SENSE OF PLACE IS STILL IMPORTANT TO EMPLOYEES
May 01, 2012
More companies than ever are adopting alternative workplace strategies (AWS) that encourage employees to work away from the office. It makes sense and the benefits seem obvious: reduced real estate costs, minimized commuting time, fewer out of pocket costs, greater flexibility, more time to get work done.
When I talk to the heads of organizations regarding the real estate strategy, I often hear “our company will continue to lease less space because we are designing smaller settings to be more inviting, will promote more effective collaboration, innovation, employee satisfaction, speed to market, competitiveness and higher productivity”.
When I drill down to the employee level, a different picture emerges. The economic downturn exposed another real estate contradiction: the life of a mobile or at-home worker is not a completely rosy picture. Beneath the surface, people are sensing the need for more ‘face time’ to demonstrate their value in person or risk becoming irrelevant. At the individual level, job insecurity is outweighing the allure of mobile and flexible work.
Although AWS have quickly been adopted into the overall business strategy and will continue to advance workplace compression, organizations need to provide employees space to feel a sense of purpose and belonging. The importance of place should not be underestimated as people and organizations need human interaction to thrive.
For thought leadership regarding your real estate please call me.
< Return to News