We welcomed London Property Alliance members and stakeholders to Grosvenor’s offices. Organised by the LPA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, our breakfast seminar, Workplace & Workspace: The role of the office in London’s success explored the role of the office as a magnet (not a mandate) for mindful, considered and purposeful workplace experiences.
Insights from the seminar included:
Casual collisions: Creating an office that encourages collaboration, fosters learning via osmosis whilst facilitating sporadic social interactions with peers. An aspect of work that is vital for all, especially those starting out in their career.
Learnings from Covid: Nearly four years on, the benefits of working flexibly shouldn’t be forgotten, particularly for workers with disabilities, neuro-divergence, chronic illnesses and caring responsibilities.
Agglomeration: “We are living in a live experiment” and the long-term impact of changes in workplace practices to London’s economy are not yet clear, as outlined by Alexander Jan in his presentation, reminding the audience that the economic benefits of businesses and people in a specific area, such as an office, should not be forgotten.
Our speakers included:
- Alexander Jan, Chief Economic Advisor, London Property Alliance
- Katherine Bain, Senior Director – Head of West End Tenant Representation, CBRE
- Jo Banfield, Human Resources Director, Grosvenor Property UK
- Jasmine Ceccarelli-Drewry, Co-Chair, Real Estate Balance NextGen Committee and Senior Advisor, Montagu Evans
- Katy Ghahremani, WPA Board and LPA D, E & I Co-chair, Architect & Partner, Make Architects
- Ilna Patel, CPA Board and LPA D, E & I Co-chair, Director, Nuveen Real Estate (panel chair)
- Deian Rhys, Partner, Simmons & Simmons
To find out more about our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee visit our dedicated webpage here.
