| New approaches to workplace design, which provide incentives to employees to accept reduced personal office space in favour of group spaces and shared space are a feature of organizations which are moving from routine work to creating knowledge. Our research shows that offices which are not assigned to individuals can be effective, if implemented with proper pre-planning and sensitivity. There are a number of critical factors which must be addressed for the implementation of any successful new type of workplace.
Ownership Identified top-level ownership of any new proposal is essential. The most successful ventures place sponsorship for the change project in the end users' organization.Clear Goals The sponsors must be clear with the staff why a change is being proposed and about their commitment to involve staff in its development.Trials Pilot and test installations are strongly recommended.Communications Initial staff resistance is to be anticipated and the change management team must make the concept development process interactive and transparent.Incentives The benefits of change must be viewed as such by the staff and will usually be linked to the potential to work more effectively. Access to new technology, to better support resources and empowerment to choose when and where to work are typical incentives.Receptivity Groups who are perceived as generally receptive to change are likely to make the most successful pilot projects and will then 'sell on' to colleagues.Design The design of the area must be a distinct improvement over the existing office environment. It is not necessary to have gimmicky interior design or even new furniture to achieve this.Systems The success of the project is highly dependent on the availability and acceptability of any new workplace technology from day one.Measurements Productivity can only be demonstrated if there is a baseline measurement prior to change that is meaningful to both users and management. Independent pre- and post-occupancy evaluation against the project's original goals are essential. |
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