Unworking audiobook cover - The Reinvention of the Modern Office

Unworking

The Reinvention of the Modern Office

Jeremy Myerson & Philip Ross

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Corporate CultureEntrepreneurshipTechnology & the Future

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Unworking
Evolution of the Office+
The Smart Workplace+
The Experience Economy+
Space and Urban Integration+
Diversity and Inclusion+
Core Philosophy+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7
What does the term 'Unworking' refer to according to Myerson and Ross?
  • A. Eliminating physical office spaces entirely in favor of remote work.
  • B. A radical revisiting and rethinking of assumptions about work and office function.
  • C. The trend of employees quietly quitting and reducing their daily output.
  • D. Designing offices strictly for leisure and socialization rather than business tasks.
Question 2 of 7
How did the 'socially democratic' office design of the late twentieth century differ from early twentieth-century offices?
  • A. It focused on maximizing productivity through close supervision and scientific management.
  • B. It relied heavily on artificial intelligence to monitor worker presenteeism.
  • C. It aimed to evoke a village functionality focused on empowerment, collaboration, and community.
  • D. It eliminated all managerial hierarchies and allowed workers to design their own buildings.
Question 3 of 7
In the context of the 'smart' office, what is the primary purpose of gathering data through telemetry and spatial analytics?
  • A. To monitor presenteeism and ensure employees are at their desks.
  • B. To reduce the need for human managers by automating performance reviews.
  • C. To transition all physical paperwork into cloud storage systems.
  • D. To understand worker behavior and positively influence it to meet actual human needs.
Question 4 of 7
What is the core philosophy behind Activity-Based Working (ABW)?
  • A. Providing workers with variety and autonomy over when and where to work based on their current tasks.
  • B. Assigning employees to specific departments and fixed desks based on their daily activities.
  • C. Mandating that employees spend equal amounts of time on focused work and collaborative tasks.
  • D. Tracking the physical movements of workers to ensure they are actively engaging in business activities.
Question 5 of 7
What does the concept of 'Intermix' refer to in the context of urban planning and the future of work?
  • A. The strict separation of commercial business districts from residential neighborhoods.
  • B. The blurring of boundaries between working, living, shopping, and leisure.
  • C. A networking strategy that connects different corporate departments within a single office building.
  • D. The integration of remote workers and in-office workers during virtual meetings.
Question 6 of 7
How does architect David Dewane's 'Eudaimonia Machine' concept accommodate diverse worker needs?
  • A. By providing a single, massive open-plan space that forces spontaneous interaction among all employees.
  • B. By utilizing AI to automatically adjust the lighting and temperature of an employee's assigned cubicle.
  • C. By offering a building with five distinct rooms tailored for varied activities ranging from community discussion to deep work.
  • D. By allowing employees to work exclusively from home while interacting through a virtual reality gallery.
Question 7 of 7
According to the authors, what should be the true measure of the modern office?
  • A. Maximum productivity and efficiency.
  • B. Human thriving, supporting relationships, and self-actualization.
  • C. The reduction of real estate overhead costs.
  • D. The technological sophistication of its data analytics.

Unworking — Full Chapter Overview

Unworking Summary & Overview

Unworking (2022) delves into the transformation of workspaces and the changing nature of work in the twenty-first century, driven by technological advancements and evolving societal values. The book examines the shift from traditional office settings to more flexible, people-centric environments. Through diverse case studies and insights, it underscores the need for adapting to a new work landscape where collaboration, creativity, and well-being take center stage.

Who Should Listen to Unworking?

  • Professionals exploring modern workplace design
  • Enthusiasts of technological impacts on work
  • CEOs, HR heads, or business leaders struggling to find the balance between office and remote-friendly workplaces

About the Author: Jeremy Myerson & Philip Ross

Jeremy Myerson is a respected academic and writer, holding the position of Professor Emeritus at the Royal College of Art as well as the Helen Hamlyn Chair of Design. He’s extensively explored design and innovation, and one of his notable books includes Designing a World for Everyone.

Philip Ross is an expert on the future of work, a technology commentator, and CEO of UnWork.com, a consultancy exploring new ways of working. Together, they have provided thought leadership on the intersection of design, technology, and the evolution of the workplace. His other books with Jeremy Myerson include The Creative Office and 21st Century Office.

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