Workplace Unplugged

Recorded live at The Workplace Event | The Facilities Event 2026 at the NEC, this special episode is part of the Audiem podcast, Workplace Geeks x Workplace Leaders Top 50 2026 mini-series , sponsored by Rhino Interiors Group . What do a Pontins Blue Coat, a post room assistant, a receptionist, and a business studies graduate have in common? They all went on to help shape the future of workplace....

Is the Facilities Management industry’s Net Zero ambition a game-changing goal or an illusion? This unmissable session cuts through the greenwashing to explore whether the sector is truly on track to deliver sustainable results. Are we tackling emissions head-on, or are we outsourcing the problem? How do bold targets align with the reality of operations on the ground? With open and honest debate,...

Get ready for a lively and entertaining session as "Mock The Week" puts a fun twist on workplace trends. This panel debate, inspired by the hit game show, features three entertaining rounds, including "Guess the Headline" and a picture round, to spark engaging discussions. Join us for a unique blend of humour and insight into the latest developments shaping the future of work....

AI is transforming facilities management, but where should you start? This session will explore practical, real-world applications of AI in Workplace Management, helping workplace leaders understand how to harness AI for greater efficiency and smarter decision-making. Speakers: John Hilderbrands, VP Alliances & Channel Solutions - Eptura Katya Anacker, Principal Consultant - Metafinanz Informa...

Disconnected systems are a significant inconvenience, hindering both productivity and user satisfaction. The panel will share some of their strategies for unifying diverse technologies, enabling them to communicate effectively for a better user experience, increased efficiency, and actionable insights. Discover how to build a truly connected workplace that drives innovation and supports seamless c...

Much discussion is currently taking place about AI and the sector’s readiness and optimisation of AI, when at the same time there is an existing maintenance backlog amounting to an eyewatering £49 billion bill for the Government. The recent NAO report highlighting this issue pointed at two key areas: a lack of accurate data and the lack of a comprehensive strategy around asset management.  The dis...

With a growing movement from large corporations to denounce their DEI practices we ask; is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Facilities Management a driving force for change or an initiative past its prime? In this bold discussion, we explore whether DEI has lost its momentum in the FM and property sectors. Is it still a priority, or has it been overshadowed by shifting agendas and budget cuts? ...

This session draws intriguing parallels between ostrich behaviour and leadership, using real-world case studies to highlight the consequences of avoidance and offering actionable lessons focused on courage, transparency, and proactive problem-solving. Attendees will explore how to foster adaptive skills like resilience and emotional intelligence while embedding leadership into organisational cultu...

In an era of hybrid work, how do we build a culture where people genuinely want to come together and be part of the office experience? Our expert speaker will share best practices, challenge perspectives with thought-provoking questions, and showcase real-world case studies from across industries. Join this interactive session to explore what makes a workplace truly engaging, collaborative, and wo...

Join this high-energy session to explore practical, high-impact techniques for embedding DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) into the core of your organisation. Discover essential tools for fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to excel, while top talent thrives in an inclusive environment. Packed with actionable insights and bold ideas, this session will leave y...

Eptura unveils the latest findings from its Workplace Index, offering a data-driven look at how workspaces are evolving and what it means for businesses. This keynote will break down key trends, challenges, and opportunities, providing actionable insights for workplace leaders navigating the changing landscape of workplace value. Speaker: Phil Davitt, SVP Global Professional Services - Eptura

Capability in workplace and facilities management can be capability in the organisation. The skills crisis is raging real yet upskilling in workplace and facilities management can play a key part in helping to deliver not only an organisation’s workplace objectives but its strategic objectives too. How can organisations drive up competence? What impact can this have for wider questions beyond skil...

This session advocates for a people-first approach to real estate strategy, emphasising balance over rigid return-to-office mandates. Suggesting that each organisation is a unique "society" with its own culture and values, this discussion will explore how to craft flexible, inclusive workplaces that meet business needs without compromising employee well-being. Attendees will hear how ali...

Is the Facilities Management industry ready to embrace a future shaped by different ways of thinking? This session explores how fostering inclusive environments for diverse cognitive approaches can spark creativity and innovation in FM.  From rethinking recruitment to redesigning workplaces, we’ll tackle the changes needed to support a broader spectrum of thinkers. Are traditional practices holdin...

This session dives into the environmental impact of workplace assets, shedding light on key concepts like carbon management, Net Zero, and Carbon Neutrality, and how these connect with broader ESG goals such as biodiversity, wellbeing, and social equity. Attendees will gain insights into the hidden carbon impact of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (F,F&E), which can account for 30% of a buil...

Join Chris Wiegeraad – Commercial Director at GoBright - as he explores how Smart Workplace Solutions boost office space efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver real ROI. He’ll invite customer “Midland Heart” on stage to discuss their experiences, sharing the tangible benefits and challenges of implementing smart office technology.  This session will inspire you to rethink your workplace strategy an...

The IWFM Outlook 2024 ‘Keep investing: the tide is turning’ saw a brighter future as hope shaped like encouraging metrics peeped from the storm clouds of 2023. It suggested the sector was investing in key areas to drive productivity as our research pointed to organisations increasing more than decreasing space managed and as workspace investment was more likely to have gone up than down.  A year o...

The workplace is evolving into a dynamic intersection of employee needs, business goals, and cultural shifts. The panel will explore the future of workplace experience through the lenses of facilities management, HR, technology and design, highlighting how collaboration can create environments that inspire productivity, engagement, and well-being.  Discover actionable strategies for designing adap...

In this episode, we unpack the insights from the Workplace Leaders Summit session titled “The Office Reimagined: A Space for Mastery, Collaboration, and Constructive Challenge,” delivered at The Workplace Event 2025.  Naomi Sakamoto, Principal at Gensler, discusses how modern office design can simultaneously support individual mastery, foster team collaboration, and create environments where const...

The podcast where workplace and facilities leaders speak freely. From hybrid strategy and sustainability to tech, wellbeing and design - we go beyond the buzzwords and dive into the real challenges and innovations shaping the future of work. Powered by The Workplace Event , each episode features candid conversations with industry pros who are changing how we think about space, culture and performa...