PHOTO
UAE: The leading manufacturer of furniture and office equipment presented new insights on the future of work as part of a partnership with American University of Sharjah (AUS), IIT Institute of Design (IIT ID) at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago and the USA Pavilion at an exclusive VIP event at Dubai Expo 2020 on 15th December 2021.
With a strong focus on the future and innovations in quantum computing, sustainable energy and more, the USA Pavilion was the perfect place to host the VIP event, which was attended by more than 70 Herman Miller clients, along with leading A&D and industry stakeholders from around the region – all of whom were the first to hear the latest perspectives from the forefront of workplace design thinking.
As keynote speaker, Oliver Baxter, MillerKnoll’s Insights Programme Manager, presented never-before-shared perspectives on work in 2022 and beyond.
Titled “Visualising Workplace Evolution”, Herman Miller hosted a panel discussion with regional industry experts. With longstanding experience of what works in the workplace and what doesn’t – as well as a keen understanding of where the workplace is heading, the panel included Gloria Mamwa, Managing Director and Regional Head of Property, Africa, and Middle East at Standard Chartered Bank; David Suarez, Health Industries Partner, People & Organisation Leader, PwC Middle East; and Ammar Kalo, Associate Professor and Director of Labs at CAAD at AUS. Each of them offered valuable insights into how work will look in the face of a rapidly changing landscape.
“The VIP event was an unparalleled opportunity to hear never-before-shared perspectives on work in 2022 and beyond,” said Stacy Stewart, Regional Director, Middle East and Africa for MillerKnoll. “For Herman Miller and MillerKnoll, being part of a pavilion as dynamic as the US Pavilion has been a very rewarding experience. We’re also excited about the benefits moving forward.”
During the panel discussion, David Suarez shared valuable data and insights from PWC’s “Return to work” survey. Overall, 83% of employers and 71% of employees agree that the work from home was effective. Going forward, David said that people will still want to work one or two days from home. Looking at the evolution of workspaces in 2022 and beyond, he commented:
“Exponential technologies are disrupting at record speeds how we as humans need to interface with ever more intelligent machines – learning, adapting and fundamentally re-thinking old paradigms become crucial to surviving and thriving in this brave new world.”
Along with a valuable panel discussion and opportunities for connection, the event offered further surprises. One lucky winner walked away with a full ergonomic work set-up: CBS’s Oripura laptop stand, a Cosm chair, and an OE1 Nook workstation, which forms part of the
OE1 Workspace Collection; a collection of essential, optimised pieces designed for a new era in the workplace.
Taking a position on the future of work, Gloria Mamwa stated: "The future of work is no longer in the future. It is with us and will continue to evolve as we continue to embed life and experiences as part of the work cycle and work as part of the life cycle.”
The panel agreed with Ammar Kalo that flexibility would be the "number one priority" of many future workers. He added: “Flexibility in workplace types, hours, locations, and compensation packages will be major decision factors for employees as the world adapts to a post-Covid work environment.”
To discover further perspectives on the future of work, please visit Herman Miller’s new regional design centre. For more on Herman Miller MEA events at Expo 2020, please follow our social media channels.
Running until 31st March 2022, World Expo 2020 event is a coming together of global talent to showcase technology, art, architecture, food, culture, and much more. The event is especially significant because it’s the first time the event has been held in the Middle East and Africa.
For more on World Expo 2020 and the USA Pavilion, please visit www.expo2020dubai.com and www.usapavilion.org.
© Press Release 2021
Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
