Did You Map Out the Workplace Roadmap Yet?

As the CTO and co-founder of Joan, I’m usually focused on shaping our product roadmap and planning what’s next for our tech. But recently, I started thinking about something else: why don’t more leaders have a roadmap for their workplace itself?

You see, many leaders plan product features months (sometimes years!) in advance, but workplace decisions tend to happen on the fly, without much thought of how they all connect over time. So I got curious and started digging into what a workplace roadmap could actually look like, and I think there are some really valuable things here that you might not want to miss.

Trust me, once you see the value of a workplace roadmap, you’ll be surprised by how many leaders overlook this. There are three big aspects to consider that could make all the difference.

By the way, we’re holding a keynote soon to walk you through our upcoming product updates, and I'd love for you to join us! If you’re interested, you can register here.

Introduction to workplace roadmaps

A workplace roadmap is your strategic plan for transforming how your team works. It’s similar to the product roadmap you already use for your tech, but with a focus on your physical office, digital tools, and overall employee experience.

In short, it’s about planning ahead for the what, why, and how of creating a workplace that works for everyone.

I’m going to introduce three major pillars to a workplace roadmap here, just the high-level overview. But the next magazine in two weeks, I’ll be sharing a detailed, actionable plan for how to actually implement each pillar in your workplace. Stay tuned for that!

Vision & strategy overview

Before diving into the specifics of each pillar, it’s crucial to define your vision for the workplace. What do you want your team to experience in the next year or two? What changes will help you meet your company’s goals and create a thriving, efficient environment?

Once that vision is clear, the strategy can follow. Every decision you make about technology, office space, or employee experience should support that bigger vision.

Pillar 1: Digital workplace planning

The first pillar is about your digital workplace. This includes everything from your communication tools (Slack, Teams, etc.) to your booking systems and IT infrastructure.

Rather than diving deep into each tool today, think of the big picture: how are your tools working together to support your team’s productivity? Are there gaps in your systems?

In two weeks, I’ll share a step-by-step approach to assessing your current digital tools, upgrading systems, and ensuring your team is using them effectively.

Pillar 2: Workplace strategy / Physical space planning

The second pillar focuses on your physical space, your office layout, desk arrangements, meeting rooms, collaboration zones, and even your hybrid work setup.

Instead of detailing how to design each area today, think about the overall strategy: does your space align with how your team works? Is it flexible enough to accommodate different work styles and future needs?

In two weeks, I’ll break down how to assess your space, identify areas for improvement, and plan for a more productive, comfortable office environment.

Pillar 3: Employee experience planning

The final pillar is about the employee experience, from recruitment to retention. This includes onboarding, career development, wellness programs, and recognition.

The question here is: how do you want your employees to feel at each stage of their journey with you? What can you do to ensure they’re engaged, growing, and supported throughout their time at your company?

In two weeks, I’ll outline how to create an employee experience roadmap that boosts engagement and retention, and how to put programs in place that truly support your team.

Milestones & timeline

So, why should you care about a workplace roadmap? Without one, decisions about your office and team environment can end up feeling disconnected or random. With a clear roadmap, everything aligns: your space, your tools, and your employee experience all come together to create a cohesive, productive workplace.

I’ll be back in two weeks with the full, actionable plan for how to build and implement each of these three pillars in your workplace. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, we’re also hosting a keynote soon to share what we’re building at Joan, and I’d love for you to join us. If you're interested, you can register here.

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