Evolving Workplaces: Shaping cultures of Innovation

"Innovation" is the latest 'Mantra' to maintain growth and remain competitive in today's dynamic business environment and changing social paradigms. More and more corporates are working to align their DNA's in creating the culture of innovation. 

Corporate Real Estate teams play vital role in creating a physical environment to facilitate this culture. In fact the physical Workplace is the reflection of corporation's ideology towards innovation. Workplace planning teams are the first ones to implement innovative strategies by creating spaces and facilities which can simulate the light bulb of users and at the same time create series of interconnecting spaces where the innovations can be moulded to achieve commercial value.

Workplace Innovators - Defining & Solving the Riddle

Each organization is different and hence the difference in design brief. Exhibit 1& 2 represents generic approach in achieving the final outcome. The actual process to plan the right workplace might be very dynamic and may involve psychiatrists, anthropologist, sociologist, business strategist etc. etc. Apply these attributes while contributing to transforming workplaces from traditional to futuristic.

• Collect Data - Avoid assumptions and spend time on the shop floor, study the working habits of users, time spent in collaboration, brainstorming, leisure reading, serious work .... develop a pattern, quantify masses, create matrices.
• Get Insights - Conduct workshops, create arbitrary spaces & scenarios, generate drama  and observe the users working around these spaces to get ideas on workplace of the future
• Adopt wholistic approach - "Design and execution to go hand in hand" suggests Frank Lloyd Wright. Can a amazing facility stay amazing in long run if the corners are accessible to spiders but not to the house keeper. Can a 10 seat meeting room be called underutilized if only 3 members are using it just because they booked it well in advance. 
• Experiment with Technology - What SONY achieved with WALKMAN was achieved by APPLE with IPOD by technology innovation. Can the existing workplaces be transformed to accommodate new technologies, different teams, multiple usage, improved collaboration?

• Keep a check on Budgets - Workplaces are cost centres both Capex and Opex. Low Capex with High Opex or High Capex with Low Opex or striking the right balance ... the choice is important. Most of the time the exuberance of capital savings gives a blind spot to Operating expenses of future. 

• Think Green - Think of environmental impact and sustainablity before finalazing recommendations.

End Note

Achieving the right balance of spaces is a journey, different for different organisation. The perfect balance can only be achieved when the organisation has reached the level of complacency such that Growth & Competitiveness are no longer the priorities. Perhaps it's time for the workplace innovators to cherish their experiences and embark on a new journey