Cynthia Milota
Flexibility is among the biggest concerns for employers developing a new workplace strategy. Employee needs are changing rapidly, and while open workspaces are popular today, the next generation of employees may have different preferences. Along with changes in technology, employers are focused on building a workplace strategy that is successful today and can be adapted to meet future needs.
“We are turning client concerns into possibilities by exploring options for their workplace footprint such as developing strategies to increase collaboration, breaking down silos, supporting mobility and formulating the right kit of parts to enable future flexibility,” Cynthia Milota, director of workplace strategy at Ware Malcomb, tells GlobeSt.com. “To communicate the why along with the who, what, when and where aspects of the new workplace to employees, we formulate robust change management and communication programs.”
While these are concerns shared by most employers, the right workplace strategy is unique to an individual company. Ware Malcomb works directly with employers to find the right fit. “By translating the adoption curve into workplace terms for our clients, together we explore options that fit with their employee demographics, culture, business objectives and project parameters,” Milota says. “From the start, formulating project goals and openly discussing concerns and challenges enables our team to structure a project plan that builds in metrics for success.”
Technology also plays a big role in the development of a workplace strategy—and the strategy is developed over several months. “Six to twelve months post-move, we are implementing various data collection methods to understand the new work environment from a behavioral, physical, social and cultural viewpoint,” says Milota. “Partnering with our clients’ technology, talent, communications and facilities teams we build a continuous improvement process to leverage the workplace as a strategic advantage.”
Milota recently took the position as director of workplace strategy at Ware Malcomb, and in the new position, she will expand the workplace strategy platform at the firm. “Building on our international resources, we are delivering workplace strategy and change management expertise locally and leveraging partnerships with industry leaders in data collection and analytics,” she says. “We are expanding beyond the typical pre-move project work increasingly into more post-move project work.”