At Transform’s People, Culture, and the Future of Work series, Tom Whitty, CRO of Upflex, shared front-row insights into the evolving workplace landscape—and the new approaches organizations are taking to optimize hybrid, remote, and on-demand work. Drawing from his experience scaling workplace solutions for distributed teams, Whitty offered a candid look at how intentional experiences and technology can redefine how we work, collaborate, and connect.
Key Takeaways — Tom Whitty at Transform
- Return to Work: Forget “mandatory office days”—create intentional experiences that make coming in worthwhile.
- Hybrid & Remote: Employees want flexibility, choice, and meaningful connection—not rigid mandates.
- Productivity vs Presence: Busy ≠ productive—focus on outcomes-driven micro experiences.
- Talent & Engagement: Well-designed experiences drive retention, attraction, and performance.
- Technology: AI and modern tools orchestrate real-time collaboration, replacing outdated scheduling systems.
The Shift from Presence to Intentionality
The traditional office model is changing. Post-pandemic, employees proved they can work effectively from home, creating tension with old return-to-office mandates. Whitty emphasizes that forcing attendance without purpose disengages employees.
Companies can design intentional in-person experiences:
- Pair new joiners with mentors or peers for growth and social connection.
- Organize “power pods” for synchronized company events across distributed teams.
- Run targeted workshops, hackathons, and sprints that focus on outcomes, not mere attendance.
The key: Every office visit—whether at a corporate HQ, co-working space, or local on-demand location—should add measurable value to employees and the organization.
Redefining Productivity: Micro Experiences & Outcomes
Whitty explains that productivity now comes from outcomes achieved during well-designed interactions, not hours at a desk. Examples include:
- Innovation and decision-making workshops tailored to team needs.
- Cross-functional collaboration sessions orchestrated with AI to ensure the right people meet at the right time.
- Scalable leadership and resilience programs delivered in localized clusters for maximum impact.
Hybrid Work & Talent Strategy
Intentional experiences create a competitive advantage:
- Talent Attraction & Retention: Flexibility plus meaningful connection differentiates your organization.
- Engagement & Culture: Employees value mentorship, collaborative opportunities, and well-planned interactions.
- Productivity: Focused sessions and micro-experiences generate outcomes that unstructured office days cannot.
Some companies even offer access to on-demand workspaces as a total rewards perk, giving employees autonomy to choose when and where they work.
Bold Prediction: Autonomous Workspaces & AI-Driven Collaboration
Whitty predicts a near future where technology orchestrates employee collaboration:
- Employees won’t manually book desks or meeting rooms.
- AI dynamically determines who should meet, where, and when for maximum impact.
- Outcomes will be tracked automatically, making office visits purposeful and enjoyable.
This approach transforms the “return to office” into a Return to Experience (RTE)—where workplace presence reflects value, not obligation.
Final Thought
Organizations that embrace intentionality, flexibility, and technology will attract top talent, drive meaningful collaboration, and achieve outcomes without compromising employee well-being. The future of work rewards those who balance human connection, performance, and innovative strategies in real time.
