THE BLOG
Let the New Cycle Begin
There is, I think, a rather discombobulating paradox about data, in real estate.
On the one hand, so much of what is possible with modern technologies is impossible without well ordered, if not necessarily structured, data.
You simply cannot play the game without it. Without data you are effectively disenfranchised, with little to offer, and no strings to pull.
However, once you are fully enfranchised, with your data ducks all neatly arranged in a row, you need to rise above and beyond data in order to do anything really meaningful.
What really matters is qualitative. Quantitative data only gets you to base camp. It’s the qualitative that opens up the summit.
And yes, there is qualitative data, but it’s of a different character to quantitative, and mostly treated as ancillary by ‘excel jockeys’. Soft and fluffy versus hard and real.
For decades real estate has been about the quantitative, the inputs to financial models to divvy up the rankings of financial assets. Just a numbers game. Recently I heard it said that the most technologically advanced actors in real estate are those furthest away from the actual, physical real estate. When one can abstract out the physical to purely financial, data and technology is all you need.
And that has been where the most money resides. When real estate is but a financial instrument it’ll follow that the real estate is not what matters.
But when real estate becomes more about ‘social infrastructure’, as memorably termed by Gareth Lewis and the team behind this years PwC ‘Emerging Trends in Real Estate’ report, the qualitative moves to the fore. What matters when its effectiveness as a financial asset is dependant on messy, complicated, nuanced and eternally in flux human-centric variables?
Data does matter. Critically so. But it is very much necessary but not sufficient. Those financial returns will not emerge by power driving excel like in ‘the good old days’.
Layer upon layer of design, imagination, empathy, critical thinking, vision, humanity and countless other qualitatively nurturing variables are now required in the mix.
The office market is exhibit number 1. The most beaten into submission by excel real estate asset class. Sheet upon sheet of macros determining precision investing and analytical rigour. Home to the very best ‘numbers guys’ (mostly).
Which all looked so professional, authoritative and grown up. Returns guaranteed, the future mapped.
Right up until Covid demonstrated to the individual occupiers of these spaces (hitherto absolutely NOT the customer) that they really did not NEED them anymore. At least in anything like the quantity or duration that they did before.
And so they sit, under occupied and under utilised. Steaming elephants in the room. Slayers of spreadsheets. Every professional, authoritative and grown up analysis eviscerated.
Or at least that is the reality, despite being generally skirted around. 3 years of pretence that the world has not changed goes on.
And will do.
Until the penny drops. That real estate as financial instrument is a thing of the past.
When your customers are users, not financiers, and when for financiers to get what they want, the customer has to first be satisfied, the entire structure, character, dynamic and incentives of real estate needs to change. The existing ‘immune system’ has to be overwhelmed and a new order installed.
The leopard has to change its spots.
Easy? No.
Inevitable? Absolutely!
Let the new cycle begin.
Strive to be extraordinary
'Computers are useless
They can only give you answers'
Pablo Picasso, 1968
This has been a constant in my talks about technology and real estate for years.
First, because it is true and secondly to placate real estate people, who are obsessed with the idea that ‘we are a people business’.
But today, it is even more true (from ‘truthiness’ to ‘truth’) and whilst real estate is still a people business that is no longer sufficient.
In 1968 Picasso, indeed just about everyone, could ignore computers. They were not, as they are now, an integral, pervasive part of life.
Today, most people would give up just about anything before they gave up their smartphones. Genuinely, we find it hard to live without them. For good reason - they are extraordinarily useful, in so very many ways.
But his point - they can only give us answers - is becoming increasingly pertinent.
We are approaching the stage where ‘they’ don’t need much from us.
For example, prompted with just the dumbest few words, Microsoft, Google or Linkedin will craft a passable email on our behalf. Or a tweet, or X, or post.
They will be ok. Probably as good, or better, than much of the bilge one encounters on social media. But ….. sans humanity, that’s as good as it will get.
The average bar will undoubtedly be raised. Literacy levels will improve. The Overton window of acceptable dialogue will be moved.
But … as Picasso well knew, any old fool could give an answer, or paint a picture, or craft a sculpture.
