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Luncheon: Beyond Office Walls: How WFH's Impact Reshapes Urban Spaces and Work Cultures

  • Zoom and/or in person Círculo de Gendarmería, Paraguay 970 Argentina (map)

Below is the recording of the presentation:

Special benefit event to take place at the UWCBA October Luncheon Meeting -- A Silent Auction.  Because of the auction event, we will be gathering at 11 am to peruse the offers, choose favorites, make bids, win the item, and so on.  Sounds like fun.

For the October 17, 2023 UWC Monthly Luncheon we are pleased to be meeting at the Círculo de Gendarmería, Paraguay 970. Those who wish to participate on Zoom are also welcome.

The luncheon talk will be given by Dr. Cynthia Goytía on the subject of the impact of working from home on urban spaces and work culture. Cynthia’s CV can be found here.

Abstract:

The global pandemic radically transformed the way we work, driving a shift from traditional office settings to remote work-from-home (WFH) arrangements. As the world emerges from the pandemic, we are left with an important question: Will we revert to the old ways or embrace the new normal of WFH?

The narrative of work-from-home (WFH) during the pandemic is a story in three acts: immediate reaction, post-pandemic transition, and the current stabilization phase.

Act 1 - The Pandemic Shift: When the pandemic first struck, businesses across the globe scrambled to adapt, resulting in an unprecedented surge in WFH. Offices emptied overnight, meetings went virtual, and our homes transformed into multifunctional spaces, serving as offices, classrooms, and more.

Act 2 - The Post-Pandemic Transition: As the dust began to settle, and the immediate threats of the pandemic subsided, a mixed model emerged. Some employees returned to offices, some continued WFH, and others embraced a hybrid model. Once bustling hubs of activity, the city centers faced a period of identity crisis, leading to challenges and opportunities in urban planning and real estate.

Act 3 - The Stabilization Phase: Today, as we transition into stabilization, we're witnessing a 'new normal' evolution. Businesses have a better grasp on what works and what doesn't in the realm of remote work. The lessons learned from the pandemic are now being incorporated into long-term strategies. Concurrently, city centers are undergoing a transformation. The decline in traditional office usage is paving the way for public space revitalization and the promising concept of the "15-Minute City", where residents can access essential amenities within a short walk or bike ride.

This presentation delves into these three acts, exploring the intricate dance between WFH and urban transformation. We'll delve into how businesses and cities have adapted, what the future holds, and the innovative opportunities presented in this era of change and stabilization.

RSVP Information:

Remember that Monday, October 16 is a holiday so please RSVP by Friday, October 13.  To confirm your attendance, please click on the following link where you will be asked whether you wish to attend in person or via Zoom:

https://forms.gle/617ZGQGo2FjBPfeF6

After filling out the form in the link, click on the blue SUBMIT (ENVIAR) button at the bottom left. A new window will open confirming your reservation.  You will receive further confirmation of your reservation via email.

The fee for in-person attendance is $8000 (pesos) for UWC members and $9000 (pesos) for guests. Payment in cash, please.

Those attending virtually will receive the link to join the Zoom presentation the day before the luncheon.  Please note that the Hybrid meeting will start at 13:30.

If you will be attending virtually, you will receive the link to join the Zoom presentation the day before the luncheon. For in person attendance, please join us at the Círculo de Gendarmería, Paraguay 970. There are fees for members and guests. Payment in cash, please.

  • In order to participate in the Zoom interactive videoconference, download the Zoom app and review the etiquette as outlined on the UWC Zoom page. We will send all confirmed attendees the Zoom link needed to attend in advance of the event.

Earlier Event: October 11
Book: Picnic at Hanging Rock
Later Event: October 24
UWC Board Meeting