The world of work is in transition: work today is more global, more connected, more mobile, and more knowledge-intensive than it was just a few years ago.
What is needed are quick responses, connected thinking, and creativity.
Birgit Gebhardt, trend researcher and author of the New Work Order studies
The Drivers of Change
- Global networking accelerates communication and competition.
- Automation, robotics, and algorithms control supply chains and take over parts of human work.
- Communication media enable constant access to information and personalisation.
- Demographic change requires more flexible work processes.
- Participation and social responsibility at a societal level call for corresponding action within companies.
“Working differently!” is the way out of the crisis. Above all, younger generations don’t want to work less, but to work in new ways and break free from established routines.
Daniel Dettling, re:publik – Insitut für Zukunftspolik [Institute for Future Policy], Berlin
New Ways of Working
Communication is becoming the most important activity for employees. New tasks demand new methods, a deeper understanding of customers, and a broader range of expertise. Today, consumers expect products tailored to their individual needs rather than standardised, off-the-shelf solutions. This requires manufacturers and service providers to be flexible and adaptable. For that to happen, communication and collaboration must work across teams, departments, and often even company boundaries.
Source: New Work Order – Baseline Study
The New Role of the Office
The office is gaining additional significance as a space for truly valuable personal interaction time.
Dr Josephine Hofmann, Head of Competence Centre Business Performance Management, Fraunhofer IAO, from the New Work Order study (2012)
It’s the soft factors that determine the quality of work – who I meet, how I am welcomed, whether my manager is on site and supportive. Real estate can facilitate this, but it’s the soft factors that create the added value.
Jöri Engel, CEO of Swisscom Immobilien AG
SOCIAL CONTACTS AND IDENTIFICATION WITH THE COMPANY
So, what draws employees to the office? A key motivation is the opportunity to meet colleagues.
SWITCHING INTO THE RIGHT WORK MODE
Employees will only choose the office if it proves to be a suitable environment for the task at hand. Its design must therefore fit the current work activity not just functionally, but also emotionally. In other words: the New Work office is designed like a small town. It combines spaces for spontaneous encounters, areas for focused individual work, zones for teamwork, and more – all of which may be inspired by settings from public or private life. Which combination works best, however, is something each organisation must determine for itself.
Source: New Work Order – Baseline Study
A HEALTH-PROMOTING WORK ENVIRONMENT
Offices also retain a traditional role: providing employees with a workplace that allows them to work without compromising their health due to noise, glare, or lack of movement.
