WORKPLACE TRENDS 2018€¦ · INTRODUCTION Condeco, the leading brand in Workplace technology and thought leaders in modern working, have partnered with WORKTECH Academy to deliver

WORKPLACE TRENDS 2018 | PAGE 1

FEATURING WORKTECH ACADEMY

WORKPLACE TRENDS2018

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 3

01 HYBRID SPACES ARE ON THE RISE 4

02 TECHNOLOGY IS BECOMING MORE HUMAN 6

03 ROUTINE BECOMES ROBOTIC 9

04 BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN WITH BIOPHILIC DESIGN 11

05 EMPLOYEES AS CLIENTS – THE NEW PARADIGM OF CONSUMERISATION 13

06 BUILDINGS ARE BECOMING SMART AND COGNITIVE 16

07 MENTAL WELLBEING IS PARAMOUNT 18

08 CULTIVATING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY 21

09 REACHING PEAK PERFORMANCE CULTURE 23

10 ALLOWING YOUR NETWORK TO FLOURISH WITH FLUIDITY 25

11 CHASING CHANGE MANAGEMENT 27

12 THE SUN IS SHINING ON CLOUD COMPUTING 29

13 DIVING INTO DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY 31

14 THE PINNACLE OF PRODUCTIVITY 33

15 ATTRACTING AND RETAINING THE RIGHT TALENT 34

16 CONCEIVING CREATIVITY 35


INTRODUCTION

Condeco, the leading brand in Workplace technology and thought leaders in modern working, have partnered with WORKTECH Academy to deliver valuable insights into the latest technology, design and workplace trends that are changing the way we do business and the future of work.

Workplace Trends 2018, examines the latest research from across the globe, looking at the latest robotic and AI technology, activity based working, smart buildings and how the office environment can support our human needs around wellness, community, job satisfaction and productivity.


HYBRID SPACES ARE ON THE RISE

01

WHAT IS A HYBRID SPACE?

A hybrid space is one that combines employee and business needs to create a positive experience for employees and clients alike. From social aspects to hospitality and everyday essentials, the hybrid space is providing a better work/life balance.

The work environment is no longer just about working – it’s a space where we spend a significant amount of time that transcends traditional working ways, becoming more hybrid. The rise of the hybrid space has had a positive increase in mobility, agility and a feeling of membership or community – a place where these elements combine to improve not only productivity, but collaboration and wellbeing too.


HYBRID SPACES ARE ON THE RISE01

Mini Hybrid, aka ‘bank branch plus’

90 per cent of space is dedicated to banking services, with a coffee shop or book store attached, to maximise revenue and encourage social space.

Midi Hybrid, aka ‘bank branch shared’

50 per cent of space is dedicated to banking services, with co-working, hospitality and retail partners sharing equal space, helping to foster a community feel.

Maxi Hybrid, aka ‘bank branch junior’

Only 10 per cent of space is allocated for banking services; the rest of the hybrid environment offers a wide range of community services, for the ultimate in hybrid space.

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF A HYBRID SPACE

Using a typical high street bank design as an example, three differing levels of hybrid space are outlined, all of which are designed to maximise usage for their specific location:


TECHNOLOGY IS BECOMING MORE HUMAN

02

WE KNOW TECHNOLOGY IS ALWAYS EVOLVING – BUT WHICH DIRECTION IS IT MOVING IN?

Digital continues to reign – but as we delve deep into 2018 and beyond, technology is quickly advancing. Making technology feel human is part of that. Tech that feels intuitive is already popular, but as the digital disruption continues, workplace technology will be stronger: learning, predicting, solving and enhancing.

When it comes to the workplace, technology is an incredibly important factor. Instead of allowing it to run ahead of us, workplace design should be one step ahead; remembering the increasingly human aspects of tech. By embracing technology of the future in your workspace, you enhance human performance.


- Yves Behar, interior designer, keynote speaker at WORKTECH West Coast in San Francisco

“When technology fails, it breaks a social or relational code – design needs to lead technology, not the other way around.”

