“Unworking” by Jeremy Myerson and Phillip Ross
Published in 2022 by Reaktion Books
There have been many articles written about the changes in work we have experienced during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic. Much of what is gaining traction in social media delivers little insight into why we are seeing these changes.
If you are going to read just one book about the changes we are seeing in the landscape of office work, you should read “Unworking- The Reinvention of the Modern Office” by Jeremy Myerson and Philip Ross.
This is an insightful book that challenges traditional notions of work and offers invaluable insights for both professionals working in the property industry and office design sectors and the people that occupy those workplaces. With its fresh perspective and thought-provoking ideas, this book is an essential read for those seeking to understand the future of workspaces and how they can adapt and thrive in this rapidly changing landscape.
Jeremy Myerson is a design writer and Professor of Design at the Royal College of Art in London. Philip Ross is a futurist and is best known for his Worktech conferences and events which have been running globally for 20 years. I was first captivated by Philip speaking about the future many years ago at a conference when he forecast that I would have nanorobots living in my hair to cut it! Luckily (I think) I went bald before I had to experience that…
For me one of the key strengths of “Unworking” lies in its ability to place what is happening in workplace in the context of how workplace design has evolved over the last 100 years. When modern developments are placed in perspective against a clear articulation of how we have arrived where we are it makes the future forecasts more compelling.
The book navigates through various topics, including the rise of remote work, the importance of employee well-being, the role of technology, and the emergence of flexible working arrangements. Their analysis is comprehensive and insightful, painting a vivid picture of the evolving workplace and the opportunities it presents.
The book explores the concept of “unworking” Myerson and Ross introduce the term to encapsulate the shift from traditional, location-bound work to a more fluid and flexible model. With remote work becoming increasingly prevalent, the authors delve into the implications of this change for the property industry and office design. They discuss the challenges and opportunities posed by remote work, ranging from the repurposing of office spaces to the integration of advanced technologies that facilitate virtual collaboration.
The authors present a clear case for reimagining workspaces as dynamic environments that foster collaboration, creativity, and employee engagement. They emphasize the need for office designs that prioritize flexibility, adaptability, and the integration of technology. By drawing on real-life examples and case studies from innovative organizations, they provide evidence of how forward- thinking companies are already implementing these concepts successfully.
Moreover, “Unworking” explores the critical role of employee well-being in creating productive work environments. It delves into the impact of factors such as natural lighting, biophilic design, ergonomic furniture, and workplaces that promote movement and physical activity. By acknowledging the relationship between well-being and performance, the authors effectively advocate for workspaces that prioritize the holistic needs of employees. The book is very accessible to anyone interested in what is happening in the workplace as “Unworking” avoids excessive jargon and academic language.
Additionally, “Unworking” doesn’t avoid addressing the potential challenges and considerations that come with transforming workspaces. The book tackles topics such as privacy concerns, the need for effective change management, and the importance of aligning office design with company culture. By presenting both the benefits and potential pitfalls, the book equips property industry and office design professionals with a well-rounded understanding of the complex factors involved in creating successful work environments.
In conclusion, “Unworking” is an excellent book for anyone interested in what happening next in workplace design – well worth spending a few hours reading rather than binge watching another series on Netflix!