AI-Driven Workplace

The Four Radical Shifts Transforming Work: Grab Your Edge in the AI Transformation

This is the second article in our series exploring the four macro shifts reshaping the way we work. In our first article, we discussed Living on Screen—how technology has blurred the lines between our physical and digital lives. (If you missed it, you can read it here.)

Today, we’re diving into the AI Supercycle—an era of rapid AI adoption that’s already transforming workplaces. While many organizations are still figuring out their AI strategies, employees are embracing these tools to save time, enhance creativity, and streamline workflows. The question is: How can businesses keep up and create an AI-ready workplace?

Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening now and what steps you can take to stay ahead of the game.

AI’s Bottom-Up Revolution

AI is changing not just how we work, but what we do. New roles are emerging as companies refine their AI strategies. According to Microsoft’s 2024 Work Trend Index, there has been a 323% increase in hiring technical AI talent over the past eight years and a 28% year-over-year rise in “Head of AI” leadership roles. Organizations must rethink workforce planning, balancing automation with human expertise. AI thrives when paired with human oversight—people who can ask the right questions, input accurate information, and verify outputs.

Designing for an AI-Enabled Workplace

To fully capitalize on AI, companies need to rethink how their workplaces function. This means adapting both physical spaces and company culture to support AI-enhanced work.

Tactical Ways to Get AI-Ready

  • Enhancing Acoustics for Voice Interaction – AI assistants and voice-activated tools will become more common, making sound management a critical design factor.
  • Creating Space for AI Assistants – Some AI tools, like Logitech’s Sight camera, need physical space to operate efficiently. Organizations must plan for these tools within their office layouts.
  • Expanding Digital Displays – AI-generated content shouldn’t stay confined to chatbots. More digital surfaces will be needed to visualize AI outputs and enable collaborative decision-making.

Strategic Ways to Get AI-Ready

  • Amplifying Collaboration – As AI streamlines routine tasks, workplaces will need more collaborative spaces to refine AI outputs, ensure ethical AI use, and enhance decision-making.
  • Investing in Upskilling – Employees are at varying levels of AI adoption. Creating dedicated learning spaces and peer-to-peer training opportunities will help bridge skill gaps.
  • Designing for Flexibility – AI is evolving rapidly. Modular workspaces, mobile furniture, and adaptable layouts will allow companies to pivot as AI technologies develop.

AI-Powered Workspaces in Action

Organizations are already making changes to prepare for AI-driven work. Research from Steelcase reveals a 47% increase in adding power to social spaces, a 150% rise in boundary elements for privacy, and a 25% increase in flexible furniture in collaboration areas. These trends signal a shift toward more adaptable, AI-friendly environments.

The Next Step in the AI Supercycle

The AI revolution isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. As AI reshapes work, organizations must create environments that balance efficiency with human connection. Designing AI-ready workspaces is not just an investment in technology but in the future of collaboration, creativity, and innovation.

Are you ready to embrace the AI supercycle? Now is the time to act.

The Four Macro Shifts Changing Work: Living on Screen

The Four Radical Shifts Transforming Work: How to Thrive in a Digital-First World

The way we work is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Some of these changes have been building for years, while others seem to have happened overnight. The magnitude and speed of these shifts have created uncharted territory for organizations and individuals alike. By understanding these transformations, we can design workplaces that foster resilience, community, and productivity.

In this four-part blog series, we’ll explore The Four Macro Shifts Changing Work, breaking down each shift in detail to understand its impact on work behavior and the workplace. Our first topic? Living on Screen—a shift that has fundamentally altered the way we collaborate, communicate, and connect.

Living on Screen: The Digital Takeover

Take a look at your calendar today versus five years ago. What differences do you notice? If you’re like most people, you have more meetings, and a significant portion of them involve video. The shift from in-person to screen-based interactions has had profound implications on work behaviors, organizational culture, and even employee well-being.

The Acceleration of Screen-Based Work

The Acceleration of Screen-Based Work

The transition to virtual meetings didn’t happen overnight, but its impact was accelerated by technological advancements and, most notably, the pandemic. According to Steelcase WorkSpace Futures research, people now spend more time in virtual meetings than in fully face-to-face interactions. This shift has led to a paradox—while hybrid work offers flexibility, it has also created challenges in collaboration and engagement.

The New Meeting Norms

The way we conduct meetings has changed significantly. Many employees choose to stay at their desks rather than gather in a meeting room. According to Steelcase research:

  • 50% of employees prefer staying at their desk for video calls
  • 24% use single rooms or enclaves
  • 26% go to a designated meeting room

Convenience is winning over connection. Employees cite reasons such as a lack of time between meetings and the ease of joining from their desks as key factors. However, this behavior can negatively impact performance, engagement, and workplace culture.

More meetings are on screen than in person

The Consequences of Virtual Overload

As screen-based work increases, so do distractions. Studies show that employees often multitask during virtual meetings, with some spending at least 30% of their time on email while in a video call. This lack of engagement can lead to decision fatigue, reduced collaboration, and lower overall job satisfaction.

Additionally, Microsoft researchers identified a new work pattern called the “triple-peak day,” where employees experience peak productivity not only before and after lunch but also before bedtime. This blurring of work and personal life can contribute to burnout and stress.

Designing Workspaces for Hybrid Success

To address the challenges of screen-based work, organizations need to rethink their workplace design. Employees are seeking:

  • Privacy for focused work
  • Spaces that support well-being
  • Optimized virtual collaboration rooms
  • More accessible power sources

Organizations are already responding by investing in privacy solutions, technology-enabled collaboration spaces, and acoustic-friendly environments that support both virtual and in-person interactions.

fluffy chair collaboration room

What’s Next?

The shift toward screen-based interactions is just one of the Four Macro Shifts Changing Work. In our next blog, we’ll explore how the nature of collaboration is transforming and what that means for the future of teamwork.

Stay tuned for more insights on how we can design workplaces that not only adapt to these changes but also empower people to work better.