Redefining Work Through Audio

A Virtual Office Where You Join with Your Ears

Konel led the planning and development of Panasonic Radio, an office experienced entirely through sound—where employees stay connected by listening to workplace conversations and updates.

Issue

Rethinking the Office in a Remote Work Era

While remote work has increased flexibility and efficiency, it has also reduced casual conversations and the shared sense of workplace energy. Instead of abandoning physical offices or reverting to pre-remote norms, Panasonic Radio introduces a new approach: “ear commuting”—a hybrid of remote work and audio-based interaction, keeping employees informed and connected.

Creation

Experiencing the Office Through Sound

To strengthen the sense of belonging from a distance, we developed the concept of an audio-driven workstyle. The platform features a mix of formal company updates, casual roundtable discussions, and spontaneous interviews, making workplace communication more engaging and accessible.

Employees could listen in real time, give feedback, and even contribute their own broadcasts, fostering an interactive environment. To streamline operations, we implemented automated distribution systems and built in-house recording studios, ensuring wider participation with minimal overhead.

Future

The Evolution of the Virtual Office

Through ear commuting, we discovered unique advantages:

・Leadership felt more approachable, as employees could tune in informally.
・Departments that rarely interacted gained new connections, strengthening collaboration.
・Employees discovered colleagues they hadn’t met, sparking real-world conversations.

We are exploring custom audio devices and seeking partners to co-create new audio-based work experiences and content. If you're interested in shaping the future of work through sound, we’d love to connect.