Adapting to Workplace Change

We’re living through one of the fastest workplace evolutions in history—and that’s no exaggeration. We’re not the only ones feeling it. As a partner to companies navigating change, we’ve had a front-row seat to what’s driving it: expectations are higher, timelines are shorter, and the traditional roadmap for workplace planning no longer applies. What used to take a year to plan and execute now needs to happen in a matter of months or even weeks.

This acceleration isn’t just about urgency—it’s about how technology is reshaping every aspect of how we work. From AI-powered planning tools to real-time collaboration platforms, we’re being pushed to move faster and think smarter.

And while innovation brings incredible potential, it also raises a fair question: will technology truly elevate how we work or make us too reliant on shortcuts? The answer depends on how we use it. Because readiness isn’t just about having the latest tools—it’s about staying curious, adaptable, and above all, human.

As workplace strategist and Executive Managing Director at JLL, Peter Miscovich noted in our Transcending Workspace podcast

We’re beginning to look at the Fifth Industrial Revolution—technology adapting to humans.This shift is set to redefine how we work, live, learn, shop, and manage our day-to-day lives.

Peter expanded on this vision with a striking example:

We’re starting to see this with AI, where your digital twin and my digital twin could meet, could have a discussion, record that discussion, bring back that discussion to us as humans… and that could all be done seamlessly without any involvement or activation on your part or my part.

What once sounded like science fiction is now very real—and it’s challenging businesses to rethink how ready we are for what’s next.

So, what does all this mean in the real world?

The implications of this shift are showing up across every layer of the workplace:

• Faster decisions around space planning, lease transitions, and workplace investments
• Seamless tech, sustainability, and flexibility are now expected—not optional
• Leaders are under pressure to make confident decisions in tighter windows
• Employees expect more—spaces that are intuitive, inspiring, and support how they actually work
• Project partners must be agile, precise, and proactive to deliver under shorter timelines

We’ve guided clients through every one of these pressures and no two situations have been alike; there’s no one‑size‑fits‑all formula.

The real advantage comes from balancing technology, human experience, and strategic flexibility—staying adaptable while keeping people at the center of every decision.

Here’s how that approach has played out on a few projects:

When Coughlin Porter Lundeen was preparing to relocate, a surprise building shutdown was announced—scheduled for the same weekend as their move. What could’ve caused major delays became a case study in flexibility and planning.

We quickly restructured the timeline:

• Phased Delivery: Over five weeks, we installed 101 new workstations, relocated 95 employees, and decommissioned the old space—all before the shutdown deadline.

• Smarter Tech Timing: 100 new monitors were delivered to our warehouse and installed only once the space was ready.

• Sustainable Decommissioning: We cleared oversized workstations and recycled 90% of the furniture through metal and wood recycling programs—minimizing waste and maximizing material recovery in the process.

For engineering firm KPFF, the challenge wasn’t a deadline—it was designing a space that could keep up with long-term shifts in work and workflow.

Here’s how we helped:

• Adaptive Layouts: Sit-stand desks and slim privacy panels supported flexibility and focus.

• Tech-Ready Details: Clean cable management systems minimized clutter and distraction.

• Sustainable Functionality: Custom waste stations and integrated storage supported environmental goals and field work logistics.

KPFF’s phased, six-month project shows that agility isn’t just for emergencies—it’s essential for forward-thinking companies planning for what’s next.

While the pace of change can feel overwhelming and the future is arriving faster than ever—one thing is clear: we need to evolve alongside it.

In every client engagement, our focus is on being proactive, adaptable, and deeply aligned with the evolving needs of today’s workforce. As the workplace evolves, we stay ahead by combining speed with strategy—streamlining complexity, anticipating roadblocks, and delivering flexible solutions that keep teams productive and future-ready.

As Peter Miscovich shared in our Transcending Workspace podcast:

You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf. 

Facing workplace changes of your own? Let’s talk about how we can support your next move. Contact us today.