ness uncertainty and cost pressure . Such concepts can be complemented by the use of serviced offices ( e . g ., WeWork , Regus ). Today , we can even observe a small but increasing number of companies that have gone to the extreme of successfully adopting a completely virtual location strategy with no permanent physical offices , allowing them to attract the brightest talents from every corner of the world .
3 . Office layouts
Regarding new office layouts , a major trend from static layouts with many individual offices to more spacious and activity-based layouts can be identified . Such new layouts allow employees to choose from a variety of settings according to the type of work they are engaged in . This increases productivity , efficiency and collaboration and can also leverage employer branding efforts , as office space communicates a company ’ s culture . These new office layouts are characterized by an inspirational atmosphere with open space , meeting rooms and break-out as well as recreation areas with amenities for the workforce .
“ Today , office space is planned based on completely different requirements compared to earlier days – we realized a significant shift from space purely built to accommodate people to flexible space fostering collaboration and agile working ,” states Steven Crabbe , Founder of CMI Workplace , an international architect and workplace design company . 3
4 . Infrastructure
To implement new workplace strategies , it is essential that companies ensure the availability of optimal working equipment ( desk , ergonomic chair , etc .) and IT infrastructures ( laptops , mobile phones , collaboration software , data security , etc .). Moreover , they need to evaluate all corporate processes in terms of automation and virtualization potential ( e . g ., digitalizing interfaces ). As previously seen , office utilization is expected to remain volatile . Therefore , it is advisable to support the transformation process through realtime office utilization trackers that help companies to identify unused office space and thus save on “ sunk ” costs .
FOOTPRINT STRATEGY EVOLUTION
NO FOOTPRINT STRATEGY TRADITIONAL FOOTPRINT FLEXIBLE FOOTPRINT VIRTUAL FOOTPRINT
Headquarters Regional offices Serviced offices
Source : goetzpartners
SUMMARY
TREND
THE AUTHORS
Workplaces have always had to reflect the spirit and trends of the times . Today , companies have reached an important crossroads at which workplace strategies go far beyond the effective and efficient provisioning of office space . Leading workplace strategies lay the foundation of a company ’ s employer branding and digital transformation , increase its ability to adapt to changing conditions , contribute to companies ’ sustainability efforts and reduce costs .
AXEL MEYTHALER
Managing Director , goetzpartners
The Covid-19 pandemic has been a warning sign : Only those companies continued to thrive that had made timely investments in their digital capabilities and modern workplace concepts . The new era is here to stay and if managers do not want to lose the war for talent they must act now .
ARMIN RAFFALSKI
Partner , goetzpartners
3 ) goetzpartners expert interview . 2021 . © goetzpartners , 2021