Tangram’s Nick Meter: Adaptive Workspaces for Growing Companies
By Dennis Kaiser
Tangram recently hosted a panel discussion at its Downtown L.A. facility on adaptive workspaces, a timely topic moderated by Nick Meter, Vice President of Sales and Customer Experience. Companies represented on the panel included Hulu, Riot Games, Steelcase, Enter Environments and Shubin Donaldson.
The group offered expert perspectives on how organizations can plan for growth, for the evolving demands from employees and executives alike, and for the unknown nature of tomorrow’s work. Connect Media asked Meter to share a few of the insights from the conversation in our latest 3 CRE Q&A.
Q: What are three aspects of the workspace that are important for motivation and productivity?
A: Three key considerations are flexibility and adaptability, innovation and collaboration, and wellness and wellbeing. In today’s work environment, designing for change and impermanence, including infrastructure, is a must. Rapid advances in technology are freeing people from the traditional office environment, and no two people work in the same way. Agile and quick communication are essential, with videoconferencing now pervasive. And change management is basic to promoting next-generation workspaces and motivating people to use them. Minimizing workflow disruption and optimizing employee performance involve three types of wellness: physical, emotional and cognitive.
Q: Are there some key considerations related to corporate culture?
A: In evaluating amenities, companies must determine nice-to-haves vs. essentials. Look at the surrounding geographic area to avoid duplication of existing services. And work with landlords to negotiate amenities, keeping in mind potential expenses for rent and buildout. In terms of regional offices, make the local workforce feel special. Involve them, including the regional or country manager, in providing input. Incorporate elements that are authentic to the area and local culture. Consultants can play a significant role in these areas, especially for companies that don’t have an internal facilities management function.
Q: How are trends in the marketplace impacting commercial workspaces?
A: First of all, a particular approach should not be implemented just because it’s a current trend. Consider tradeoffs, nuances of the organization’s business and culture, types of staff activities and, therefore, the resulting workspace needs. One practice that’s been receiving some critique is open space plans. But, overall, it’s seen as a valid option and here to stay with positive impacts on interaction and collaboration. Another is co-working spaces which are seen as a valuable “escape hatch” to provide flexible capacity as needed for managing expansion and contraction of staff levels.
Originally Posted on Connect.Media
