Office Design The power of knowledge
Martin Atkinson, Managing Director of PiMS Workspace, explains how CAFM and web based applications provide critical information prior to implementing workspace change.
When it comes to the development of a workspace strategy, knowledge is king. Whether you are planning to renew a lease, considering downsizing, or are on the brink of an expansion, understanding the intricacies of how your workspace currently functions is vital.
Over the last decade, the modern worker’s behaviour has changed dramatically. Mobile technology, cloud computing and trends in flexible working have transformed the way we work. We are no longer confined to the same workstation within a single environment, and work has become something we ‘do’ as opposed to a place we ‘go’. Consequently, the role of the workplace has also changed significantly. However, most businesses in the UK have not properly adapted to such changes.
between 40-60% of their space at any given time -and this fall in workplace occupancy is predicted to increase. However, without any form of workspace analysis, businesses will remain unaware of how poorly utilised their space truly is, and the areas which are most inefficient will remain unidentified. To fully comprehend the existing conditions of a workspace, a complete, accurate and holistic view of the whole facilities,
As a result, the average office in Britain only ever utilises
staff and workplace assets is required, and this is best achieved through a CAFM (Computer Aided Facility Management) system, web application, or SaaS (software as a service).
Take, for example the office floor with various meeting rooms, the largest of which can accommodate up to 15 members of staff. This meeting room may at first glance appear to be a well utilised environment and therefore of great value to workers, given that it is fully booked every day of the year. However, under closer analysis, it may be found that despite the room being used on a regular basis, the average number of people actually using the environment, in any given session is four and the meeting space is only ever used to its full capacity 6% of the time.
Under further analysis you may find that 35% of the time, this space is used by groups of two to three workers, and 27% of the time it is booked out by single workers using the space for isolation. Access to this information immediately illustrates that several inefficiencies in the workspace clearly exist.
Combine this information with details of how well the break- out spaces are utilised and then analyse the use of spaces which are actually designed for smaller meetings and solitary tasks, and gradually you will gain a clear insight into which areas are inefficient, misused or failing in their purpose. If this
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