1Q 2018 NYC Newtrends - Workplace: Strategies of the Past and Innovations for the Future
Technology companies are the innovators of Workplace Strategies. They trend about ten years ahead of other industries, asking questions and experimenting with solutions, many of which become mainstream. As such, technology companies serve as a beacon of what is to come.
- In the past, technology companies provided cutting edge amenities to keep employees in the office longer and blend work-life. Some elements like cafes, ping pong tables, and concierge services became commonplace among many different types of tenants.
- Presently, technology companies are designing individual and shared spaces for focused work to balance the open, collaborative areas. They still prefer open seating, but aim to provide individuals with tools at their desk to promote concentration or 鈥渜uiet-together鈥� spaces akin to libraries.
- Future, forward-thinking technology companies are beginning to experiment with applying principles of human evolution and cognitive psychology to create environments that maximize an individual鈥檚 creativity and wellbeing. Many of these concepts are based on biophilia, our innate attraction to nature, and they involve concepts like designing indoor lighting to change throughout the day in a way that mimics natural outdoor light.
WORKPLACE ECOSYSTEM:
Workplace Strategy Encompasses the Workplace Ecosystem with all of its Experiential Factors
Which Types of Companies should Engage in Workplace Strategies
- Tenants over 10,000 square feet
- Those for whom recruitment and retention are important
- Firms in more expensive markets
Action Steps for Tenants
- Engage Workplace Strategy at the same time as a change in lease is considered, in advance of a lease expiration.
- Identify and implement workplace trends that are important to attract and retain a talented workforce
- Consider ways in which relevant robotics and automation can make workplace more efficient.