Creating a new workplace is a rare opportunity to add real value to a business according to HASSELL Principal and leading workplace architect, Steve Coster.
Invited to speak at a recent International CFO Forum luncheon in Sydney, Australia – part of a series of group briefings and networking lunches that explore key management challenges – Coster shared his views on the opportunity to add value to a business by creating the right workplace environment.
“Desks, chairs and meeting rooms themselves can’t improve customer service, streamline systems, win new clients or generate new market opportunities – but the right environment can encourage people to achieve these goals” Coster said.
“Whether it’s the encouragement of spontaneous discussions through an open environment or the option to run upstairs and chat to someone about an idea, rather than discouraging them with barriers – these factors contribute to each individual improving business performance” he further explained.
HASSELL projects ANZ Centre and SA Water House are examples of this type of environment. In both cases a central atrium creates visual and physical connection to all levels of the open plan workspace, fostering openness and promoting ad hoc professional interaction. Most of the floor space in ANZ’s ‘urban campus’ environment is dedicated to shared, interactive activity, bringing with it the award winning results of Australian Development of the Year 2011, handed down by the Property Council of Australia.
Drawing on his experience as Managing Director of strategic workplace consultancy firm DEGW, Coster suggested that a key challenge for senior management is to recognise the contribution workplaces (and the design process itself) can make to business performance.
“Making the most of space, making the most of how people work within that space, and making the most of what the space tells people about the organisation are key ingredients towards the creation of a valuable workplace,” Steve said, “And involving people in the design process is another key opportunity”.
“Valuable workplaces are created through the process, not just the outcome. What is the purpose of the workplace? How could it function better? Making the most of the opportunity is a change management and psychology challenge, more than it is a design or technical challenge. The willingness to change is the main limitation to what’s possible.”
