In an increasingly competitive world, managers
must leverage every resource they have in order
to keep their company ahead. And after salaries,
the single largest expense for most companies
is the workplace (Financial Review Magazine March
2003). Ensuring that every dollar of workplace
expenditure is being used to back the company’s
strategy, culture, and processes is critical
in creating competitive advantage. The design
of workplaces is changing in order to have clear
models for translating a company’s unique
character into the shape of its office.
In the past, many workplaces were being designed
(and unfortunately still are) using stale formulas
rather than a process involving the study of
strategic needs and cost-effective solutions
that are appropriate for an individual company.
Worse yet, many offices are not really designed
at all, but simply “laid out” based
on window mullions, workstations modules, and
the idea of squeezing “x” number
of bodies into a space, using leftover spaces
for meeting rooms and back office functions.
Today’s workplace design is being affected
by the changing economy. There is more value
placed on the ‘philosophy’ rather
than on the direct relationship between the success
of a business and the design of the work environment.
The technology-driven corporate world demands
design which is tailored to the culture and vision
of an individual company. Many companies are
realizing the important connection between the
quality of workplace environments and employee
productivity (and how the work environment can
directly affect financial gains)
There are quite a few benefits that you should
expect from a well-designed office environment.
Efficient design in the workplace can increase
morale and improve productivity, promote the
image and help reinforce a corporate identity.
It can help to attract and retain a higher quality
long stay workforce.
Office design that is based on evaluating and
implementing critical programming elements on
the unique organisational structure and culture
within a company will improve profitability by
enhancing efficiency and employee satisfaction.
A well designed work environment will meet the
business requirements of a company, maximize
the productivity of employees, attract and retain
a high quality workforce, increase profits, foster
repeat clients, and support building new business.
Assisting the company to compete with the leaders
in their fields. |