Insight
What’s the Future of the Financial Workplace? Takeaways from WORKTECH25 London
Kirsty Angerer recently attended the WORKTECH25 London Financial Workplace conference, which highlighted some thought-provoking considerations on how we can design smarter, healthier, and more intentional work environments. Here are a few highlights that stood out:
Data for better wellbeing
AI is now being used to track bike usage. This data flows to AXA UK and then London Planning to help expand cycle lanes, outdoor spaces and amenities. It’s a great example of using data to directly boost urban wellbeing.
Mind the gap — the home experience
Many organisations still aren’t measuring the home working experience. Are we missing vital insights by ignoring how people really feel and work at home?
Beyond ‘productivity’
More businesses are using quarterly engagement surveys to track happiness, fulfilment and wellbeing — redefining performance beyond traditional productivity metrics.
Design with purpose
Some companies are getting creative by naming meeting rooms after the activities they want to encourage. A room called ‘Dynamic’ invites movement, standing, and vibrant discussions.
Too much data = bad decisions
We’re collecting more data than ever, but it’s often overwhelming and fragmented. The cost of bad data is real — just 15 minutes spent searching for information can cost £6,000 in lost time and productivity.
It always comes back to people
Culture, leadership, collaboration and connection are still at the heart of the conversation.
Creating an experience for everyone — the Wise London Office
Kirsty had the chance to present with Wise’s Gerladine Jardeleza, their Workplace Programme & Change Manager, on Wise’s new HLW-designed space where one of the focuses is on visual openness and physical connectivity — to promote natural flow, movement, socialising, collaboration, and genuine human connection. It’s all about building an experience that works for everyone.
Kirsty Angerer has spent over 10 years working internationally in the Workplace and Real Estate sectors. Her experience lies in measuring and analysing the experience of employees in their places of work. She is a Certified Professional Ergonomist, a Fitwel Ambassador, and an active member in the WELL and CoreNet communities, demonstrating her commitment to enhancing people’s health and optimising their performance through evidence-based design and policy interventions. As Development Director, Kirsty will support our leadership in shaping the strategic direction and driving growth across all HLW’s Specialty Studios.
