Workplace Transformation
Offices in the not-so-distant past consisted of an endless sea of identical cubes.
Why workplace transformation?
The kind of work we do today is radically different than the work we did even 10 years ago. The workplace has to adapt and change to meet our evolving needs.
Complex work requires different spaces.
Over the past ten years, much of our structured and process-oriented work has been automated or outsourced. Our work today is unstructured, complex, and creative, requiring more intense periods of focus and collaboration.
Workforce demographics are changing.
As experienced and skilled baby boomers head to retirement, organizations must appeal to younger cohorts of workers (Gen X, Gen Y and Gen Z). By 2030, it is predicted that 75% of the workforce will be Millennials (also known as Gen Y). Millennials tend to seek work/life balance, seamless technology, and inspiring workspaces. Companies may also need to seek talent from a broader geographic area, creating a virtual and distributed workforce.
Technology continues to shape how we work.
Today’s powerful mobile devices, ubiquitous internet access, and cloud-based applications make working anywhere, anytime, possible. Companies must employ strategies, such as BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), to meet the expectations of a younger and more tech-savvy workforce.
What kind of transformation aligns with your workplace culture?
A workplace transformation begins with alignment around your goals and exploring potential strategies to achieve those objectives. Are you trying to attract and retain the best talent? Increase collaboration? Optimize your real estate?
To know where you’re going, first you need to assess where you are. So once you identify your goals, the next step is to assess where your organization is culturally. Your organization may not fit perfectly into one of these models – every company is unique and may have characteristics found in more than one category. The examples below are a starting point to understand your current culture and future aspirations for your workplace transformation.
What workplace culture best describes your organization?
Millennials in the workplace
Today’s younger workers are rejecting the ‘sea of sameness’ in favor of inspiring, open, collaborative environments with private spaces interspersed within the floor plan.
CLASSIC CULTURE
Classic workplace culture is hierarchy-oriented, structured and controlled, with a focus on efficiency, stability and “doing things right.”
Sample Goals:
- Attract and retain talent
- Engage employees
- Optimize real estate
Sample Strategies:
- Create an ecosystem of spaces that balance privacy and collaboration throughout the floorplan
- Create spaces for employees to socialize and gather
BALANCED CULTURE
Balanced culture is market-oriented and focused on teamwork, competition, achievement, and “getting the job done.”
Sample Goals:
- Increase collaboration
- Engage employees
- Support younger generations
Sample Strategies:
- Enhance employee wellbeing with opportunities to change posture (sit / stand / lounge) throughout the day
- Foster collaboration with dedicated spaces and easy-to-use technology
PROGRESSIVE CULTURE
Progressive culture is adhocracy-oriented, and often a team-first culture. It is dynamic, creative and entrepreneurial, with a focus on risk-taking, innovation and “doing things first.”
Sample Goals:
- Support workplace innovation
- Build brand and culture
- Foster creativity in the workplace
Sample Strategies:
- Support mobile workers with unassigned touchdown areas and HD videoconferencing to connect local and remote teams
- Design inspiring spaces that represent your brand and encourage creative thinking
RESOURCE GUIDE:
Our Workplace Transformation Guide explores how to create flexible workspaces for today’s changing needs.
Workplace transformation in action:
SHAWMUT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Capitalizing on their deep-rooted history in Boston’s South End, Shawmut Design and Construction reimagined and revamped their headquarters to reflect their culture, current working styles, and the strategic vision of the company’s leadership… Read more
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