Workplace Strategy
YOU EXPECT YOUR EMPLOYEES TO THINK CREATIVELY, TO CONCENTRATE FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME, TO MEET GOALS AND DEADLINES AND TO DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS, BUT DO YOU PROVIDE THEM WITH THE OPTIMAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT?
The Workplace Strategy methodology is focused on bringing together the spatial needs of the firm with the wellbeing of the employees through a creative design process and analysis that combines both program and design thinking. The result is working environments that increase employees’ overall satisfaction and identification with the organization while fulfilling the goals and business models of the organization. Providing employees (an organization’s most valuable asset) with an inspiring and pleasant work environment, makes good business sense and practice.
Studies show that a design that is aesthetic, ergonomic, healthy and a supportive work environments boosts performance and motivation, directly contributing to an organization’s success. The Workplace Strategy methodology intelligently combines the organization’s values, needs and branding, with day-to-day requirements and work patterns of employees.
Workplace Strategy is gaining momentum with forward thinking organizations worldwide. This method relates to in-depth strategic thinking in an organization and understanding its long-term goals, effectively designing the space to fit the business requirements and turn a greater profit. It is implemented by architects and designers who specialize in maximizing space and recognizing a company’s future needs. The process generally results in substantial savings.
Design in line with the organization’s goals – Design is an integral part of the Workplace Strategy methodology. Good design conveys the company’s values and spirit that further promote the organization’s vision and branding. Design should represent the company’s values, needs and goals and pave the way for higher return on investments and better business practices.
Upgrading the workplace occurs in these typical scenarios:
- A move to a new location; whether for relocation, or to support larger area demands.
- Organizational changes and restructures such as company mergers, growth or downsizing.
- New management in a company with plans to renovate an office space to match their vision support of a wider goal of rebranding, attracting talent or new customer base.
Workplace Strategy is based on a combined top down and bottom up approach harnessing a cross section of the organization, including an in-depth investigation of the wider needs, goals and requirements company-wide.
THE WORKPLACE STRATEGY PROCESS
Research – Information gathering of the organization and understanding its corporate vision. Collecting information and data from the organization aimed at defining the scope of the project.
Workplace Study – Defining with leadership a vision and goals for the project by studying the organization’s day-to-day work routine, patterns and daily activities. Based on data and information gathered, we analyze the main work function zones including measuring the traffic and circulation, (e.g. how often employees visit the kitchenette), defining private and public areas and gaining an overall understanding of the spatial and programmatic requirements of the organization.
Workshops and Focus Groups Work sessions, focus groups and one on one interviews with a cross section of the organization aimed at covering a variety of topics, such as: teamwork, productivity, department relationships and interdependencies, social interaction and determining which existing spaces are most frequented for personal use and team collaborations. The workshops can be followed up by a survey that is filled out by all employees for more conclusive results.
Interim Report is prepared for the organization’s management team. The report analyzes the company’s current status and the needs as we understand the data and information collection during the previous stages. Following the interim report, the leadership can decide if complementary study is needed to further research specific aspects that need further investigation and attention. The planning team can provide this if needed.
Final Report – This report includes diagrams and tables to clearly define the company’s new Workplace Strategy. It combines leadership and employees’ suggestions for necessary changes in the improved future workspace.
* For the process to succeed it is very important to have active participation by a wide cross section of the organization.
