Why Traditional Workplace Metrics Are Obsolete

Subscribe to view future episodes here:

Design Nerds Anonymous Podcast 

Season 6, Episode 5 Show Notes

n this episode, Amanda Schneider and Rob Sadow dive deep into the outdated metrics that have
traditionally guided workplace design and management, such as "people per square foot." With the rise
of flexible and hybrid work models, these conventional metrics are becoming obsolete. Rob shares
insights from FlexIndex, a platform that aggregates data from over 100,000 office locations to provide
companies with benchmarks for the modern era. This conversation explores how data-driven decisions
can improve workplace design, optimize space, and boost employee productivity

After listening, you will be able to:  

• Understand why traditional workplace metrics like "people per square foot" are no longer relevant in today’s hybrid work environment.
  
  
• Recognize the importance of data-driven decision-making in workplace design, from flexible work policies to daily and peak attendance patterns.
  
  
• Learn how occupancy metrics and sharing ratios can provide a more accurate picture of space usage and optimize real estate investments.
  
  
• Explore how experimentation and intentionality in workspace design can help companies better adapt to the evolving needs of their employees.
  
  
• Discover why companies need to shift their focus from input-based metrics to output-based metrics, such as productivity and employee engagement.
  
  

• Links Mentioned: 

  • Learn more about ThinkLab’s Decision-Making Research 
    
  • Explore FlexIndex
  • Watch Amanda’s TEDx Talk on rethinking work
  
  

• Connect with our guest on LinkedIn: 

  • Rob Sadow

Design Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by Hannah Viti, with music from Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Rachel Senatore, Rob Shulte and Hannah Viti.  

Special thanks to our podcast season sponsors,  Mannington Commercial, theMART, and NeoCon – companies doing big things to move the design industry forward.