Berks & Beyond Blog

Do you need to reorganize your work space?  If you’re not sure, ask yourself:

• Do your employees have sufficient space to complete their work?
• Is your workplace healthy, providing clean air and water, enough light (natural or artificial) and an environment free of distracting noises and smells?
• Is the workspace flexible enough to quickly adjust to industry-related changes?
• Are workers able to maintain comfort by adjusting light, temperature, furnishings and acoustic levels to their needs?
• Are your technology and physical plant (heating, cooling, water, plumbing) systems reliable?

If you answered “No” to one or more of these questions, your workplace may benefit from an update.  Here are some important points to consider before you start:

• Define the Image You Want to Project.  What would you like employees, potential and current clients to think and feel when they step inside your workplace?  Use this as a backdrop against which improvements will be made.
• Size up your Current Space.  What really goes on in your workplace each day?  Take a step back and examine how your space is used right now:

Layout.  How well does your existing floor plan function?  Shadow different types of employees to determine whether the layout helps or hinders them in their efforts to get work done. 

Usage.  How evenly is your space utilized?  Stop by cubicles, offices and conference rooms every half-hour to uncover areas that are chronically empty or overcrowded.

Workarounds.  Do employees use their space, furnishings and equipment as intended?  Examine your environment to see if it supports or thwarts employees’ work processes.

• Involve Your Staff.  Getting employee feedback on dysfunctional workspace elements is vital to your efforts; however, asking employees what they want may lead to unrealistic demands (not everyone can have a corner office with a built-in coy pond).  Gather employee input throughout the redesign process, but remind them that the new design will beneficial (not perfect) for everyone.
• Look 5 or 10 Years Down the Road.  Do you have plans to expand, merge or move?  Any of these will impact the amount you invest in a current workplace redesign.
• Determine Your Goals.  Once you’ve identified your biggest issues, decide which ones you want to attack.  Choose four or five priorities to address, such as increased collaboration, improved productivity or more efficient use of space.

Need to Reorganize Your WorkFORCE?

Admittedly, we don’t specialize in commercial interior design.  But, we at Berks & Beyond are experts at helping you redesign your workforce.  We can show you how to use staffing to save money, improve productivity and run a “lean and mean” organization.  Contact us today to learn more.