In this special episode, Niamh chats with Crina Turley from Capella. They discuss how property technology helps create a better workday by addressing the challenges of hybrid work and providing clarity for both employees and leaders.
Niamh's first special guest is Crina Turley, co-founder and CEO of Capella, a "prop tech" company that creates technology for workspaces. Capella's software helps real estate and facilities managers understand how office space is being used, while also giving employees a better experience. The technology allows employees to book desks and meeting rooms and see a 3D map of the office to find where their colleagues are sitting. This helps to solve the problem of a lack of inter-team conversations and collaboration that has suffered since the shift to remote work. Crina believes that the biggest challenge for a better workday today is the "status quo" and the lack of clear communication from leadership about the future of work. She feels that the drama around hybrid working will soon pass and that in the next 12-24 months, there will be more certainty around company policies and models.
Crina explains that Capella's system helps to provide a sense of connection for employees who are working from home by allowing them to see who's in the office. For leaders, the system provides intelligent data and insights on office occupancy and utilisation, enabling them to make informed decisions about their space and plan for the future without having to physically move things around. The company also helps create a better workday for its own team by having a flexible, output-focused approach that allows for different life challenges. Crina stresses the importance of treating hybrid working as professionally as people treated work before the shift to hybrid models, emphasising the need for planning and intentionality.
Understanding Office Usage: Capella's system helps leaders use data to understand how the office is being used to make better decisions.
Encouraging Collaboration: The software helps employees find and sit with their colleagues, encouraging informal learning and collaboration.
Prioritise Planning: To have a better workday, it's essential to plan in advance, rather than making last-minute decisions.
Clear Communication from Leadership: A key barrier to a better workday is the lack of clear policies and communication from leaders about hybrid work expectations.
Work is an Output, Not a Location: A better workday is about moving forward and achieving something, not about the number of hours you work or where you work.
Clarity is Key: Unclear policies about hybrid working create "silent resentment" among employees. Leaders need to be decisive and communicate clearly to everyone.
Use Data to Plan: Instead of relying on feelings or guesses, companies can use data to understand how their office space is being used and make smart decisions about their workspace.
Plan Your Hybrid Week: Treat your hybrid schedule professionally by planning your days in advance. This helps ensure that when you go into the office, you're meeting with the colleagues you want to see.
Patience Pays Off: Having a flexible policy and patience with employees, particularly those re-entering the workforce, brings massive rewards for both the individual and the business.
For more information on Criona Turley and Capella, visit Capella’s website.
Welcome to The Better Workday Podcast with your host, Niamh Moynihan. Niamh is the founder of Better Workday. She will challenge you to think differently about how you manage your time, energy, attention and relationships at work to be successful while supporting your well-being.
In each episode Niamh shares new insights and practical ideas to help you create a better workday.
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