Welcome to “The Adaptable Workplace”

Jul 4

In a recent Roundtable, organised by PropTech Denmark and Coor Danmark, key players in Facility Management spent their morning exploring the future workplace. One key point emerged from the insightful discussions: we are shifting from a focus on fixed activity-based space planning to adaptability in workplace design. Here’s why and how to get started.

Moving away from predictability

The pioneers of workplace innovation no longer believe in the ability to predict future needs and activities accurately. Instead, they emphasise the importance of equipping ourselves to meet the unpredictable and, at the same time, empowering employees to continuously shape their own meaningful work environment.

Dive into four key takeaways from the event, on how to get started:

1) Gain insights through data and collaboration

Begin by collecting insights into the actual use of your workspace and the needs of your employees. This requires leveraging data from proptech sensors and conducting employee surveys. Collaboration between Facility Management and HR is crucial to obtain a comprehensive understanding.

2) Strengthen data utilisation and communication

Data only adds value when we know how to interpret and use it effectively. Enhance the organisation's and employees' capabilities to understand and communicate data insights. Data is only worth something when it enables behavioural change and inform decision-making. Think about how the new insights you might gain will inform your overall workplace strategy.

3) Explore circular and "as-a-service" models

Consider adopting circular and "as-a-service" business models for your provided services and physical space planning such as furniture. By not committing too much to one setup you can easily adapt to your new data-founded insights and changin requirements - and the workplace might even become more sustainable as you engage in bigger organisational systems for re-use. Flexibility and agility become key attributes.

4) Foster employee influence and ownership

Empower employees to have a say in shaping their workspaces. Encourage them to rearrange furniture or "hack" the rooms to suit their preferences. By adopting a flexible approach to space planning and giving your employees more ownership of the space, you help create a productive environment that actually support your employees’ preferred post-covid workflow.

The Roundtable provided an incredible opportunity for engaging, honest, and open dialogues among participants. Thank you to all who participated, and for Coor Denmark to arrange this with us. We look forward to continue exploring the future workplace with our members. Next, we’ll dive into the specific proptech solutions shaping the coming years of our offices. If you are a member, then you can already get into it with our PropTech Guide.