Listening to the Office: How Data Is Redefining Workplace Design

Chris Spence
Nov 5
3 min read

Most office design decisions are made by gut instinct.Someone says “that feels right” — and millions are spent.

But what if the office itself could tell us what’s working and what isn’t?

That’s exactly what my latest guest, Chris Moriarty, Co-Founder of Audiem, is helping companies unlock.

The rise of the data-driven workplace

Audiem’s mission is simple but powerful:give employees a voice and use data analytics to transform that feedback into actionable insights.

Instead of relying on periodic surveys or leadership opinions, Audiem brings together multiple streams of feedback — helpdesk tickets, surveys, chat forums, even project data — and analyses it through an AI-powered platform that shows not just what people think, but why.

The result?A truly informed view of the workplace experience — one that helps organisations build spaces that perform, not just look good.

From noise to narrative

In our conversation, Chris talked about how companies are drowning in feedback but starved of clarity.Every project, every facilities issue, every HR survey creates another layer of “noise.”

Audiem’s approach cuts through that noise. By using machine learning and sentiment analysis, it finds patterns across thousands of comments and turns them into data-backed narratives — stories that tell leaders what really matters to their people.

One of Chris’s favourite examples comes from NatWest.They had over a dozen separate feedback channels — from workplace surveys to helpdesk tickets — but no single view. By integrating it all into Audiem, they uncovered insights that reshaped how the bank approached workspace strategy and employee engagement.

It’s not just about comfort or aesthetics; it’s about aligning space with business performance.

Why gut feel isn’t enough anymore

We all like to think we know what good looks like.But the workplace has changed. Hybrid work, shifting employee expectations, and a growing emphasis on well-being mean assumptions are now dangerous.

A layout that once “felt right” might now limit collaboration.A tech investment that looked clever on paper might frustrate users in practice.

Data removes the guesswork. It provides an evidence-based foundation for design decisions — something both workplace strategists and C-suite leaders can rally around.

Chris made an interesting point during our chat:

“If we’re measuring everything from sales to sustainability, why aren’t we measuring how our people experience the place they spend most of their time?”

It’s a question every organisation should be asking.

Turning feedback into action

Collecting data is easy. Acting on it is where transformation happens.

Audiem’s strength lies in connecting insight to impact — showing not just what’s wrong, but how to fix it. Whether it’s identifying a poorly performing floor, a recurring facilities complaint, or a drop in engagement after a refurb, Audiem visualises the issues clearly so workplace teams can prioritise what really matters.

This is where technology meets empathy.The numbers are only half the story — the other half is listening, learning, and making changes that show employees their voices genuinely count.

The future of workplace feedback

As we look toward the next decade of workplace strategy, one thing is clear:Data is becoming the new design brief.

The most successful organisations will be those who treat feedback not as a formality, but as a foundation.They’ll use platforms like Audiem to create continuous listening loops — evolving their workplaces as living, breathing systems that respond to how people actually use them.

Imagine being able to see in real time how employees feel about a new hybrid model, or whether an investment in collaboration zones is really paying off. That’s the level of clarity companies are now beginning to expect — and Audiem is leading that charge.

My takeaway

What struck me most in talking with Chris was how data and humanity don’t have to be opposites.If anything, data — when used well — helps us become more human in our decisions.

It lets us move beyond opinions and hierarchies, and instead build environments that genuinely serve the people who use them.

In a world where workplace budgets are tightening and expectations are rising, that’s not just smart — it’s essential.