Unworking

As we look toward a future of hybrid or virtual offices, a timely call to rethink the very nature and design of the workplace.

Over the past hundred years, the office has been integral to the development of modern society. It has shaped the architecture of our cities, the behaviour of our organisations, and the everyday movements of millions of people. In 2020, however, the global pandemic brought our attendance in the office to an abrupt halt and triggered a complete re-evaluation of the purpose of the workplace. This book offers a panoramic view of the office and explores what happens next. The authors advance a manifesto for "unworking"—unlearning old habits and rituals established for an outdated office and creating new ones fit for an age of digital technology, design innovation, and diverse workforces.

'A timely new book about how to reinvent the office [by] veteran observers of the future of work.' — Andrew Hill, Financial Times

'By examining 10 forces of change that all business leaders should understand, the authors encourage us to reflect on and rid ourselves of defunct habits and rituals established by an outdated office...a must-read.' — Elite Business Magazine

'This book could not be more timely as the world grapples with what the post-pandemic workplace should look like. Jeremy Myerson and Philip Ross give us a scholarly yet deeply engaging account of the past, present, and future shape of the office. Essential reading for those planning the new office environment—and anyone who's going to have to live in it.' — Rory Cellan-Jones, former BBC News technology correspondent and author of Always On: Hope and Fear in the Social Smartphone Era

'Brimming with ideas, insights, examples and wisdom, this is the go-to book for everyone interested in the future of the office and curious about the future development of work.' — Professor Lynda Gratton, London Business School and author of Redesigning Work

'A must-read for understanding the forces that influence how we work. Myerson and Ross expertly examine the facets reshaping the office landscape with a view into "What's Next". Unworking is an invaluable guide for anyone interested in the workplaces needed to help people thrive.' — Harald Becker, Director of Customer Engagements & Insights, Microsoft

'Philip Ross and Jeremy Myerson capture the most significant changes in the world of the office for decades. Their understanding of the social, economic, technology changes and the roles of home and office is unsurpassed.' — Sir Stuart Lipton, Lipton Rogers Developments