The important thing was who could ask a great question. Or conceive a Guernica, or sculpt a Bull’s Head?
And we need to think like this today. It is going to become far too easy to be better versions of ourselves, aided and abetted by extraordinary technology whereas what we really should be striving for is to be extraordinary ourselves.
We should be thinking of nothing but great questions. Deeper, broader, more profound questions. Questions that ‘make a dent in the universe’ as Steve Jobs famously said. Questions that lead to a better place. Questions that improve the lot of mankind. Questions to which the answer is better, faster, cheaper. Questions that matter.
We are moving to a world (in some important ways, but by no means all) where abundance is the default. Where we have abundant words, that largely make sense, are largely coherent and largely harmless. But in such a world we need to push for much more. We need to push for greatness. For being far better in everything than we are now. For raising the average bar to a place unimaginable a generation ago.
New technologies, especially related to the broad church that is AI, are monumental enablers. But for good and ill. They could enable outcomes that trash the planet or save the planet. That venerate the few but disregard the many. That promulgate a world foreseen in 1919 by WB Yeats where:
‘The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.’
Using Generative AI in the Flex Market
Here is an example of how one can use Generative AI as a sparing partner and 'idea prompter' within the flex industry.
Using a collection of images of one of the spaces created and run by HNK workspaces I asked ChatGPT a series of questions about them. Covering quality, customer personas, marketing strategies and investor framing.
This is a good example of how proficient LLMs (Large Language Models) are at creative tasks. When one is not looking for an objectively and verifiably 'right' answer this technology can act as 'infinite interns' that one can send off to do all manner of tasks, and come back with outputs that one can then apply one's critical thinking and judgement to.
In this case ChatGPT provides much immediately interesting commentary but also exposes countless rabbit holes that one could dive down into.
So..... first I gave it some images to 'look' at.
Separately I asked ChatGPT: 'You are a flex office space specialist. Please provide me with a set of criteria for judging whether a space will help enable customers to be happy healthy and productive.'
Alongside the images I asked: '’You are an office market specialist.
Here are a number of images of a particular flex office space.
I would like you to judge whether, against the criteria I include below, they show a space that should enable a ‘knowledge’ worker to be happy, healthy and productive if they were to work from there.
Criteria are:
• Natural Lighting: Ample natural light can boost mood, reduce eyestrain, and improve overall well-being.
• Air Quality: Good ventilation and clean air can reduce fatigue and improve concentration.
• Ergonomic Furniture: Desks and chairs that can be adjusted to individual needs can prevent physical discomfort and long-term health issues.
• Acoustic Design: Soundproofing or noise-cancelling solutions can prevent distractions and ensure privacy when needed.
• Space Layout: A mix of open spaces for collaboration and private areas for focused work can cater to various tasks and work styles.
• Amenities: Features like a kitchenette, coffee station, and breakout zones can offer relaxation and foster a sense of community.
• Greenery: Incorporating plants can enhance air quality, reduce stress, and create a more inviting environment.
• Technology: Reliable high-speed internet, modern conferencing tools, and other tech amenities are crucial for productivity.
• Safety and Hygiene: In today's context, regular sanitization, availability of sanitizers, and space design that allows for social distancing are important.
• Flexibility: The ability to reconfigure spaces based on evolving needs can help businesses adapt and grow.
• Accessibility: The space should be accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. Features like ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms are essential.
• Location: Proximity to public transport, eateries, and other essential services can make the space more attractive and convenient for users.’ Do not answer until I tell you all images have been uploaded.'
Some of these could not be discerned from the images but I added them all in to provide context and constraints to the model.
ChatGPT replied:
The interior spaces you've shared are visually compelling. The common theme I'm observing is the effective use of natural elements and patterns in a modern setting. Here's a breakdown of the design elements:
Natural Elements: The integration of plants, especially in the second picture, adds a fresh and calming effect. Greenery can increase comfort and productivity in office spaces. The choice of wood, especially in its warm tones, also lends a natural and inviting touch.
