Re-designing the workplace for today's teams

While desk-based workers can successfully perform many of their tasks almost anywhere, relationship-building is much less effective at a distance. And in survey after survey, we see the growing importance of relationship-based work.

Rather than creating a series of spaces that are tailored to certain work activities, a relationship-based work model asks us to consider who needs to be supported and the nature of their interactions. This includes everything from interactions that prioritise production, helping move specific work forward, to interactions that prioritize information exchange or personal reflection, helping build culture and a sense of belonging.

In this session, we will explore how organizations can apply this new relationship-based design model to improve employee wellbeing, facilitate connection, and navigate change in their workplace, while planning for interaction at the individual, group, and community levels. We'll go on to explore what this means in a specific North East context.

About the speakers

Bertie van Wyk

Senior Insight Strategist, MillerKnoll

Bertie van Wyk helps organisations make sense of how the world of work is changing and what that means for the spaces they use. As a Senior Insights Strategist at MillerKnoll, he shares practical guidance rooted in research, helping clients design workplaces that support wellbeing, connection, and productivity.

With 20 years of experience in workplace strategy and design, Bertie works closely with architects, designers, and business leaders across sectors including Corporate, Education, and Hospitality. He regularly speaks at industry events and contributes to global research, offering clear, thoughtful insights that help teams create spaces that work, for people and for the business.

Paul Glaister

Brand Principal and Co-Founder, Workpattern

Paul co-founded Workpattern in 2010 with Albany Contract, driven by a desire to bring higher quality furniture brands and progressive workplace thinking to the North East, a region that, at the time, lacked design-led workspaces. Inspired by early experience working with Herman Miller and Bene in London, Paul has always believed in the power of design to shape how we work.

Since returning North, he has been passionate about sharing that knowledge, hosting seminars, collaborating with leading consultants, and advocating for better spaces that connect people with their environment. Paul's background spans from hands-on business development in the contract furniture market, growing teams and networks. Additionally, he spent some time in a similar role with an architecture and design practice.

Over the past 15 years, Workpattern has grown into a respected name, delivering award-winning workplaces and launching WorkPulse. This latest venture reflects everything they've learned and continue to pursue.

Ian Ellison

Co-Founder and Director, Audiem

Ian Ellison has contributed to the UK workplace sector for 25 years. Following a senior lecturer role at Sheffield Hallam University, he co-founded 3edges Workplace, focusing on workplace education, research and award-winning consultancy.

Most recently he co-founded the AI-powered workplace experience insights platform, Audiem and co-hosts the Workplace Geeks podcast.

About the venue

You can find further details about this venue here.