As the global conversation around the future of work continues to evolve, one theme remains constant: workplace experience is a business-critical differentiator. In an era defined by hybrid work, rapid technological change and the growing influence of AI, organisations are under pressure to understand what truly drives people to feel connected, productive, and fulfilled at work. Yet traditional metrics often fall short–still preoccupied with space utilisation and cost efficiency rather than the deeper “why” behind employee behaviour.
The newly launched WORKTECH Index survey offers a ground-breaking response to this gap. Developed through collaboration between UnWork, WORKTECH Academy, and the WORKTECH Advisory Board, the Index introduces a simple yet powerful diagnostic method to measure what matters most to employees today. Built on more than 25 years of workplace research and consulting, it evaluates six key “moments that matter” across the work experience journey–from physical environment and digital enablement to cultural connection and personal wellbeing.
These six dimensions represent some of the biggest drivers of workplace experience today–but they are also the ones most at risk as patterns of in-person presence shift. In an increasingly flexible and distributed work landscape, the WORKTECH Index provides a unique snapshot into workplace behaviours and motivations. It explores how people now relate to work–what draws them to the workplace, how their commute shapes their day, and which factors most influence their engagement and performance.
The Index takes the form of a short, standardised survey designed for maximum participation and rapid deployment, ensuring organisations can access timely, actionable insights without the complexity of lengthy studies. Participating companies receive a detailed, data-rich report highlighting strengths and opportunities across each dimension, while aggregated, anonymised responses contribute to a growing global benchmark for workplace experience. This evolving dataset will allow for meaningful cross-industry and regional comparisons, helping business leaders gauge how their employee experience stacks up against others worldwide.
In a world where the “return to office” conversation often focuses on mandates and attendance targets, the WORKTECH Index offers a practical and evidence-based route forward. It gives organisations the tools to design workplaces that people want to be part of–spaces that foster collaboration, belonging, and purpose.
By measuring what matters, businesses can build stronger, more human-centred workplaces–fit not just for 2026, but for the years beyond.
For enquiries, please contact UnWork at [email protected].
