FACILITIES DESIGN & BIM


YOUR 10-POINT CHECKLIST FOR CONNECTING


YOUR WORKPLACE


1. How is my workspace being used – and what workplace technology is being used in my organisation?


2. Does it integrate fully, or is my technology in silos?


3.


If not, is this having an effect on how my staff work?


4. Can I quantify this effect – eg reduced productivity, wasted time?


5. What benefits would a better- connected workspace bring?


Collaboration? Innovation? Time-saving? Efficiency?


6. So is it worth connecting my workplace better?


Assess, using the answers to the above questions. Then ask:


7. What solutions could help me?


Seek expert advice in this area to ensure value for money and effectiveness.


8. How can I minimise disruption during deployment?


Choose easy-to-use technology with low training requirements.


9. How can I monitor improvements and gauge ROI?


Select systems that provide comprehensive management real time management information.


10. Can I continue to benefit from the connected workplace going forward?


Yes – leading companies are able to measure both improved productivity(less time wasted/ improved quality outputs) and better staff satisfaction.


www.tomorrowsfm.com


there’s a real risk that they operate in unconnected silos.


Flexible working - people like to be able to work how and where they want. But the downside is wandering round a building looking for a place to sit, or somewhere you can plug in your laptop, this can be a real blow to productivity.


OPTIMUM WORKING


ENVIRONMENT Richard Kauntze, Chief Executive of the British Council for Offices, says it’s clear that one-size-fits all approach just doesn’t work when it comes to creating an optimum working environment.


“It requires a deep understanding of the people using the space, and the work being delivered,” he says. “Getting this right can be complex, but has the potential to reap considerable rewards in terms of productivity and should therefore be at the heart of any business’ strategy.”


Designing an environment that promotes good productivity and wellbeing has a positive impact on the bottom line as well as helping to attract and retain talented staff.


WHAT IS THE “CONNECTED


WORKPLACE”? It’s a workplace designed to support efficient working for all staff by having:


• Technology that is connected rather than in separate islands


• Business processes that create a great user experience


• Space types designed to suit the different working modes we see in the workplace.


There’s compelling evidence that when these three aspects are well executed, good productivity and high staff retention are the results.


It’s also clear that connected technology is the glue that supports the user experience, and as such, should underpin the facility design of any contemporary workspace.


Seven elements of technology drive a well-designed connected workplace,


including a scheduling platform for bookable space that’s easy to use for any device, particularly mobile.


For flexible space and activity- based working, it’s important to have technology that can sense what space is being used, so staff can easily find the right space to match their activity. Apps can deliver relevant workplace information, so the personal preferences of staff can be met - for example, the need for a cool or quiet space.


Designers know that meeting spaces in the modern workspace can now be traditional formal rooms, multipurpose areas or flexible breakout spaces, but they need to be properly supported by the right technology if they are to work efficiently.


Easy-to-use, in-room technology makes sure the meeting runs smoothly, with minimum time wasted on getting started or changing meeting arrangements. A service delivery infrastructure can link ordering with delivery, so if a meeting is changed, providers are made aware.


Designers are also keenly aware that accessible collaboration platforms such as videoconferencing and audio visual are helping organisations keep travel costs and times down.


It makes sense to help the generations work together, by creating an environment that supports understanding of different attitudes, sharing of experience and promoting engagement with developing technologies.


COST SAVINGS Facilities designers and office managers sometimes feel technology is an expensive investment, and a drain on productivity while everyone learns how to use the system. However, one global utility recently told us how deploying a room scheduling system that integrates with services such as VC and AV saved $100,000 in the first three months. Staff found it so easy to locate a suitable space, they stopped renting expensive external meeting rooms.


www.nfs-hospitality.com TOMORROW’S FM | 29


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