In this cutting-edge session, John Trougakos presents strategies to leverage empowerment, enabling employees to transform burnout into sustained productivity. Drawing from new research, this presentation explores the critical challenges facing employees today, including emotional exhaustion, varying job demands, and the impact of hybrid, remote, and reduced-hour work models. Employers will gain practical tools and actionable insights to enhance engagement, productivity & overall wellbeing.

In this case study of a workplace pilot, Kristopher shares how a flexible approach to hybrid design has created opportunities for optimization and downsizing at ATB Financial. Mapping out human behaviour is challenging. Layer in the complexities of work and it can feel almost impossible. Utilizing smart data sets, AI assistance in analytics and agile prototyping, you can create award winning spaces. This session will share how: AI needs to be added to any space planners toolbelt; Not all feedback is actionable, you need to weed through the noise; Human scale design still requires humans.

This session will explore the latest trends in technology innovation, based on the launch of the 2024 WORKTECH Guides to Workplace Technology. We unveil the latest insights and advancements businesses can anticipate, offering a glimpse into how these transformative technologies will revolutionise both work and workplace dynamics across five key industry sectors: visitor management, booking systems, sensors, workplace apps and experience tech.

Amid ongoing debates about whether perks like free lunch or game rooms will drive employees back to the office, Asana offers a more effective approach. Since 2022, their return-to-office strategy has been both intentional and sustainable, adapting to the evolving needs of the workplace. By focusing on clear communication, aligned goals, and leadership support, Asana has created a model that speaks to the future of work, offering insights we can all learn from in designing successful, long-term workplace strategies.

Join Yasmien and Jennifer as they explore how TD Bank is setting the standard for inclusivity through an interconnected DEI strategy. This session offers a comprehensive overview of how DEI is institutionalized across TD Bank’s built environments, experience strategies (digital and physical), and talent approaches. Gain valuable insights into the challenges they’ve faced, the successes they’ve achieved, & the opportunities that lie ahead.

More information to be announced

An interactive and collaborative session for delegates to come together to discuss and share insights from the day's presentations, while also providing an opportunity for networking and socializing. Delegates are divided into small, diverse groups to encourage a rich mix of perspectives. Each group is given a specific topic related to the day's themes and/or to local issues here in Toronto, with participants taking turns sharing insights, reflections, and opinions on the topic. Each group has a pre-assigned representative to present a brief summary.

An interactive session for us to come together in breakout groups to explore a topic related to the day's themes and to local issues here in Toronto, with participants taking turns sharing insights, reflections, and opinions on the topics:

Getting to Net Zero: The ESG Imperative in Real Estate

Resistance to RTO: The Where and When of Work

Talent Of The Future And The New Employee Value Proposition

While most employers recognize the power of data to drive problem-solving and better decision-making, more than half of businesses lack the data they need to make smart decisions about one of their largest investments: the workplace. Accurate, unified data is not only core to the survival of the physical workplace but also to overall business success. With workplace data in hand, employers can prove—or improve—any workplace strategy, measure the success of their in-office policy, stay on top of regulatory requirements, optimize their space, and anticipate real estate needs with confidence.

Don't miss this inside look at the secret strategies your competitors are using to navigate the new era of human-AI collaboration. Learn how to transform your corporate real estate into a powerhouse for the three C’s: Collaboration, Consensus building, and Conflict resolution. Learn why “no-frills desking” might be the way of the future, strategies to support neurodiversity, and how workplace design can bring people together and help them thrive in the Great Reset. Be there, or be left behind.

With Toronto as the second-largest financial services centre in North America, this panel invites banking giants and other real estate leaders to share how they are transforming their workplaces. Our panellists will discuss strategies for implementing hybrid work models while addressing the economic, environmental, and cultural impacts on commercial real estate. Learn how to balance flexibility with operational needs, leverage under-utilised spaces, and advance ESG goals, including the journey to net zero.

WORKTECH delegates are invited to join us at a local bar for our Happy Hour, sponsored by Envoy. Catch up with industry friends and unwind in an informal setting, where you can share insights from the day over drinks and good conversation