In a 2009 survey conducted by CoreNet Global Research in partnership with Steelcase, 194 logisitics-oriented corporate real estate practioners were asked a series of questions related to maximizing the use of existing space. Key findings from the CoreNet Global/Steelcase survey include:
A vast majority (69%) use alternative work strategies and 73% are doing so to reduce costs.
There is a split opinion on “third place” work locations ( libraries and coffee shops )- half support it on the grounds of work/life balance, reduction in commute time and carbon footprint. The other half oppose it because it does not support the corporate culture and threatens data confidentiality.
Productivity/effectiveness was the second most important driver, followed by attraction and retention of employees.
Other interesting finding include:
The average net usable square footage per employee, including assigned work space, shared spaces, meeting rooms, and hallways in now 200 to 225 sq.ft. which is down from 250 sq.ft. per employee in past years.
The top three alternative work strategies being implemented are:
- home offices (78%)
- temporary work spaces assigned through a reservation system (74%)
- and mobile work at multiple spaces (69 %).
Steelcase’s whitepaper on the subject is “360 Deep Dive: How Emerging Work Strategies are Changing the Workplace,” and it further explores emerging work strategies . This whitepaper can be found in its entirety at www.corenetglobal.org/Publications
Anecdotal comment to this topic and article:
I have read and( transcribed ) this above information while working in the local Library ( conference rooms, study rooms, private typing/ computer rooms ), which is where I do 80% of my work currently. 10% of my blogging is done at home and usually on the back yard patio. 10% is performed at the local coffee shop. This is so “new school” for me since I come from a corporate real estate background and have always worked in a much larger office environment. The library has free everything from research materials to WIFI connections and offers an atmosphere of productive learning and working for what I do now.
Also, my daughter is a Social Media Consultant with a staff of designers and SEO managers off-shore and she does about 80% of her work in four or five local coffee shops with her “white noise” headphones in place and iced tea at her right hand. She has a one year contract with the coffee shop to provide WIFI and believes it is the best place for her to be the most productive. – Vic Donovan 1.5.2009
