Our guest, Sharmin Akter, is a workplace experience and facilities management leader specialising in inclusive, human-centred design. Passionate about shaping environments that prioritise wellbeing, equity, and employee empowerment, Sharmin advocates for transforming FM into a strategic driver of organisational success.

Episode Summary In this episode of Tap Into Something Better, host Hannah Freeman sits down with Sharmin Akter to explore what it truly means to design workplaces that empower people to thrive. Together, they unpack how wellbeing, inclusivity, and green spaces can transform workplace culture and why the future of facilities management lies in elevating the human experience. Sharmin shares her passion for creating environments shaped with employees, not for them—from sensory gardens to nap pods—and explains how meaningful innovations can boost productivity, creativity, and connection.

• Real workplace transformation is done with people, not to them.

• Sensory gardens and green spaces foster inclusivity, creativity, and wellbeing.

• We are human first, employees second.

• Listening to employee voices is essential for meaningful change.

• Facilities management is shifting from a cost centre to a strategic business driver.

• Diversity in leadership is crucial for shaping better environments.

• Innovations like nap pods can significantly enhance workplace culture.

• Short power naps can deliver major productivity boosts.

• The best workplaces are inclusive, human-centric, and experience-led.

• Transforming Workplaces: A People-First Approach

• The Power of Green Spaces in Work Culture

• “Creating a sensory garden for inclusivity.”

• “We are human first and employees second.”

• “Power naps can boost productivity.”

00:00 — Introduction to Transformative Workplaces 01:13 — People-Centred Initiatives in Workplace Transformation 05:28 — The Impact of Green Spaces on Wellbeing 10:36 — Diversity, Equity, and Employee Empowerment 15:47 — Facilities Management as a Strategic Driver 20:28 — Innovative Ideas for Enhancing Workspaces