As the new post-pandemic normal settles in and people adapt to a context of uncertainty, constant adversities, and pessimism, we are moving away from a moment in which consumers expected brands to rise up to society's challenges and into one when they’re demanding genuine allyship from businesses.

In Japan, car sales are falling due to supply shortages and increasing inflation, leaving people looking for alternative personal transport options. To cater to this growing demographic, telecom brand Softbank has partnered with Singaporean used marketplace Carro to offer a car subscription service.

In an attempt to distinguish between working and living spaces, a Japanese builder has designed a tiny home office that can be constructed in just two days. With remote working looking set to stay, Japanese people are reimagining their work-from-home set-ups.

While widespread remote working was instigated during the pandemic, ideas to develop a ‘remote-first’ workforce have been pushed by prominent advocates for years. Now, with companies like Airbnb and Spotify having shifted to this model, could this future be within reach? And is the world ready for it?

As business leaders contemplate a return to the office, it’s becoming clear that remote working is here to stay. And, with the pandemic bringing about the world’s biggest workplace experiment, what does the future hold for employers and their staff, who are seeking new ways of working?