On January 8, AWA India proudly hosted the second in a three-part series of online workshops exploring the future of work and its implications for workplace professionals in India. This engaging session brought together a diverse group of influential Workplace Leaders dedicated to shaping the future of workplace experience across Indian organizations.
A Forward-Thinking Workshop Series
The second workshop featured Brad Taylor and Nathan Gupta, leading experts in workplace strategy and neuroscience respectively, who delivered comprehensive insights into the intersection of human performance, workplace design, and technology. This session deepened our understanding of how cognitive science and technological advancement will shape the future of work.

Key Themes from Experts
Dimensions of high performing organizations
The DOSE Framework: Optimising Brain Chemistry
The DOSE framework can be utilized for optimizing cognitive performance, focusing on four key brain chemicals:
- Dopamine: The motivation driver, influenced by exercise, healthy habits
- Oxytocin: The trust builder, essential for bonding and collaboration
- Serotonin: The mood regulator, critical for emotional well-being
- Endorphins: The natural stress relievers
Cognitive Performance Optimization
Key factors discussed for maintaining peak cognitive performance include:
- Nutrition: Emphasis on balanced meals and regular nutrition breaks
- Sleep: Recommendation of 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep
- Hydration: Target of 2-2.5 L daily water intake
- Exercise: Minimum 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly
Environmental Factors:
- Noise: sounds that are not disrupting the focus and work
- Temperature: comfortable temperatures to avoid overworking of the brain and reduced performance
- Lighting: it impacts our circadian rhythm, so how we manage exposure to natural light matters
- Biophilia: access to plants and green views reduces stress
- Scent: this stimulates reactions in the body and brain
The workshop explored how workplace design in the 2030s and beyond must evolve to support cognitive performance:
- Deep work zones aligned with circadian rhythms
- Biophilic connections for improved well-being
- Sensory overload management systems
- Personalized workspaces enabled by augmented intelligence
- Spaces that encourage collaboration and connection
Future-Forward Discussions and Insights
Technology Integration
- Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in the built environment to transform and better manage the traditional office space
- Evolution toward device-free workspaces, where technology in the room/office picks up our workflow
- Augmented and cognitive intelligence applications
- Building Information Modelling (BIM) as standard practice for design, construction, and facility management, enabling seamless integration of smart building systems and workplace analytics
Space Design
- A shift from dedicated to need-based workspace allocation models
- Dedicated wellness and exercise spaces within offices
- Stress reduction through environmental design
- Inclusive design for neurodiversity
Teams & Collaboration
- Hyper-collaboration and equitable collaboration environments
- Balance between human and machine interaction
- Ethics of work while collaborating with machines
Looking Ahead
This workshop successfully bridged neuroscience, technology, and workplace design, providing actionable insights for creating future-ready workplaces. The discussions highlighted the critical importance of understanding human cognitive needs while embracing technological advancement.
We invite you to join us for the final session in this series on January 30, 2025, where we will synthesize insights from our previous workshops and develop concrete strategies for implementation.
AWA India remains committed to driving cutting-edge thought leadership and fostering a community of forward-thinking workplace professionals. Together, we can shape a future-ready workplace experience that prioritizes both human performance and technological innovation.
Join us to stay ahead in the evolution of work.
For more details on our workshops and insights, register for our AWA Institute membership.