A year in review: Workplace of the Future: Part 1

“Workplace of the future”

The first event I attended after leaving my last corperate job was held at The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce with Francophonie Atlanta on the morning of Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

To save time while taking notes I numbered each person on the panel 1 - 5 in the order they were sitting left to right.

Panel Discussion:the Workplace of the Future.
”Join a panel discussion with business leaders to reflect on the workplace of the future”

What stuck from the pademic workplace?

1) Putting people at the center of your company.
How do you manage, invite, and value your valuable human resources?

2) Essential workers / WFH able
Flexible remote / on-site balance
- How to build and mantain community, establish closeness and bond?

3) Office vs Industrial
Industrial > 6 - 7 Major electric companies are coming into GA
Office > Companies with offices in midtown include ADobe, Microsoft, Nike, and more.

4) Culture. Still very much trying to navi=gate generational cultures.
Flexibility! > How to manage, maintain, and adapt?

5) Trend exceleration, employees = members
WFH - ddidnt effect work ethic

How to maintian motivation, and organized intelligent intentional design for business?

2) Leave it up to the people to chose flexibility that works for them.
From flexible start hours to WFH/industry
Communication vs Visual aspects
Lead by example even onsite everyday needs WFH accesibilty

4) Visability of leadership
How are you supporting people as part of the organization?
- How to show value w/ flexible expectations?

1) Cyber security is key for WFH
flexibilty is different, support cultural standards of community.
Home, attention, benefits to on-site project and team organization platform.

5) Cultural - Quebec is idependent in comparison to provadance vs country.
Pro independence atonomy strongly encouraged standards but not forced.

3) Inovationn / Entrapenuers
Bring people together to collaborate, ATL Teen Village

Diversity and Inclusion
Inclusion > Women in workforce

4) Gender equality - visibilty vs productivity
men in office, women WFH
Visual disparity, connectivity, and productivity.

2) Updating family leave policy - gender and age inclusive
History is differeent and diverse across cultures and worldviews.

5) Tools > Teams ect. without camera feels like an equal foot.
Focus on outcome rather than process and sustainbility.

1) Flexibilty with intention
Productivity = Flexibility
non-exclusion

3) Diversity, equality, inclusion.
mobility and social justice

It was about here that we had intermission, a chance to refresh our coffees and use the restroom, so this is where I will take a break and review my experience of the event as I remember it.

It’s been just over a year since I attended this event in early 2023, I remember when I deceided to attend this event - the week prior when I saw free tickets on Eventbrite - and it occured to me as a newly unemployed worker it would be good to get an idea of what the workforce is expected to look liek outside of the manufacturing industry I am familar with.

I wore a pair of jeans and a flannel button up as I walked to the event and it was brisk outside, the building was under construction and I got lost finding the elevator, but was easily able to find my badge and enter the event once I arrived on the right floor. I will admit to being a bit intemidated as nearly all attendees were in suits and professional work attire.

I was greated with a smile and the people I ended up sharing a table with intruduced themselves as HR and Law professionals attending the event as a way to spend the morning networking. As I arrived early, I was able to listen to various introductions and learn about the types of careers that allow for a person to attend a french/english professional event.

As I do with all events and meetings I attend, I found myself scribbling my thoughts and notes as each speaker expanded on questions asked, if I’m not mistaked I may have recorded this panel, and if I didnt I always wish that I had. Honestly, more events should record and give attendees access to the recording of their specific event for review. I often talk about my previous events and recommend them to anyone who is interested, so digital access would be wonderful.

Part 2 continues with workforce retention, perspectives on formal education, and cultural roadblocks in the workplace.

https://www.francophonieatlanta.com/upcoming/workplace-of-the-future