Workplace Insider: More brains, heart, and space planning power

Are we losing sight of human connection by focusing too much on workplace efficiency? 

Forbes contributor and thought leader Theresa Hopke writes that hybrid work promised a balance of flexibility and collaboration; to deliver on that promise, leaders need to build moments of connection into the workplace strategy. If we prioritize efficient meetings over personal check-ins, or move on to the next big launch before celebrating the last, we risk eroding culture and trust, and ultimately, employee engagement and retention.

At OfficeSpace, connection powers how we build our platform: We co-create with our clients, prioritizing features that address their most pressing challenges, while continuing to develop tools that support team collaboration.

Dojo, the patented technology for AI-powered space planning and now part of OfficeSpace, is one such tool.

What is means for you: In addition to instantly generating stack plans and scenarios, AI space planning helps you co-locate teams and departments for maximum productivity and teamwork, based on actual collaboration metrics from Slack, Teams, and Zoom. Learn more.

What it means for us: We’ve expanded our team and welcomed a community that shares our values. We partnered with Dojo because, like us, they see the workplace as a strategic business lever: your competitive edge to win the war for talent. Our shared mission is to help leaders build workplaces that inspire and drive growth. Workplace AI and technology can condense months of space planning work into minutes, freeing up time to build better experiences and stronger relationships.

At IFMA World Workplace, we co-presented with our client OpenAI to explore what “human-centered AI” really looks like for facilities teams: how it reduces reactive work by up to 80%, unlocks 10x scale for planners, and gives facility managers more time to strategize and connect.

“Your job isn’t going away. What’s changing is the nature of the work. AI takes on repetitive tasks, giving you more time to connect, innovate, and guide how people experience work,” shared our CPO Andres Avalos. 

Release Notes

Even as we celebrate this new chapter, our product team continues to make all aspects of workplace management easier, thanks to your feedback. Here’s what’s new:

Room booking: Smart, secure, and seamless 

OfficeSpace can now book rooms on behalf of employees without requiring full access to organizational calendars.
✅ For IT: Simpler controls and stronger security
✅ For employees: Easier booking, accurate data
Available to all users

Room Booking Restrictions

Your Microsoft 365 and Google Calendar permissions now sync automatically with OfficeSpace.
✅ Ensure VIP teams get the rooms they need
✅ Prevent double-booking and cancellations
✅ Maintain data accuracy
Available on Essential, Pro, and Room Booking Pro

Automatic Conferencing

Video links are now added by default, meaning your meetings can be hybrid every time, without the extra step.
Available to all users

Neighborhood Drawing Improvements

Easier boundary drawing, smarter validation, and color-coded clarity help admins adapt to evolving team needs, reducing setup time while improving precision.

Stories We Love ❤️

United Airlines makes circular design look cool

Circular design, where building materials never become waste and nature is regenerated, was the framework behind United Airline’s HQ makeover. At IFMA WW ‘25, their team shared how they diverted 500 tons of materials away from landfills and created a space that’s 49-73% less carbon intensive than before. They partnered with vendors like Shaw Floors and their own airline team to repurpose flooring, tiles, and aviation artifacts (like a jet engine blade coffee table); incorporated natural and linear lighting to reduce embodied carbon; and embraced a neutral, timeless design to challenge the culture of “all new.” 

 See the “after” photos

Imperial College London is using AI for good 

Researchers at Imperial College London have created an AI-enhanced stethoscope that can detect heart conditions instantly.
Read the story on The Guardian

How “healthy buildings” save companies dollars 

A new report shows that buildings with improved ventilation, lighting, and thermal comfort mean less sick time and more productivity, and can provide over $20K in net value per employee.
Read more on Facilities Dive

Where to find us next

👋 Be part of our growing network. Come say ‘hi’ at:

• IFMA Facility Fusion, San Francisco | April 7–9
  

Stay in the loop: 🔗YouTube | 📸Instagram | 📖Blog | 🌐 LinkedIn

📺Have 90 seconds? Learn more about Dojo x OfficeSpace
🎥 See AI Space Planning in action

– The OfficeSpace Team