FACILITIES MANAGEMENT JOURNAL JOBS
FM CAREERS - RECRUITMENT - WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE
Our relationship with the o ice has changed
fundamentally since Q1 2020. Prior to March
2020 we learnt together, we collaborated
together, we socialised together, and we did
that day-to-day stu . We then had a very abrupt
separation and for the vast majority of corporate
workers we’ve not really seen a great deal of each
other. The time has come to start thinking about how
we can rekindle that relationship and how it can be
mutually beneficial to all parties.
WORKPLACE, WE MISSED YOU
As we return to our o ices in some shape or form but
we know that to truly make this relationship work
there will need to be some changes. There has been
much written on workplace design and its use as a
tool to attract and retain talent but here, I want to
focus on the ‘workplace experience’.
Over the past few years, we have heard the term
'workplace experience' pop up in conversation more
and more; what does it mean, who is responsible for
it and how important is it?
Over the last 10 years we have seen a significant
change in the design of workplaces. Traditional
desks are being drawn down and replaced with
collaboration zones, touch-down spaces and
amenities that do more than just provide a place
to eat and drink. This 'trend' will continue postpandemic
and more will be done to integrate the
digital and physical workplaces.
However, your workplace experience is far more
than the digital and physical aspects. It needs
to connect with the employee on a human level
too. Your workplace needs to be centred around
employees wants and needs. Just because the
workplace looks great, and you have the latest
digital technology, it isn’t a guarantee for a positive
experience.
FIND THE ELUSIVE WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE
You need to have the right culture, the right
processes, and policies in place for your employees
to really get the most out of their environment. Look
at the experience you would expect when going
to a restaurant, where the eating element is only
one component of the experience; the welcome,
ambience, décor and service all add or detract from
the overall experience. Why should your workplace
not take on this approach and provide a similar
experience?
The pandemic has led to a meteoric shi in the
way we work and our relationship with the physical
workplace has changed. There have been noticeable
benefits from working remotely; 80 per cent of
respondents to a poll cited the advantages of an
improved work/life balance and reduced commuting
so it’s important to listen to the data when making
decisions.
As we start the return to o ice it will also allow us to
reset our o erings and better define how colleagues
use and interact with their workplace. Industry
data published by the BBC suggests the majority of
corporate employees will look to frequent the o ice
two to three days a week with the remaining time
spent working from home or third spaces. Digital
tools will be key to seamlessly traverse the spaces
and maintain productivity and engagement.
When colleagues attend the o ice, they need to
ensure they have access to the right spaces, the right
technology, the right resources, and the right people.
They will want spaces to not only be functional, but
also inspiring and consider their mental and physical
wellbeing. Indeed, 41 per cent of poll respondents
cited that they are likely to be more productive
and happier in their workplace if they are better
supported from a wellbeing perspective. They
also want to know that basics are done brilliantly
(cleaning, building access, wayfinding, catering etc.)
so they can focus on being productive and delivering
against the task in hand.
KEEP THE SPARK ALIGHT
Creating the right experience is a team e ort; it is not
just the responsibility of the workplace professionals.
It needs your people, real estate, finance,
communications and technology teams but most
importantly it needs the voice of the colleague to be
front and centre to ensure they are really being heard.
But it doesn’t stop there; the workplace experience
will evolve and the constant feedback and input from
colleagues will be crucial in ensuring the journey is
one that works for both parties. A positive workplace
experience does not just happen; you cannot leave it
to chance. It needs to be curated and tailored to each
organisation, it needs people to believe in it and it
needs leaders to invest in it mentally and financially.
But with the right experience, and a bit of e ort, you
can rekindle the desire for the workplace and have
highly engaged employees - which will only have
positive outcomes for your business.
REKINDLING THAT
WORKPLACE SPARK
Will Richards, Head of Workplace Experience at ISS UK
says research proves that a new approach will be required
to enrich the post-COVID workplace experience
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