Why Businesses Need Smarter Workspaces

Why Businesses Need Smarter Workspaces

January 5, 2026 · 38 min · Season 8 · Episode 10

About this episode

This episode discusses the evolution of smart workspaces and the technology that enhances employee experience and business performance.

This episode of Explain IT explores the evolution of the smart workspace, moving beyond basic connectivity to create environments that act as a "magnet, not a mandate" for employees.  Host Ashleigh Baker is joined by experts from Softcat and Cisco to discuss how integrated technology - ranging from seamless networking to AI-powered collaboration tools - drives employee experience and business performance. By focusing on technology that removes "meeting room fear" and enhances creativity, organisations can transform their physical offices into high-IQ hubs that rival the comfort and efficiency of home working. Ashleigh Baker is the guest host of the podcast and a team leader in Softcat's architecture service. Joining her is Tom Rowley, Softcat networking connectivity chief technologist; Jack Lewis, Softcat workspace chief technologist; and Rob Lei, Cisco UKI solutions engineering director and CTO. The conversation highlights the critical role of a performant and secure network as the foundation for these workspaces, ensuring that investments in Unified Communications (UC) are not bottlenecked by poor infrastructure. Using Softcat's own Manchester office refit as a blueprint…

People in this episode

Host: Ashleigh Baker

Guests: Tom Rowley, Jack Lewis, Rob Lei

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Organizations: Softcat, Cisco

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