Geometry and Patterns: The repeated use of geometric shapes, like circles in the wall designs and zigzag patterns on the floors, creates a sense of rhythm. This not only adds visual interest but can also help guide movement and flow within the space.
Color Palette: There's a wonderful blend of neutral colors with pops of more vibrant shades like the terracotta and green. It gives the spaces a balanced, harmonious feel while preventing them from looking monotonous.
Functional Spaces: The areas appear well-segmented, creating dedicated spaces for collaboration, relaxation, and focused work. It's especially essential in a corporate environment to cater to various work needs.
Lighting: The rooms are well-lit, combining natural light with modern light fixtures. Proper lighting is crucial not just for functionality but also to set the mood and highlight design elements.
Furniture: The furniture choices seem ergonomic and modern, complementing the overall aesthetic. The mix of communal tables and individual seating areas promotes both teamwork and individual work.
Overall, these designs strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality, making them suitable for creating a productive and pleasing environment. If you're looking for inspiration or considering this style for a project, these images certainly offer a lot of intriguing ideas. Would you like more insights or have specific questions about these designs?
To which I answered yes please ... so:
Let's delve deeper into each element to gain a more comprehensive understanding:
Natural Elements:
Plants: Incorporating indoor plants isn't just a design trend; it has health benefits too. Plants can improve indoor air quality by filtering out pollutants and releasing oxygen. They also reduce stress, enhance creativity, and increase overall well-being. The choice of larger plants can act as natural dividers in open spaces, subtly segmenting areas without making them feel confined.
Wood: Wood has a timeless quality to it. It can evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and connection to nature. Using wood, especially in its raw or minimally processed form, adds texture and depth to a space. Different grains and tones of wood can either contrast or complement each other, offering a vast palette to work with.
Geometry and Patterns:
Spaces that use repeating patterns, whether on walls, floors, or ceilings, engage our eyes and create visual pathways. This can lead visitors naturally through a space. It's also psychologically stimulating; our brains are wired to recognize and make sense of patterns.
Patterns, like the zigzag on the floor, can create optical illusions, making a space appear larger or more dynamic. They also add layers to the design, making it multidimensional.
Color Palette:
Neutral colors serve as a canvas, allowing other elements to stand out. They also evoke feelings of calmness and professionalism, suitable for corporate settings.
Pops of color, when used sparingly, can highlight specific areas or pieces, such as a meeting zone or a unique piece of furniture. The terracotta and green in the images add vibrancy without being overpowering.
Functional Spaces:
Modern workplaces recognize the need for diverse spaces: areas for collaboration, quiet zones for focus, and casual spaces for relaxation. By visually and spatially segmenting these zones, users can quickly identify the intended use of each area, enhancing their experience and efficiency.
Moveable partitions, like the wooden screens, offer flexibility, allowing spaces to be reconfigured based on needs.
Lighting:
A combination of natural and artificial lighting is essential. Natural light has been shown to improve productivity and well-being. Large windows or strategically placed skylights can illuminate spaces naturally.
Modern light fixtures, like the pendant lights in the images, serve dual purposes: they provide adequate lighting and act as design elements, contributing to the room's aesthetic.
Furniture:
Furniture choices reflect the intended use of a space. Communal tables foster collaboration and open discussion, while individual seating or cubicles cater to focused work.
Ergonomic furniture, which supports the user's body and reduces strain, is crucial in a workspace. It enhances comfort and can even boost productivity.
In conclusion, these designs masterfully combine form and function. The attention to detail, from the choice of materials to the layout, shows an understanding of both aesthetic appeal and the practical needs of a workspace. It's a harmonious blend of nature-inspired elements with modern design principles.
All good so far, for HNK workspaces
I went on; Do you think these spaces would appeal to a particular 'type' of potential customer. Either in terms of industry, job type, or personal characteristics. Can you provide five personas of people (or companies) you think this space would suit?
The Model answered:
Given the aesthetics and functional design elements present in these spaces, they appear to appeal to modern, forward-thinking individuals or companies that value both creativity and efficiency. Here are five personas to illustrate potential users:
The Tech Startup CEO, "Nina": Industry: Technology & Software Development
Characteristics: Young, innovative, and values collaboration. Nina is always looking for the latest technology and design trends to incorporate into her workspace to inspire her team.
