employees in an innovative workplace

Evolve to survive with innovative workplace design

Published on : 3/28/22
Reading time : 6 min
  • The role of the workplace has transformed and it is not a shift companies can afford to ignore. Hybrid working and the gig economy, combined with the advent of the knowledge economy and rapid advances in technology, are driving new business models and ways of working. So what makes a truly innovative workplace? And how can you make sure you are not left behind?

     

    How to Futureproof Your Workplace in 8 Step

    How To Futureproof Your Workplace Guide

    A practical guide to designing spaces that work for you and your people.

    The workplace is changing, and employees are expecting more. Companies must work harder than ever to create inspiring and optimised workplaces that invite people in and compel them to interact, socialise, connect and share.

    If you’re ready to take that step, download our new guide to uncover how we can help you prepare for and embrace the new era of work.

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    Research from EY Future Workplace shows that 72% of office-based organisations are currently working in a hybrid environment. Three-quarters of executives said they don’t expect to have one dominant work location in the future. 

    The pandemic accelerated the trend, with organisations seizing on technology to keep their dispersed workforce operational.

    Now, experts from Harvard Business School and Boston Consulting Group have observed a “hastening” of the transition to on-demand models. Companies “need to remake their culture, rethink the employee value proposition, redefine work into discrete components, and rewire organisational policies and processes” in response.

     

    Why innovative workplaces are essential to success

    Innovation is key to gaining a competitive advantage.

    It drives employee ingenuity, empowers staff and optimises output. It is also pivotal when it comes to attracting and retaining the best talent. And never before has the war for talent been more intense. 

    Employees are in the driving seat and after long periods working from home, they know what they want from an employer. They want flexibility and hybrid working. And a workplace that enables that shift.

    The companies leading the way are the ones that adapted to these changing needs. They are harnessing technology to provide an intuitive and agile office design fit for today.

    Cisco is a prime example. Francine Katsoudas, the company’s EVP and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer, says the new world of work will be hybrid for every person at Cisco.

    “Whether that means you work five days a week at home and gather with your team for activities and connection every once in a while, or you are in the office five days a week leveraging the collaborative office configuration and technology to connect to your colleagues around the world - every Cisco employee will be hybrid.”

    From laptops and smartphones to collaborative software, video conferencing, AI and the Internet Of Things, organisations must utilise technology to nurture a culture of innovation and creativity.

     

    How can you create an innovative workplace culture?

    Shaping a culture of innovation means empowering employees to share and present ideas.

    This means equipping them with the right technology and resources to work seamlessly whether remotely, on-site, or between the two. Physical workspaces must inspire creativity and interaction, and make people feel a sense of belonging.

    The pandemic has driven progress. EY Future Workplace’s research shows that up to 85% of respondents believe their current setup is ‘as or more effective’ than pre-Covid-19.

    Productivity, culture and wellbeing are the most improved areas. 

    As ever, necessity spawned invention. Forward-thinking organisations have been forced to reimagine the workplace as a more dynamic and creative space than ever before.

    The most successful companies will be those that break the rules, unconstrained by habit or convention and shaping technology-led, frictionless spaces that fuel the imagination and inspire excellence.

     

    What makes for an innovative work environment?

    The office environment should encourage teams to collaborate and learn from each other. It must be a space that stimulates informal meetings and triggers information sharing. This could mean hot-desking to encourage people to interact more closely, or the design of inviting ‘break out’ spaces.

    Key to the design of Sodexo’s new central London HQ was the abolition of dedicated offices.

     

    We have removed the hierarchy and purposefully created opportunities for people to sit next to the CEO or chat to people at different levels in the organisation. People are creatures of habit, and we are using workplace design to break those habits.

    Harpreet Cheema, Head of Workplace Services at Sodexo

     

    Collaboration is also integral to career development. Nearly 40% of employees surveyed by Soffos said the pandemic has hindered their opportunities to collaborate with colleagues or learn from more experienced peers.

    Companies that fail to facilitate this (and fast) risk haemorrhaging their most promising talent. 

     

    Make space to breathe with intelligent workplace design

    With mental health a rising priority, innovative office design might also include relaxation or ‘chill out’ zones.

    For example, insurance risk and commercial law firm BLM Manchester worked with TSK to design a more agile and collaborative workplace for its team of over 600 staff.

    BLM wanted to put a greater focus on the health and wellbeing of employees, creating a wellbeing room on each floor. Employees can retreat to these areas when they need time to themselves, and the spaces can be used for yoga, support sessions and as multi-faith rooms.

    Technology is also giving staff more choice over how and where they work. TSK implemented intuitive solutions such as room booking systems, AV equipment in meeting rooms and collaboration software, enabling people to connect and communicate from anywhere.

    Technology is key to an innovative and productive workplace, connecting remote and hybrid workers to produce their best work.

     

    Why you need to challenge existing workplace processes

    two co-workers brainstorming

    A new way of working inevitably spawns new processes and practices. Companies must not shy away from challenging existing ways of doing things.

    Organisations that stick blindly to ingrained habits in a work environment which has been re-envisioned and revitalised will prevent employees - and the office space itself - from fulfilling its potential.

    New processes can encourage innovation, such as automating basic tasks to free up creative time.

    “Make that everyday experience easy,” says Harpreet.

    “Enabling employees to book a desk or a meeting room before they enter the building, for example. And if they book a meeting room, how do they check in a visitor? Can you automate that process to save an email or phone call?”

    Sodexo uses Microsoft Viva to gather insights into how spaces are used, then make recommendations to work smarter. Other software includes intelligent collaboration devices such as Microsoft Surface Hubs or Poly Meeting Room, which records and takes notes during meetings. 

    Potential new practices might include empowering employees to be more creative by setting aside regular time to pursue new ideas and innovation. Google asks employees to spend one day a week working on projects outside their usual remit, while 3M gives its employees 10% free time to experiment with new ideas.

    How many organisations really stretch their employees creatively?

     

    Are you brave enough to change?

    Innovation is at the heart of every successful company.

    The workplace is evolving fast and you need to listen and respond to your people’s needs. This means establishing the physical and mental space for creativity, enabling flexibility, empowering employees, and instilling a culture in which failure is an accepted part of success.

    In short, companies need to commit to an innovative workplace vision.

    How to Futureproof your Workplace Guide

    As Tim Oldman, Founder and CEO of Leesman, says: “If you have an average, or below average, experience, an employee will typically commit to one day a week. If it’s an office that provides an outstanding experience, an employee will typically commit to four days a week or more. With that in mind, I would encourage businesses to be braver.”

    If you’re ready to take that step, download our new guide which offers practical insight on how to design the right space to bring the best out of your workforce.

     

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