For our Warsaw studio’s first Think Tank, we discussed the challenge of creating authentic workplaces that give people a sense of belonging and identity. Today's workplace must support authentic human experience across the full spectrum of how people work, think and connect.

We brought together occupiers, neuroscientists, designers and researchers to explore what makes a workplace truly authentic. Through an interactive polling session with our audience, clear priorities emerged that challenge conventional design thinking.

Interactive polling revealed that "supports how I actually work day to day" ranked first in workplace priorities, while "looks distinctive and reflects the brand" came fourth. Krzysztof Kurach (Citi) emphasized that authentic workplaces operate seamlessly post-handover, not just on opening day, while Robert Kamiński (Broadway Malyan) reinforced that successful spaces are those where people genuinely feel a sense of belonging.

Research shared by Mariola Bidner (Brookfield Partners) revealed poor acoustics can reduce cognitive capacity by 30 to 50% for neurodivergent individuals. A crucial principle emerged from the discussion that there's no such thing as a normal brain, and we all have very different sensory, cognitive and social needs that must be considered in workplace design.

Cost assumptions were challenged around designing for neurodiversity with Natalia Olszewska (Impronta) noting that thoughtful workplace design is primarily about awareness and earlier consideration, not expensive retrofits. It can be as simple as a layout reconfiguration, rather than a structural change, that can make spaces work for diverse cognitive needs.

Authentic workplaces go beyond visual impact to reflect the full complexity of human experience. As organisations continue to navigate hybrid work, the most successful spaces will be designed not for a standard user, but for the diverse ways people think, work and connect.

Moderator:

Richard Stephens, Founder & Editor, The Poland Observer

Speakers:

• Robert Kamiński, Principal and Head of Broadway Malyan Warsaw
• Krzysztof Kurach, International Construction Manager, Citi
• Natalia Olszewska, CSO & Co-founder, Impronta
• Adam Jackowski, CEO, Concession Europe
• Mariola Bidner, Partner & Strategic Advisory Lead, Brookfield Partners