SOLON, OH, OCTOBER 16, 2025 — Global flooring manufacturer Tarkett recently wrapped on its inaugural WorkLife Summit. The two-day summit brought together nearly 30 workplace and multifamily professionals—including architects, designers and property managers—in Bodega Bay, California, to discuss the future of commercial real estate.

“As technology reshapes how we work and live, the lines between office and home and work and life are dissolving. The industry must evolve from static buildings to dynamic ecosystems that foster collaboration, sustainability, and well-being,” said Derrell Jackson, director of workplace segment for Tarkett. “These changes are essential, not optional. The future belongs to those who can rethink design, operations, and investment to create experiences that meet the challenges of hybrid work, climate resilience, and evolving tenant expectations.”

By bringing together top minds from those who design, develop and influence workplace and multifamily environments, Tarkett’s WorkLife Summit is designed to spark new ideas and drive actionable solutions.

The summit explored critical themes, including the permanence of hybrid work, the drivers of employee morale, and the urgent need for purpose-driven workplace design.

Dr. Tracy Brower, a sociologist and author, led a session that emphasized that morale is built on community, confidence and conviction, urging leaders to design spaces that intentionally foster connection and counter the growing issue of loneliness in a “VUCA” (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) world. Discussions highlighted a fundamental shift in the employee-workplace relationship, with the office evolving from a default location to an intentional destination for collaboration, mentorship and cultural connection.

A session from workplace consultant Julia Kean challenged traditional metrics like occupancy rates, advocating for new, experience-focused measures borrowed from hospitality and retail to prove the value of physical space. The session underscored that employees return to offices for people, not square footage, and to attract and retain talent, workplaces must rethink the office as an experience-driven destination that earns its relevance through purpose, trust and adaptability.

The summit also addressed innovation in multifamily housing and the integration of technology in the built environment. Anna Perez of Hudson Valley Property Group demonstrated how thoughtful design and durable materials can bring dignity and beauty to affordable housing. Property technology (“PropTech”) expert Joe Scanlin provided a forward-looking perspective on "smart buildings," framing them as the next frontier for AI and data, with the potential to revolutionize everything from energy efficiency to human well-being.

Throughout the event, a clear consensus emerged: the future of successful spaces—whether for work or life—lies in human-centered design, flexibility and a deep commitment to fostering community and purpose.

The gathering also included immersive design exercises focused on the health and well-being of attendees, guided forest bathing (a Japanese practice of mindful nature immersion) and reflective conversations on key takeaways and steps forward.

“The summit was an exceptional experience—far exceeding our expectations. The sessions offered valuable insights, meaningful connections, and an inspiring exchange of ideas. We are eager to share our takeaways with the broader team and put what we learned into action,” said Rachel Lacher, a space designer at Highmark Health.

Learn more about Tarkett’s workplace and multi-family solutions at tarkett.com.

About Tarkett
With a 140-year history, Tarkett is a worldwide leader in innovative and durable flooring and sports surface solutions, generating net sales of 3.3 billion euros in 2024. The Group has close to 12,000 employees, 24 R&D centres, 8 recycling centres, and 35 production sites. Tarkett designs and manufactures solutions for hospitals, schools, housing, hotels, offices, shops, and sports fields, serving customers in more than 100 countries. To build “The Way to Better Floors”, the Group is committed to the circular economy and sustainable development, in line with its Tarkett Human-Conscious Design® approach. Tarkett is listed on the Euronext-regulated market (compartment B, ISIN: FR0004188670, ticker: TKTT). www.tarkett-group.com

Every Step Matters
For years, Tarkett has raised the sustainability standards of the flooring industry. The company designs floors with transparency you can trust as it creates healthy impacts on indoor spaces and protects our air, water, soil, and every living thing. Tarkett’s ReStart® take-back and recycling program will either repurpose or recycle every type of flooring from any manufacturer. Its near-term science-based carbon emissions reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and are fully aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement objective to limit global warming by 1.5 degrees Celsius. For more information, visit commercial.tarkett.com/sustainability.