Needs: A flexible workspace that can accommodate rapid growth, brainstorming sessions, and a mix of focused and collaborative work.
The Independent Consultant, "Raj": Industry: Business & Strategy Consulting
Characteristics: Travels often, meets various clients, and requires a professional yet welcoming space to conduct meetings.
Needs: High-quality video conferencing facilities, a range of meeting spaces from casual to formal, and a space that leaves a positive impression on clients.
The Creative Agency Founder, "Isabella": Industry: Advertising, Marketing, or Design
Characteristics: Values creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, and a vibrant workspace that mirrors the agency's dynamic nature.
Needs: Spaces that foster brainstorming, areas to showcase work and prototypes, and informal zones for team bonding.
The GreenTech Entrepreneur, "Leo": Industry: Sustainable Technology or Environmental Solutions
Characteristics: Environmentally conscious, prioritizes sustainability in business decisions, and prefers a workspace that aligns with these values.
Needs: A space that uses sustainable materials, incorporates natural elements, and flexible workspaces to host workshops or product demos.
The Wellness Brand, "Serenity Co.": Industry: Health, Wellness, and Lifestyle
Characteristics: A company that promotes work-life balance, mindfulness, and holistic well-being. The brand's identity revolves around calm, rejuvenation, and natural elements.
Needs: Spaces for group meditation or yoga sessions, calming design elements, and meeting spaces that feel more like living rooms for client consultations.
In essence, these spaces would best suit industries or individuals that lean towards modernity, value design, and see their workspace as an extension of their brand or personal ethos. The balance of functionality and design caters to both the practical and aesthetic needs of such personas.
But how should we market to these 'persona'?
Can you provide a suggested series of marketing messages (please specify which channel they best suit) the owner could build on to curate a six month marketing campaign?
Here's a series of marketing messages tailored for various channels to appeal to the aforementioned personas over a span of six months:
Month 1: Introduction & Awareness
Website/Blog: "Welcome to the Future of Workspace: Where Creativity Meets Efficiency!”
Social Media (Instagram, Facebook): "Sneak peek into the workspace of tomorrow! 🚀🌱 #WorkspaceEvolution" (Accompanied by vibrant photos of the spaces.)
Email Newsletter: "Discover the Perfect Balance: Elegance, Efficiency, and Environment in Our New Workspace.”
Month 2: Highlighting Unique Features
Website/Blog: "The Science Behind Our Sustainable Design.”
Social Media (Twitter, LinkedIn): "Did you know? Our workspaces are crafted from eco-friendly materials. Work sustainably with us! 🌿#GreenWorkspace”
Email Newsletter: "Exclusive Tour: Dive Deep into Our Unique Features and Amenities.”
Month 3: Testimonials & Reviews
Website/Blog: "Hear What Our Esteemed Members Have to Say About Their Experience!”
Social Media (Instagram Stories, Facebook Stories): Video snippets of members sharing their favorite part about the workspace.
Email Newsletter: "Success Stories: How Our Workspace Transformed Businesses.”
Month 4: Promotions & Offers
Website/Blog: "Limited Time Offer: Book Now and Get 10% Off Your First 3 Months!”
Social Media (Twitter, Instagram): "Early bird gets the best spot! 🐦 Book now and enjoy our special introductory offer. #WorkspaceDeals”
Email Newsletter: "Exclusive Offer for Our Loyal Subscribers: Unlock Your Discount Code Inside!”
Month 5: Community & Collaboration
Website/Blog: "Building a Community: The Heartbeat of Our Workspace.”
Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook): Photos from events, workshops, or gatherings with captions like "Collaboration in action! Join our thriving community. #TogetherWeGrow”
Email Newsletter: "Upcoming Events: Connect, Collaborate, and Create with Like-minded Professionals.”
Month 6: Future Vision & Expansion Plans
Website/Blog: "Charting the Course: Our Vision for the Next 5 Years."