TECHNOLOGY IS BECOMING MORE HUMAN02


TEN PRINCIPLES OF WORKPLACE DESIGN IN THE ROBOTICS AGE

TECHNOLOGY IS BECOMING MORE HUMAN02

1. Look to solve an important human problem

2. Context matters – be specific

3. Enhance human ability (without actually replacing the human)

4. Work for everybody, everyday

5. Be discrete

6. Grow with needs and opportunities

7. Build long-terms relationships (without emotional

dependency)

8. Learn and predict human behaviour

9. Accelerate new ideas

10. Remove complexity from life

Source: Yves Behar, Fuseproject, WORKTECH West Coast 17


ROUTINE BECOMES ROBOTIC

03

IS THE MODERN-DAY WORKPLACE READY FOR THE ROBOT?

Robots and Artificial Intelligence in the workplace have been discussed at length in recent years, but rarely implemented in the average workplace. Until now, AI is set to eventually take over our everyday workplace routine, leaving the talent more time and ownership to take care of the important stuff.

Robots and AI are coming, and sooner than you think.

Chris Box, speaking at WORKTECH’s Financial Workplace conference in London (June 2017), explained that by 2020, robotics and AI will take over repeatable, transactional tasks. This will free up human capacity to focus on more strategic and creative activities.


HOW CAN WE PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE WORKPLACE, INCLUDING AI?

• Prepare the next generation Integrate human intelligence with machine intelligence, to promote coexistence in a two-way learning relationship.

• Encourage AI-powered regulation Current laws need to be revisited to accommodate automated work.

• Advocate a code of ethics for AI Ethics for an AI ecosystem need to be developed.

• Manage the backlash Focus on the tangible benefits of AI and pre-empt its downsides.

ROUTINE BECOMES ROBOTIC03

Source: Why AI is the Future of Growth, Accenture Report 2017


BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN WITH BIOPHILIC DESIGN

04

WHAT IS BIOPHILIC DESIGN?

Biophilic design is described as our human inclination to connect with nature. Fusing natural materials, natural lighting, greenery and access to beautiful views or outside space with our normal working environments is key.

Natural elements in the workplace became a hugely important trend for 2017. Research shows that incorporating nature into the workplace can help improve levels of employee wellbeing, happiness, creativity and productivity.


BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN WITH BIOPHILIC DESIGN04

• Use natural materials Choose bare wood over painted plywood.

• Integrate greenery into the space Plants, trees and flowers where possible.

• Create energising and stimulating spaces with access to natural light.

WHY WOULDN’T YOU ENDEAVOUR TO BRING THE OUTSIDE IN?

Source: Oliver Health Design, WORKTECH Madrid 17


EMPLOYEES AS CLIENTS – THE NEW PARADIGM OF CONSUMERISATION

05

WHAT IS CONSUMERISATION?

Think how computers went from professional use to a normal part of our everyday lives – that’s consumerisation. Re-orientating product and service from a b2b focus, to instead, treating the end user as an individual client who has non-professional needs, to derive from said product or service, along with reasons to use them at work.

As the landscape of the workplace continues to shift, employees have become more than just employees. The freedom of choice and creativity is key, especially when it comes to technology; the lines between the technology we use for work and the technology we use in our personal lives are being blurred. ‘Bring your own device’ style set-ups will no doubt continue to rule in 2018, but we’ll also see a move towards a more adaptive and fluid workspace to enhance them.


- Peter Miscovich, JLL, speaking at WORKTECH New York, May 2017

“The digital workplace of the future will demand and require autonomy.”

EMPLOYEES AS CLIENTS – THE NEW PARADIGM OF CONSUMERISATION05


HOW CAN YOU BRING FLUIDITY TO YOUR WORKSPACE?


• Landing zones Communal seating and comfortable chairs positioned around main staircases, prompting spontaneous collisions.

• Portable technology Allows workers to be ‘untethered’ from their desks to encourage fluid and agile working.

• Adaptable space Gives more choice to employees to suit their workstyle, in both ergonomics and location.

• Great coffee! Employees are attracted to an office that offers a great choice of amenities.

Source: Boston Consulting Group case study – WORKTECH Academy


BUILDINGS ARE BECOMING SMART AND COGNITIVE

06

WHAT IS A COGNITIVE BUILDING?

Buildings that can think for themselves – smart in design and technology. Cognitive processes boost a building’s potential to create the perfect home for any business.

Smart buildings are one thing, but the focus on their ability to save money and time is evolving into new thought behind cognitive buildings – supporting talent, and creating connection between different departments, for a truly immersive new workspace. It’s not just about closing margins, but creating a better working environment in every way possible.


