How the metaverse came unstuck over the hardware of headsets

Could the real reason for Meta’s retreat from its vision for the metaverse be that people feel self-conscious wearing headsets and there is suspicion around sinister-looking goggles?

Joyless work: why culture matters to counter slump in engagement

Employee engagement is now at its lowest level since the pandemic according to Gallup. Could a better understanding how company culture is affected by hybrid work stem the tide of misery?

Working from home back on the agenda as energy crisis looms

As the US-Iran war sends shockwaves through global energy markets, could the relationship between autonomy and interaction in the workplace be about to change once again?

Heading for the exit: do RTO mandates target the wrong people?

Some large firms are leveraging strict return-to-office policies as a way to reduce headcount. But such a short-term strategy might be self-defeating when you lose the people you will need most

Handling hybrid: what design steps can heal a fractured culture?

The new year is seeing some familiar plotlines about return to office and the tension between technology and community. Insights from a new Stantec report shine a light on key challenges

2025 in commentary: a year of plotting, promises and patchy progress

As the curtain comes down on 2025, we reflect on a year of challenge and change in work and workplace through the lens of 12 comment pieces written by the WORKTECH Academy team

Is misplaced faith in mandates making things worse for the RTO?

Company bosses are doubling down on the return to office but all the evidence on mandates suggests that they repel talent and wreck morale without really raising levels of performance

Talking point: can the office rise above the doom and gloom?

It’s easy to feel down about prospects in the workplace sector. But as we gear up for final quarter of 2025, emerging trends in real estate, technology and design point to a brighter future