Social Media (Twitter, Instagram): "We're not stopping here. Exciting expansions on the horizon! 🌅 Stay tuned. #FutureOfWork”
Email Newsletter: "Be Part of Our Journey: Here's What's Coming Next.”
For Paid Advertising (suitable anytime within the 6 months):
Google Ads: "Discover the Perfect Workspace - Where Design Meets Productivity.”
Instagram/Facebook Ads: Carousel of workspace photos with the caption: "Your Ideal Workspace Awaits. Book a Tour Today!”
By diversifying the messages and tailoring them to different channels, the owner can create a holistic campaign that builds awareness, fosters community, and drives conversions over time.
So now we have a plan!
Lastly I wanted to encapsulate all this 'good stuff' into a message for current and prospective investors. So I asked:
Finally, can you please write a one page analysis for current and potential investors into the real estate company behind this space, that provides robust arguments for why spaces like this are a competitive advantage in the years ahead where hybrid and distributed working is going to be a core feature of the commercial real estate market?
And got back:
Here's a one-page analysis tailored for current and potential investors:
Analysis for Investors: The Competitive Edge of Sustainable and Aesthetic Workspaces in the Evolving Commercial Real Estate Market
Introduction: In an era where the nature of work is undergoing a monumental shift towards hybrid and distributed models, the traditional paradigm of commercial real estate is being challenged. The value proposition of a workspace is no longer just about location or size; it's about the experience, adaptability, and alignment with evolving work cultures.
Sustainability: A Non-Negotiable Asset
Environmental Responsibility: Today's top talent and businesses prioritize eco-friendliness. Workspaces that incorporate green designs not only reduce their carbon footprint but also resonate with environmentally-conscious stakeholders.
Cost Efficiency: Sustainable designs often result in reduced energy and water consumption, translating into long-term cost savings and increased property value.
Adaptability: Meeting the Needs of Hybrid Work
Flexibility: Spaces that cater to both remote and in-person work styles are in demand. Modular designs that can easily be reshaped based on tenant needs will have a competitive edge.
Tech-Integration: The future is digital. Properties that seamlessly integrate with the latest technology (smart lighting, efficient HVAC systems, teleconferencing facilities) cater to the modern workforce's expectations.
Aesthetics and Experience: Beyond Just a 'Space'
Wellness and Productivity: Aesthetic environments have been linked to increased well-being and productivity. A workspace that offers a harmonious blend of form and function will be a magnet for top-tier businesses and professionals.
Community Building: More than a place to work, modern professionals seek spaces that offer networking and collaborative opportunities. Properties that champion this sense of community will have higher retention and attraction rates.
Conclusion: The real estate company's foresight in developing such innovative spaces places it at the vanguard of the commercial real estate market's future. By embracing sustainability, adaptability, and a strong emphasis on user experience, the firm is not just offering properties but holistic environments that cater to the future of work. Investing in such a forward-thinking approach not only ensures resilience in a changing market landscape but also positions the company as a leader in setting industry standards.
And that's enough for now. Good isn't it? Perfect? No. A Final Product? No
But way better than a first draft, or a blank page.
For any particular circumstance one could steer the Q&A accordingly. and one could dive into one of those rabbit holes and ask for more detail, clarification, action plans, counter arguments ..... whatever.
Which is the point. The technology will not tire. It will respond to whatever you throw at it. And the more you apply the mantra of 'clarity, context, constraints' the better the debate will be.
The bar is being raised. You can raise it higher.
Generative AI, Remote Working and Offices: the Future?
The current state of the office market is no Black swan event.
Right from the very start of Covid, when suddenly 95% of ‘knowledge workers’ went from working in the office to working at home, it was screamingly obvious that this would forever change how we thought about ‘the office’.
I wrote this (https://www.antonyslumbers.com/theblog/2020/4/20/work-the-workplace-and-covid-19) in April 2020 .
The first thing people learnt was that there were already digital tools available that would make interacting virtually much easier than many, even most, thought. And these of course got much better very quickly. The likes of Zoom suddenly had the money, inclination and incentives to iterate on an already good product very fast.
