This opening session explores the emerging codes redefining how, where and why we work. As hybrid models mature and technologies such as AI and spatial intelligence reshape organisational culture, the workplace is evolving into a more adaptive, human-centred ecosystem.

Drawing on WORKTECH Academy research across people, place and technology, this session highlights the key trends and transformations guiding workplace strategy and setting the agenda for the discussions ahead.

How do businesses keep pace with a society in constant change? AI is redefining roles, workplace culture is shifting with new talent expectations, and digital systems are transforming how and where we work. Regulations are reshaping industries while consumers demand speed, personalization, and sustainability. Niklas will share foresight from two decades of innovation before joining a panel to debate solutions.

What level of services is enough to bring people back to the office—and how much is too much? As organisations adjust their real estate strategies and rethink space in response to unpredictable attendance, Facilities Management faces new pressures to align workplace services with changing patterns of work. This discussion will look at how companies are rebalancing footprints, adapting food and hospitality services and integrating sustainability goals, while also considering the limits of data and AI in workplace planning. Moderated by Niklas Madsen.

Evolving hybrid work models, company growth, consolidation and cost considerations drive companies to optimise office space while maintaining a high-quality employee experience. Measuring occupancy and flow accurately, interpreting data meaningfully and aligning space with actual needs remains a challenge. Nordea used data-driven occupancy planning and people-centred design to integrate a required company. This session examines how we can use sensor data and behavioural insights in structured collaboration with experience and design to achieve complex transformations and workplace optimisation

Buildings and the needs of its occupants evolve over time. Take for instance energy efficient lighting: products from 10 years back have no meaning in today's modern energy efficient buildings. Another angle: for sure AI will make an impact. How?? It will need data. To bring these two trends together and create healthy and green buildings now we will dive into the essence of demand based building operation.

As scale-ups evolve, so do their spatial needs and the risk of diluting company culture grows. This session explores how growing companies can preserve and strengthen their cultural identity through intentional workplace design, facilities planning and real estate strategy. Using the VAEKST office move as a case study, workplace leaders will examine how physical space can be a catalyst for cultural transformation, balancing discipline and creativity, focus and collaboration. How can we align our environments with core values, support hybrid work and foster belonging across expanding teams?

Neat makes hybrid collaboration simple and natural, creating seamless meeting experiences across any workspace, from small huddle rooms to large conference areas. Coming in 2025, new features will offer smarter room insights and even more natural video experiences. Neat empowers people to collaborate better, wherever they work.

Every office is speaking to us; sometimes voicing trustworthy identity and values, other times projecting tensity and agitation. Poor acoustics, harsh lighting, and uninspiring layouts quietly drain energy, erode collaboration, and increase burnout.
In this talk, Mette Johansen Keating reveals how the design of physical space directly influences trust, well-being, and performance. Drawing on research, case studies, and her iThrive® methodology, she shows how purposeful, human-centric environments reduce stress while unlocking engagement and productivity.

Every workplace project we undertake is a cultural change project. Drawing on insights from practice, this session shows how design can align with organisational culture and strategy, working with organisational processes to ensure human social value and create engagement, positivity and ownership. It also highlights the growing importance of human factors, such as neurodiversity, wellbeing and inclusivity, as essential drivers of future workplace design.

As hybrid work settles into a three-day rhythm, organisations are left with oversized, underutilised spaces designed for a pre-pandemic world. Meanwhile, some global HQs are pushing for a return to four days in the office, without rethinking workplace environments.

This session explores the tension between evolving employee expectations and static workplace infrastructure. How do you design for a future that’s still in flux? What happens when behavioural norms outpace policy? How do you reconcile sustainability, surplus and shifting scopes where yesterday's assumptions no longer apply.

As organisations redefine the workplace’s role, the challenge is creating spaces that express culture, support wellbeing and inspire creativity. Danish studio Aspekt Office shares how simplicity and material clarity shape identity-driven environments like Work & Co. Co-founder Hans Hornemann reveals how thoughtful design fosters connection and belonging, while Lasse Baylund of brand agency PONDER offers the client view on how well-crafted workplaces attract talent, impress clients and reinforce organisational purpose.

Join us to explore how leading organizations engage employees, families, communities, and partners across global locations—from Malmo to Bangalore. Discover innovative pilot programs, community initiatives, and collaborative partnerships that drive workplace wellbeing and impact. Learn actionable strategies to create vibrant, connected workplaces that inspire people and foster growth.

Our offices shape how we think, feel, and perform—often in ways we don’t realize. Dr. Elizabeth Nelson reveals how cutting-edge neuroscience and neuroinclusive design can turn offices and smart buildings into engines of focus, flow, and connection. Expect bold ideas, eye-opening research, and actionable strategies to create spaces that don’t just house people—they amplify their potential.

With hybrid work reshaping expectations, the pressure is on to make every square metre count without losing sight of culture, belonging and human connection.
This session explores how one of the Nordics’ largest workplace transformations moved beyond design and tech to embrace behavioural insight, employee feedback and operational data.
Expect a candid presentation of lessons learned, followed by an open dialogue with the audience. Bring your own dilemmas - space, utilisation, hybrid habits -and help shape the conversation on what the office should be next.