Back to Media Room

WORKTECH15 WEST COAST RETURNS TO SAN FRANCISCO - 6TH ANNUAL FUTURE OF WORK CONFERENCE

An audience of 250+ business and thought-leaders will debate, discuss and divulge the latest thinking on the future of work and the workplace.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - November 18, 2015 - On Wednesday December 2nd, industry business leaders will gather at Mission Bay Conference Center to share expertise and further knowledge on a mix of business strategy, technology, architecture, design, HR  and workplace issues.

Renowned international and local thought leaders will take the stage, including the following experts:

  • Jeff Reuschel, Global Director of Design & Innovation, Haworth

  • Dr Charles Grantham, Professor & International Speaker

  • Bob Christopher, Director of Innovation, Panasonic

  • Megan Divett, Project Director, Puzzle Partners

  • David Rolls, Head of Cities and Urban Renewal, Mirvac

  • Melissa Marsh, Founder & CEO, PLASTARC

  • Carla Boragno, Vice President Site Services, Genentech

In advance of the Conference, a few of the key speakers offered their thoughts on the future of work and workplace:

How will self-quantification impact the future workplace? 
Dr Charles Grantham, Professor:
“Self-quantification, or self-observing as I prefer to call it, will increase greatly over the foreseeable future. I believe it will go from ‘wearable computing sensors’ to a more distributed architecture connected through Wi-Fi. So, the direct impact for the workplace is to make it ‘user smart’ and connected to the person. For example, time sitting and what location. Environmental sensors with temp, humidity, sound levels. Anything that could impact your work. All of this fed into AI programs, which can help people, determine just what the optimum work environment is for them."

Is an organization with no managers realistic?
Bob Christopher, Director of Innovation, Panasonic:
“People need some form of accountability and motivation to achieve their work. Some people are self-motivated and can work well without management oversight. Other people need continuous direction and management to achieve their work. Management should adjust to people's individual profiles and style of work. In some cases this may involve "no management" while in other cases people would need "active management".

Jeff Reuschel, Global Director of Design & Innovation, Haworth:
“On paper.  Social science evidence suggests, however, that groups of humans with a common purpose will seek to create or appoint a leader when it appears there isn’t one.  The concept of dissolving rigid hierarchical structures and the associated issues they can cause is an intriguing one.  However, let the buyer (of the concept) beware that the workforce will “fill” the leadership void where they believe one exists.”

Can wellness campaigns deliver real value to organisations and individuals?
Megan Divett, Project Director, Puzzle Partners:
“Social connection dramatically improves physical health as well as mental and emotional wellbeing. Our personal relationships make us more resilient to stress and change. So, connecting with people socially and creating a sense of community is important to us as individuals, but what is the impact in the workplace? Studies have shown employees personal relationships (Social Capital) is one of the most important factors in determining productivity. Many organisations have already recognised the value of encouraging social connection in the workplace identifying ways the company can help employees form genuine relationships and feel part of the community. For example, Macquarie Bank have a team dedicated to establishing initiatives and programs that promote a sense of community across their global offices.”

GenZ are soon to enter the workplace. Are they really different and if so what needs to change in the workplace to ensure they are thriving as well next to the other generations?
David Rolls, Head of Cities and Urban Renewal, Mirvac:

“Don’t underestimate their [Gen Z] increased level of humility and tolerance.  They have seen the faults of the ‘too eager’ Y generation.  It is the most exciting generation with enormous potential.  It is this potential we need to create an environment to tap into.”

 

Join us at WORKTECH15 West Coast to hear more from our industry leading speakers.   An audience of 250+ business and thought-leaders will debate, discuss and divulge the latest thinking on the future of work and the Workplace.

Event website: www.unwired.eu.com/WORKTECH15/WestCoast

Images and additional information available. For more information on the topics and speakers, or to request a press pass, please contact: 
[email protected]  or [email protected]

About WORKTECH
The first WORKTECH conference was produced in London in 2004, in collaboration with the Royal College of Art. Since then, successful WORKTECHs have been held in New York, Amsterdam, Manchester, Melbourne, San Francisco, Shanghai and Singapore.

WORKTECH West Coast is organised by UNWIRED, a leading research and events company, looking at the impact that emerging technologies will have on work and the work place, the retail sector, and the property sector. UNWIRED organises cutting-edge conferences, executive briefings, symposia and exhibitions. From WORKTECH to practical briefings on workplace sustainability, the future of wireless, and agile working, UNWIRED brings together senior professionals and thought-leaders for unsurpassed learning and networking opportunities.

###

Globally, Haworth improves workplaces with award-winning furniture, interior architecture and technology solutions to help customers achieve business goals and transform culture as well as support collaboration and innovation.  Research + design drive a deep understanding of agile workplace needs and are at the center of the company’s strategy.  Haworth is committed to protecting and restoring the environment, creating economic value as well as supporting and strengthening its communities.  Founded in 1948, Haworth remains family-owned and privately-held and serves markets in more than 120 countries through a global network of 650 dealers and 6,000 employees. The company had net sales of US $1.8 billion in 2014.