FOUR WAYS THE COGNITIVE BUILDING SUPPORTS THE NEW WORKPLACE:

BUILDINGS ARE BECOMING SMART AND COGNITIVE06

• Smart productivity Increasing levels of productivity, creativity and innovation through a tailored experience that can positively influence how work is done.

• Smart talent Attracting and retaining premium employees by supporting more agile ways of working and enhancing employee experience.

• Smart wellbeing Adjusting to individual needs and unlocking the potential to support employee health and wellbeing.

• Smart brand Helping businesses to build brand values and strengthen corporate culture.

(Source: British Land Report: Smart Offices: A 2017 Vision for the Future)


MENTAL WELLBEING IS PARAMOUNT

07

MAKE MAKES WELLNESS IN THE WORKPLACE SO IMPORTANT?

Failure to take time out of a busy schedule has been shown to have a negative effect on overall health, both physical and mental. To ensure employees can perform well and feel supported in their roles, organisations must place importance on wellness.

Wellness continues to rule, and for good reason: poor quality of mental health is more prevalent than ever, and many businesses are finding their employees affected. Not only is more awareness needed, but coping strategies, such as mindfulness, should be placed at the forefront of workplace initiatives; particularly considered when it comes to office design.


MENTAL WELLBEING IS PARAMOUNT07

“Workplace designers should themselves practice

mindfulness to create spaces that give the overworked

brain a rest and promote psychological comfort.”

- Aidan Walker, Design Thinker, speaking at WORKTECH Wellness Conference, London September 2017

THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF MINDFUL DESIGN

1. Curiosity

2. Creativity

3. Compassion

4. Craftsmanship

5. Collaboration

6. Communication

7. Critical Intelligence


- Tom Savigar, The Future Laboratory, speaking at WORKTECH Wellness Conference, London September 2017

“The mind market for wellness is growing faster than the body market.”



CULTIVATING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY

08

HOW CAN WE ENCOURAGE A TRUE SENSE OF COMMUNITY IN A BUSY OR LARGE WORKPLACE?

It shouldn’t matter how large or small, busy or serene a workplace is – we should bring the idea of fostering community in our workspaces to the forefront, with design that encourages communication and socialising between employees.

As we continue to spend large chunks of our lives in our work environments, why not look to the urban design principles of placemaking and community creation to invite more vibrancy to our workspaces? Community in the workplace is important: fostering stronger employee relationships, and making the space feel warm and welcoming, can help to improve productivity and employee focus.


EIGHT KEY PRINCIPLES OF THE SMART PRECINCT BLUEPRINT

“We need to stop talking about the workplace

and focus on designers creating familiar and

easy places at human scale.”

- Natalie Slessor, Lend Lease speaking at WORKTECH Sydney conference in March 2017

1. One connected community

2. The sharing economy

3. Fluid boundaries and flow

4. The curated precinct

5. Flexible space

6. Markerspace culture

7. Wellbeing dividend

8. Destination, not dead zone

The smart precinct is a new concept, based on the digital-enabled areas that will soon encompass our cities. The smart precinct is looking beyond just the individual smart building, ensuring the entire area is smart, and that most importantly, it connects and flows for an overall community-like experience. Workplaces can take inspiration from this concept for future design, to help build community spirit.

Source: The intermix Approach: Activating the Smart Precinct, Mirvac and WORKTECH Academy

CULTIVATING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY08


REACHING PEAK PERFORMANCE CULTURE

09

WHAT EXACTLY IS PEAK PERFORMANCE CULTURE AT WORK?

Workplace culture is inevitable for any organisation, and is often extremely hard to circumvent. Introducing peak performance culture is making the culture perform to the advantage of the workplace, achieving ‘peak’ productivity status.

Traditionally, workspace design has dictated workplace culture – the classic imagery of employees gathering around a watercooler to steal a moment of gossip, for example. For more productive, modern workplaces, this tradition should be turned on its head; culture should, in fact, dictate design, and not the other way around.


SEVEN PEAK PERFORMANCE CULTURE PRINCIPLES TO MASTER IN THE WORKPLACE

“Workplace design needs to better

support ‘culture on the rampage’.”

