S1E1 | Evolution of Workplaces

Work the Talk is an initiative that empowers businesses to co-create workplaces of the future through sharing and deliberation. The podcast series hosts conversations with industry leaders to explore and get insights on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities impacting workplaces across industries.

About our guest

KC Sharma has over 50 years of work experience across FMCG, real estate and personal care industries. He has played a key role in future-proofing workplaces, making them adopt an employee-first approach and using technology to make workplaces more efficient.

He has worked with renowned companies such as Hindustan Unilever, Procter & Gamble, and Springboard 91, gaining valuable insights into the evolution of the workplace. He shares his experience that spans decades to help us understand how far workplaces have come and what lies ahead. 

About our host

Aastha Sharma is the Co-founder & Director at Veris. She has nearly 15 years of experience in developing & executing organisational projects designed to challenge conventions. Dedicated to creating inclusive and intelligent workplaces, Aastha has spearheaded growth strategies for Veris since its inception.

Beyond her professional role, Aastha is also passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the corporate space, she works closely with several organisations to build inclusive workplaces across various sectors. As a devoted mother and advocate, she fosters inclusive work environments and connects with entrepreneurs navigating the dynamic SaaS landscape. Authenticity and transparent communication fuel her mission for growth and success.

Podcast Insights

Companies now recognise the importance of an employee-first approach, understanding the needs of their workforce and implementing incentive schemes to motivate and reward employees at all levels, not just sales personnel.

Challenges in shaping a human-centric workplace

  1. Changing work landscape has raised crucial questions like planning employee travel, shuttle services, cafeteria management, utilisations, and meeting room bookings. 
  2. Collaboration between facility managers, security admins, and architects at the planning stage has become vital in ensuring that the design meets the employees’ needs and fosters smooth operations.
  3. Participation of CEOs, senior management and top decision-maker is crucial for driving change and adopting technology in workplace environments. Their involvement sets a precedent and motivates others to embrace new solutions.

Solutions that can drive a human-centric workplace

  1. Flexibility, support, and convenience are key factors when designing workspaces and implementing new initiatives that understand and accommodate the pulse of employees.
  2. Data plays a vital role in driving meaningful change. Collecting and analysing relevant data enables informed decision-making, efficient resource utilisation, and effective planning for various aspects of the workplace, such as space management, travel, and employee experiences.
  3. IT teams and technical support are crucial for successfully adopting and implementing workplace changes. Having IT expertise involved from the beginning ensures seamless integration, user-friendly interfaces, and effective use of technology solutions.