Use a Data-Driven Approach to Distributed Work

In a rapidly evolving workplace landscape, the transition to distributed work has ushered in unprecedented challenges and opportunities. To explore how organizations can navigate this new reality, I spoke with Adel El Mawla and Asaël Akkerman, co-founders of Workplaced. Their platform takes a data-driven approach to workplace strategy, helping companies align their real estate, HR, and operational objectives with employee needs.

This conversation revealed how Workplaced leverages technology to enable smarter, human-centric workplace decisions, creating a blueprint for success in the age of hybrid work.

Bridging the Gap Between Work and Place 

Adel El Mawla, CEO of Workplaced, introduced the platform’s mission succinctly: “We leverage people and place data to define optimal workplace strategies.” With a background in engineering, real estate, and PropTech, El Mawla brings a systems-level understanding of workplace challenges.

The platform’s goal is multifaceted—improving productivity and cost-efficiency while enhancing employee satisfaction and well-being. “It’s about aligning the needs of the business with the preferences of the workforce, whether through hybrid models, office layouts, or alternative workspaces,” he explained.

Co-founder Asaël Akkerman, Chief Strategy Officer, emphasized the nuanced approach Workplaced offers: “Instead of top-down decisions, we integrate personality data, work patterns, and preferences to create solutions that work for individuals and teams.” Drawing from his experience in workplace strategy, Akkerman highlighted how the platform moves beyond cookie-cutter solutions to deliver precision-driven outcomes.

From Data to Decisions 

Central to Workplaced’s approach is its reliance on robust data inputs. El Mawla and Akkerman described how the platform collects employee personality profiles, work schedules, and activity preferences, alongside corporate strategic goals. This comprehensive dataset enables their algorithm to provide tailored recommendations for work arrangements, office configurations, and even building selection. Workplaced also offers a management tool for space booking, featuring a “continuous listening” capability that enables companies to measure the impact of workplace changes on employee experience.

For instance, Workplaced’s algorithms can analyze an organization’s needs and simulate scenarios for growth. “If you’re a scaling company planning to add 100 employees in two years, our platform can show how to optimize your existing space or determine whether a move makes more sense,” said El Mawla.

This data-driven process offers a level of foresight that traditional methods, such as surveys and focus groups, struggle to achieve. “Surveys are useful but inherently limited—they’re a snapshot,” Akkerman noted. “We combine quantitative data like occupancy and utilization with qualitative insights to create a dynamic, holistic view of workplace performance.”

Addressing Complex Workplace Needs 

The evolving workplace landscape demands adaptable solutions, particularly as companies face challenges like low office utilization, generational shifts in work preferences, and trends like quiet quitting. Akkerman explained, “We’re in a period where the complexity of workplace needs has skyrocketed. Standardized solutions no longer cut it.”

One of Workplaced’s key innovations is its ability to cater to diverse work styles. Whether employees work fully remotely, in hybrid models, or in third-party co-working spaces, the platform offers strategies that align with individual and organizational objectives.

This adaptability is especially valuable for organizations managing varied pain points. For example, HR may focus on retention and attraction, while corporate real estate prioritizes cost management. Workplaced bridges these priorities, delivering actionable insights through metrics like the “alignment score,” which evaluates how well a workplace setup meets the needs of both employees and the business.

Human-Centric and Future-Ready 

A recurring theme in our conversation was the platform’s human-centric ethos. “Businesses often overlook the individuals who make up their workforce,” said El Mawla. “We emphasize listening to employees because their needs directly impact productivity and engagement.”

This focus extends to the platform’s iterative growth. Akkerman revealed plans to integrate additional functionalities, such as enhanced behavioral mapping and deeper industry benchmarking, ensuring that Workplaced remains at the forefront of workplace strategy innovation.

As organizations grapple with uncertainty and rapid change, Workplaced offers a way to make evidence-based decisions that resonate across all levels. From providing C-suite leaders with data-driven justifications to empowering employees with more personalized work options and recommendations, the platform delivers measurable outcomes that go beyond guesswork.

Transforming Workplaces for Tomorrow 

El Mawla and Akkerman concluded our discussion with a clear message: workplaces must evolve to keep pace with a changing world. “We spend significant time personalizing our homes, but workplaces are often treated as afterthoughts,” said El Mawla. “That has to change.”

Workplaced exemplifies the potential of combining advanced analytics with a commitment to employee well-being. It empowers organizations to make better choices, not only about where and how work happens but also about creating environments that foster success for all stakeholders, which is what I always emphasize when I advise my clients about refining their flexible work arrangements.

As distributed work continues to redefine the professional landscape, platforms like Workplaced are paving the way for smarter, more inclusive workplace strategies—strategies built not on assumptions, but on data-driven precision.

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