informed and intentional about shaping the future of their organisations.