And today, with a plethora of new and improved tools, working apart really is no big deal. In very many circumstances.
We also all learnt of course two other very important things, that none of us can unlearn. First, that commuting every day of the week is absolutely unnecessary (for almost all ‘knowledge workers’) and secondly that having some agency over our time, some flexibility of when we put in the hours required of us, is a very good thing.
And the future is just going to bring more of the same as the tools available to us get better.
In fact getting ‘better’ understates the point. Because we are now in a world where Generative AI has arrived….. and that changes everything.
The amount of computing power available to AI researchers has doubled every three months for more than ten years. Massively out performing the exponentiality of Moore’s Law. And this has led to the Cambrian explosion of AI in the last year. OpenAI’s GPT-4 was not just a bit more powerful than GPT-3, it was an order of magnitude more powerful. Ten times the power. When GPT-5 arrives (perhaps within a year) that in turn is likely to be 10X GPT-4. In fact it may be much more. Mustafa Suleyman, the co-founder of leading AI research lab DeepMind (now owned by Google) reckons the compute power available to his current company, Inflection AI, will be 100X today in just three years time.
10X or 100X isn’t important. Both represent extraordinary increases in computational power, and both will have, cannot fail to have, serious consequences. For good or ill - though that is a topic for another article.
Very rapidly we are moving to living in a world that will be mediated, in one way or another by AI. Much, even most, of what we do will be filtered through the lens of AI. AI will help us be better humans. It will enable us to call on exceptional intelligence at every step of our way. Used wisely (and everything I say here is caveated by the need to act wisely) AI should be able to make our lives easier, more fulfilling and dramatically more productive. Each of us will have ‘infinite interns’ (to steal Benedict Evans’ phrase) at our disposal. Each of us will have ‘our people’ to assist us with whatever it is we wish to do.
Given this, it is obvious that how we work, and indeed the work we do, is set for considerable change. Misleading media headlines aside, the business world has already largely accepted that hybrid working, in various forms, is the new baseline for knowledge work. So the questions going forward are how to make our new ways of working optimal, and what real estate do we need, as individuals, teams and companies, to enable us to be as happy, healthy and productive as we are capable of being.
And this is where Generative AI ‘could’ be hugely important, and powerful.
Let's break down the mechanics of how Generative AI could function in the context of remote work management.
Assuming that the office is going to be ‘a network of spaces’ how might Generative AI be leveraged to manage a remote first workforce. And by ‘remote first’ I do not mean ‘remote’ but rather a company where not being in a central HQ is the default setting. Just the reverse of ‘office first’ where being in the central HQ IS the default setting.
Here then are the process steps we’d implement with Generative AI:
Data Ingestion: Initially, the AI system would ingest a wide array of data points: project timelines, task requirements, team members' skills, their working hours, time zones, historical productivity levels, and perhaps even qualitative inputs like self-reported team morale or job satisfaction scores.
Pattern Recognition and Prediction: Traditional AI might use this data to allocate existing resources most efficiently, based on historical trends. Generative AI goes a step further by simulating thousands of potential scenarios to anticipate future challenges. For instance, it might predict that a team is likely to face burnout in two weeks, given their current workload and historical morale data.
Optimal Workflow Generation: The "generative" aspect comes into play here. The AI generates a variety of workflow options tailored to these future scenarios, rather than merely adapting existing workflows. These aren't just reactive changes but proactively designed workflows that take the predicted future state into account.
Dynamic Adaptation: As work progresses, the AI system continues to ingest new data, refine its predictions, and dynamically update its generated workflows accordingly. If it predicts burnout, it might suggest changing the sequence of high-effort and low-effort tasks, rearrange team roles, or even recommend breaks or team-building activities.
Iterative Learning and Refinement: As the team follows (or deviates from) the generated workflow, the AI learns from the outcomes to continuously refine its future predictions and generated workflows.
In sum, Generative AI doesn't just tell you what's likely to happen based on current data (that's predictive analytics). It suggests entirely new workflows, team structures, or task sequences that are most likely to succeed in the future, given a host of variables. The goal is to increase productivity, decrease burnout, and enhance job satisfaction, which makes it far easier to manage remote teams efficiently.
