Game-changing workplace connectivity. The new ‘anywhere, anytime’ work ethos. Generational change and the war for talent. These signs are increasingly signaling the time is ripe for workplace transformation. And thanks to new advances in occupancy planning and visualization technology, it’s easier than ever to act on that change. But even the most cutting-edge workplace planning tool can only really fulfill its promise when wielded by a person who understands how and why to use it.
Change may be the only constant, but the rate of that change is accelerating in the way we work. As workplace leaders forge ahead into the future of work, they’re finding new allies in the Internet of Things (IoT), remote monitoring, data and analytics, 3D visualization and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR).
Space utilization and fit-out technology, combined with effective processes and people, can be used to assess how teams function in a space today and to get a lifelike look at new design plans, including the budget it will take to realize. It can save time throughout the process, too.
Whether planning a renovation or to move into an entirely new space, workplace strategists can leverage these tools to gain a deeper understanding of where things are now and where they need to go next.
Discovering that ‘just right’ footprint
Your current footprint might be much bigger, or far smaller than you need, depending on the strength of your organization’s mobility program.
Last year, 43 percent of American employees said they spent at least some time working remotely. This shift toward more flexible working can have a direct impact on the amount of space needed at work. Where many offices used to go with a standard 1:1 ratio of desks to people, today, 2.5 desks per person is becoming more preferred. Eliminating excess square footage can go a long way in driving value.
At the same time, there’s still such a thing as too little space, which can stymy productivity and focus, and detract from the employee experience. The right size will be one that encourages employee choice, whether it’s to head in to the office and utilize a desk, meeting room or informal lounge space, or to work from home.
With so many possibilities, it can be daunting to pinpoint the optimal square footage to boost productivity, innovation and employee satisfaction, without going overboard.