As companies strive to become more cost-effective and employees are encouraged to streamline their workflows for optimum productivity, technology shares the podium with human process for the most influential drivers of innovation in workplace dynamics.
In 2017, some key trends are emerging:
Workplace trend: Mobility and workplace flexibility
Though mobile is nothing new per se, the population of mobile workers continues to grow. It is predicted that by 2020, 42% of the global workforce will be mobile, allowing workers to access information and work from wherever they like. To this end, employee-centric applications will become firmly mainstream, bringing with them a level of cost optimization that will fuel the new normal. In terms of the workplace itself, we are seeing the demise of the conventional office, largely because of the prevalence of mobile workers, and a widespread commitment to cost-reduction.
Companies with a commitment to transparency will prevail
Millennials have taught us that it’s not good to do business with a company that you don’t trust. Businesses that are fully transparent about their code of ethics, their methodologies, their hiring processes, and their values will continue to gain the public’s trust, relegating those who do not care about their people, the planet, or a worthwhile cause eating dust. Companies must support their mission through action, and constantly be aware of how their vision must change to reflect changing values. A strong commitment to transparency not only pleases customers, but it empowers employees to work harder, knowing that the company they represent is worth it.
Flexible processes usurp tech reliance
While productivity applications are not going away anytime soon, they have brought a certain sensibility into the human element: as much as we have become reliant on apps to streamline our day and help us work more efficiently, we ourselves are becoming more and more like the apps we use. These apps are based on ideal human workflows, after all, but they have started to shift the way we think on the fly, helping us to reorganize and simplify what we do every day.
Process design is a thing
There’s a new sheriff in the c-suite: the chief process officer (CPO) has entered the building. Responsible for overseeing and developing the overall approach to process design and execution, the CPO focuses on a more detailed and multi-layered approach to company-wide processes with the ultimate goal of optimizing employee engagement and productivity.
Business Intelligence (BI) to prove ROL (return on learning)
More and more companies are relying on BI data to help them make business decisions. This leads to much-improved process design and efficiency overall by helping to identify areas where performance pales in contrast to desired benchmarks. With the ability to view this data in real time, it is possible to intervene and resolve any issues before they cause too much damage.
Driving your success through innovation
Workspace Strategies is a shared space consulting company comprised of experienced property management and shared space professionals focused on assisting property owners achieve maximum value from their real estate investments. Contact us and find out more about how we can help position your business for success.
