Remaking the Workspace to Boost Social Connection

By Martha Bird | June 15, 2021 | As seen on MIT Sloan Management Review

Martha Bird emphasizes that space is not merely a passive setting but an active element shaped by our social interactions and cultural contexts. The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated this by bringing the relational and shared nature of space to the forefront, especially through social distancing practices. This period also highlighted social inequalities, particularly for marginalized groups engaged in essential face-to-face work. As we envision the future of work, Bird advocates for flexible, people-centric workspaces that balance remote and in-person interactions, fostering meaningful human connections and acknowledging the diverse needs of employees. Her message underscores the importance of rethinking traditional notions of workspace and prioritizing human connection in our evolving work environments.