- Chris McGoff, The Clearing, Keynote speaker at WORKTECH TORONTO, November 2017

1. Interconnectedness – the state of being

connected with each other

2. Keeping the ‘main thing’ as the main thing

3. Giving up on the ‘something is wrong’ mentality

4. Alignment of key people on critical activities

5. Assignment of decision rights

6. Conversing for learning and growth

7. Standing on principle for as long as it takes

Source: Chris McGoff, The Clearing, Keynote speaker at WORKTECH TORONTO, November 2017

REACHING PEAK PERFORMANCE CULTURE09


ALLOWING YOUR NETWORK TO FLOURISH WITH FLUIDITY

10

WHAT IS A FLUID NETWORK?

A fluid network promotes learning, growth and community. In the workplace, we’re moving away from traditional hierarchies, to now being able to idea-share with our peers. Instead of looking up, we’re looking sideways; with formality being a thing of the past.

Networks are stepping into the limelight; becoming part of a wider ecosystem to embolden and inspire stronger communication around organisations. By keeping a close eye on the way data is shared around the workplace, you can identify the ways in which the physical landscape of the office can help to enhance the fluidity of the network.


FOUR KEY FEATURES OF A FLUID NETWORK

• Transparency Allow people to build on each other’s ideas quickly and effectively.

• Mutual trust Enable more people to share and contribute, to strengthen the network.

• Responsiveness Allow networks to adapt very quickly, and bypass bottlenecked information which can often occur in a hierarchy.

• Resilience Give the network a unified and solidified organisational knowledge base.

REACHING PEAK PERFORMANCE CULTURE10

Source: Anton Andrews, Keynote speaker at WORKTECH London, November 2017


CHASING CHANGE MANAGEMENT

11

WHAT IS CHANGE MANAGEMENT?

Businesses need near-constant evolvement and development to ring the changes of their wider industry. When it comes to the workplace, change management is literally the process of managing those important changes.

Don’t make the mistake of overlooking the importance of change management in workplace design schemes, particularly when it comes to breaking down the divisions between workplace departments. Creating a more unified workplace is vital for the modern business landscape.


HOW TO SYNCHRONISE REDESIGN SCHEMES WITH TYPICAL CHANGE MANAGEMENT PROCESSES

• Go for a radical approach Total revolutions are often no more difficult to achieve than partial ones.

• Get the chiefs to create the climate The most senior managers can set the context and publicise successes.

• Test your models at the periphery, not the centre Small successes can be scaled up, big bang failures are never forgotten.

• Provide retaining support Formal group retaining sessions should help people alter habits in a new environment.

Source: Gavin Turner, Co-author New Workspace New Culture: Design Council/Gower

CHASING CHANGE MANAGEMENT11


THE SUN IS SHINING ON CLOUD COMPUTING

12

WHAT IS CLOUD COMPUTING?

Using a network of remote servers via the internet to store, manage and process data, instead of using traditional physical local servers.

Cloud computing continues to be critical to the digital landscape – and has a significant impact on the physical workspace, too. It doesn’t just mean less wires to deal with; ‘bring your own device’ style schemes can fit excellently with cloud servers, as can flexible working schemes.

The idea is to synchronise the entire working process – from computing to office layout.


THE NEW PARADIGM OF CLOUD COMPUTING

“Cloud computing and increased real-estate costs

further fuels an in-my-own-place, on-my-own-time

regimen, yet the value placed on the physical ‘home’

of the organisation becomes greater’.”

- Kursty Groves and Oliver Marlow, Spaces for Innovation (Frame Amsterdam 2016)

• People connect to other people; not desks and rooms.

• Buildings become thinner without complex wire management.

• ‘Bring your own device’ makes sense in a connected work environment.

• Shared ideas rather than sequential, supervised work.

Source: Chris McGoff, The Clearing, Keynote speaker at WORKTECH TORONTO, November 2017

THE SUN IS SHINING ON CLOUD COMPUTING12


DIVING INTO DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY

13

HOW IS DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY

CHANGING THE WORKPLACE?

Digital connectivity continues to evolve, and continues to transform the workplace at the same time. From dial-up internet connections through to our multiple internet-enabled electronics (smartphones, watches, tablets, laptops), with every passing year comes new innovations and new challenges – 2018 is no different.

