Next Workplace, a pioneering workplace strategy consultancy founded by Stephen Minnett, is embarking on a significant expansion with the appointment of Stuart Munro as Director and the introduction of new change management services. This strategic move strengthens Next Workplace’s position as a leader in workplace innovation, offering a comprehensive approach to tackling the challenges of modern work environments.

“With the radical change in the world of work that has occurred since COVID, I have found that so much of the discussions in a strategic engagement have been about people’s behaviours and how to influence them – whether it be why they come to work or how they can be productive with a hybrid way of working and a distributed team,” says Minnett.

“Recently we undertook a future workplace strategy for a client whose head office supported over 6000 people – but the workplace was failing because of the behaviours that had evolved since COVID,” he continues. “For us to help, they needed the sort of insight and leadership that I know Stuart can provide”

Since its establishment in 2023, Next Workplace has quickly become a trusted partner for organizations navigating the post-COVID work landscape. The consultancy’s rapid rise can be attributed to its commitment to reimagining workplaces with a fresh, forward-looking perspective. With Stuart Munro now joining Stephen Minnett at the helm, Next Workplace is set to deliver even more comprehensive and innovative solutions to its clients.

The collaboration between Stephen and Stuart is built on a long history of successful partnership. During Stephen’s 22-year tenure at Futurespace, a firm he founded in 2000, Stuart played pivotal roles, including National Business Development Manager, Workplace Strategy Consultant, and Interim CEO. Their complementary skills and shared vision for workplace innovation make this new chapter for Next Workplace a natural progression.

“The synergy between Stuart and myself is undeniable,” says Stephen Minnett. “Our combined experience and complementary expertise will allow us to offer unparalleled insights and solutions to our clients. We’re both incredibly excited about this next step in the evolution of Next Workplace.”

Next Workplace’s approach is grounded in the belief that one-size-fits-all solutions are inadequate in today’s complex work environment. The firm emphasizes a critical review of current workplace trends, a thorough analysis of an organization’s existing space and work patterns, and extensive engagement with employees at all levels. This methodology allows Next Workplace to develop tailored strategies that resonate deeply with each client’s workforce, ensuring that new workplace strategies are not only well-designed but also successfully implemented.

“Our goal is to create workplaces that people want to come to, not just because they have to,” concludes Stuart Munro. “We’re here to help organisations find that sweet spot where company objectives, team dynamics and individual needs all align, supported by innovative design and technology.”

Related: Stephen Minnett launches Next Workplace

Stuart Munro brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He previously served as National Change Management Director at Montlaur/CBRE, where he established and led their change management business. Additionally, he held a leadership position at Calven, a technology startup focused on solving hybrid work challenges for prominent organizations like Canva, Officeworks, and Australia Post. Throughout his career, Stuart has led workplace strategy, design, change management, and technology projects for some of Australia’s most notable companies, including MinterEllison, IAG, RMIT, NIB, Medibank, and Transurban.

With the addition of Stuart Munro and the expansion of its service offerings, Next Workplace is well-equipped to help organizations navigate the evolving world of work. Their commitment to creating functional, inspiring, and empowering workplaces ensures that they remain at the forefront of workplace innovation.

“The workplace is evolving faster than ever, and organizations need trusted partners to navigate this change,” says Stuart Munro. “I’m thrilled to join Stephen at Next Workplace, where we can combine our expertise to deliver holistic solutions that align with our clients’ objectives and empower their people.”

Next Workplace
nextworkplace.com.au