So far so good, but how do we ensure that the ‘jobs to be done’ are being done in the right environment, in the right real estate?
We know that the future of the office is evolving towards fulfilling human-centric needs like congregation, collaboration, and socialisation. How then do we use technology, Generative AI, to make sure ‘the office’ is used when and where it adds the greatest value?
The answer is that Generative AI could play a significant role in understanding and integrating these more nuanced, qualitative factors into remote work management in a few ways:
Data Collection on Human-centric Metrics: Generative AI can start by incorporating data on employee engagement, creativity, and the success of collaborative projects. This could include surveys, employee feedback, and even metrics like the frequency and quality of inter-team collaborations.
Simulating Virtual Collaboration Scenarios: Generative AI could simulate various team compositions, meeting frequencies, and virtual collaboration tools to predict which combinations yield the highest levels of engagement or the most successful collaborative outcomes.
Holistic Work-Life Models: Beyond work tasks and deadlines, Generative AI could incorporate data on employees' personal lives, like preferred times for social activities or outside-of-work commitments. It can then generate work schedules that balance professional responsibilities and opportunities for socialisation and mentorship, both in virtual settings and in scheduling in-person office interactions.
Adaptive Learning Environments: Generative AI could tailor individual learning paths based on each team member's interaction with mentorship or collaborative programs. For example, if it identifies a gap in soft skills that are often developed through in-person interactions (like negotiation or public speaking), it could recommend remote training programs or simulate virtual scenarios for practice.
Facilitating Hybrid Models: Understanding these human-centric needs can help companies decide when physical presence is truly beneficial. Generative AI could optimise a schedule that combines remote work with periodic in-person congregation aimed specifically at activities that benefit most from being face-to-face, such as brainstorming sessions, team-building activities, or mentorship programs.
In this way, Generative AI would help us understand that the office is not just a place where work happens, but where people grow, collaborate, and innovate. By optimising for these more qualitative aspects of work, the AI could influence real estate strategies to focus on creating spaces that enable these human-centric activities rather than just providing a seat and a desk for every employee. Thus, the "Space as a Service" model would evolve to offer not just flexible spaces, but spaces designed for specific human needs.
So what we’d have is an AI mediated way of working that took all factors, quantitative and qualitative, into account, that was optimised around human-centric criteria, and that also maximised productivity.
It is important to appreciate that each such system would yield different results because the particularities of any given company, in terms of inputs and outputs, vary so much. Each company has different ‘jobs to be done’ and different people to do them. Extreme nuance and personalisation is the order of the day. The algorithms themselves, that underpin the Generative AI, will be, and need to be, tweaked accordingly. Think of it like a music mixing desk with 64 sliders where we orchestrate the sound we are after.
Trust though is a massive issue here. Systems like this are very deliberately focussed on creating ‘win wins’, where everyone (within reason) is listened to and tuned for. So theoretically almost everyone should be better off. As happy, healthy and productive as they can be. But ….. there needs to be company wide trust that these are the aims, and that such ‘snooping’ is being done for everyones benefit. This’ll work much better in an ‘let them go surfing’ (Patagonia) type company than a ‘sorry but you need to sell your family dog and get back to the office’ (Clearlink) type one.
That said, over the next few years we are all going to become more used to having ‘our AIs’ help us on a day to day basis and so are likely to become more comfortable with such AI mediated work practices.
With our real estate hats on we need to focus on creating spaces that are human centric and deeply technological. That understand wants, needs and desires and flex to accommodate them. At a macro level, humans still need somewhere to work so will still need as much real estate as ever. They will still be spending 90% of their time IN real estate. So demand is and will always be there. We just need to supply what our customers want.
Generative AI will be a powerful tool in helping us work that out.
We Need to Become Exponential Humans
I was recently delighted to be a guest on the Future Work podcast, which is excellent and well worth following.
Link is: https://www.flexos.work/learn/we-need-to-become-exponential-humans-ft-antony-slumbers