It isn’t always realistic for the average business to stay on top of cutting-edge technology. To ensure optimum digital connectivity is achieved, employers should look towards combining necessary legacy technology with future devices, where possible.


BEYOND PERSONAL DEVICES – THE FUTURE OF CONNECTIVITY AND WHAT TO EXPECT

“Build bridges between the old and new worlds of

work rather than islands, with software that works

across all different applications and platforms.”

- Aditya Agawal, Chief Technology Officer, Dropbox

• Smart textiles rather than smart watches

• New materials such as graphene biological sensors

• Nanotechnology

Source: Wearables, Smart Textiles and Nanotechnology: Applications, Technologies and Markets, Cientifica Research

DIVING INTO DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY13


THE PINNACLE OF PRODUCTIVITY

14

HOW DO YOU DEFINE THE PINNACLE OF PRODUCTIVITY IN YOUR WORKPLACE?

The key is to set goals that are just the right side of ambitious – goals that can be achieved with a realistic amount of energy from your workforce.

Productivity levels are now at an all-time low for many businesses, given the after-effects of the 2008 financial crash. 10 years on, it’s time for us to boost working capacity from all angles, beginning with the use of workplace design.

Addressing employee wellbeing, the ability to communicate in our office surroundings, increasing engagement, and bolstering positive experiences can all be done with excellent office design.

A major focus for the workplace in 2018 – deriving productivity from our working environment.


ATTRACTING AND RETAINING THE RIGHT TALENT

15

WHAT IS THE ‘RIGHT’ KIND OF WORKING TALENT?

Let’s set the record straight. There is no right or wrong answer here. One thing is for certain though, do not just focus on attracting talent within the millennial generation. There are older generations that have much to offer to the modern workplace, too.

The main agenda for talent until now has been captivating those much-talked about millennials, and that’s obviously been important. However, retaining older talent – those of generation X, for example, is equally as important. Avoid creating a working space that caters to one single generation, while completely ignoring the others.

No matter which generation of talent you’re attempting to attract, you must consider elements of appeal beyond wage. As we quickly move towards 2020 and the changes that will bring in the workplace – namely, a more dynamic workspace, there is great scope and opportunity to use the strengths of the hybrid space to appeal to new work talent of all ages and backgrounds.

Remember that it’s about the employee experience, not just the employee benefits.


CONCEIVING CREATIVITY

16

HOW CAN WE FOSTER CREATIVITY IN THE WORKPLACE?

We need to think about the space in which we want creativity to happen. Design is more important than you might think – after all, creativity can only be born out of its surroundings.

Creativity is something we are always chasing in the workplace. How can workspace design help cultivate and encourage a more creative outlook?

ENVIRONMENTAL CUES TO SUPPORT CREATIVITY

• Good lighting to aid focus and concentration for the individual or team.

• Furniture that supports pinning up ideas and graphics – a modern take on the classic pin board.

• Spaces that mix ‘caves’ to focus, with ‘commons’ to share – quiet spaces and separate social spaces.

• Locations should be far away from noisy kitchens, print hubs or areas of high footfall.


“The workspace is continually changing, businesses today

must now adapt and adopt flexible working practices.”

- Paul Statham, CEO Condeco

FINAL WORDS

CONCLUSION

• Employee choice of control of their workspace

• Increased worker satisfaction

• Improved productivity

• Talent attraction and retention

• Enhanced collaboration

• Improved space efficiency

• More flexibility in space provision

• Reduced energy consumption

• Integrated service infrastructure

• Real-time insight and informed data-driven design

Profound transformation of the work environment generates a plethora of benefits:

In 2018 as we see the evolution of workplace enhance and transform the way we work and our environments we spend a large proportion of our lives in and around need to remain agile and cognisant of the these trends.

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www.condecosoftware.com

The workplace is changing, it’s not just a building, it’s a new way of meeting and collaborating. Since 2005, Condeco has been revolutionising the way we interact with our business environment, combining progressive workspace management technology with future foresight. Through extensive research, industry insights, and workspace leadership we evolve the digital workspace with a our global reach.

ARE YOU READY TO SHAPE YOUR WORKPLACE FUTURE?

Documents

WORKPLACE TRENDS 2018€¦ · INTRODUCTION Condeco, the leading brand in Workplace technology and thought leaders in modern working, have partnered with WORKTECH Academy to deliver