nbThe dynamic of design is a multi-layered process. Business executives who are developing newly constructed or renovated office space will certainly focus on the aesthetics – rooms that are visually appealing, trendy, inviting, and comfortable. But it is often what happens within a given space that dictates how a room should look, feel, and function. Studies indicate that when these factors are taken into consideration, workspace can have a positive impact on creating an engaging culture, increasing staff productivity, and enhancing employees’ overall perceptions of the company and workplace

In an age when innovation and disruption are the norm, it’s inevitable for offices to undergo their own transformative journey to maximize organizational productivity and enhance employee experience. Flexible offices, co-working spaces, and activity-based offices have gradually evolved in response to an organization’s intrinsic need to remain enterprising while helping its workforce perform better. On one hand, flexible hours, smart devices, paperless processes, and the IoT have transformed the conventional grid office to something more modern, agile, and stylish. On the other, integrated recreational, gaming, and health services are now deemed crucial for an organization to remain competitive and become a great workplace.

As sustainability and wellness certifications gain momentum, the question often becomes, “To certify, or not to certify?” – but this binary approach misses the true intent of these systems. The focus should not be on chasing points but building upon the strategies outlined in these building standards to create healthier and more environmentally friendly workplaces. Certification is not just about the plaque – it’s about the process. Regardless of whether formal certification is pursued, every project can and should borrow ideas and strategies from leading sustainability and wellness frameworks to create a better built environment. By leveraging the extensive research that goes into developing each credit or feature, project teams can pursue proven, data-driven strategies that reduce impact on the environment while promoting health and wellbeing for occupants.

Smart approaches for building automation help to address the three typical CRE challenges: engaged colleagues – competitive cost – sustainability. This innovation workshop looked into the following questions: How do these smart solutions work? Which benefits are expected? How can they be realized for owners, tenants and employees?

Real estate costs are typically one of the least-agile parts of an organization. Every business has a fixed number of buildings, or square footage, and a set lease period. Company leaders need agile space planning and utilization options to maximize productivity. But how can a business balance a finite footprint with organizational nimbleness?

The Association of Change Management Professionals, or ACMP, defines change management as “the practice of applying a structured approach to transition an organization from a current state to a future state to achieve expected benefits.” Going further, ACMP states, “The more seamless the transition is for an organization’s people, the more effectively and efficiently the organization will be in achieving the benefits of the desired future state.”

Ducks symbolize freedom, flexibility and adaptability. They remind us to notice our surroundings because new opportunities are everywhere and, in order to succeed, you need to move forward swiftly and strategically.

Previously recorded at a Carolinas Chapter event, you will hear a panel of colleagues from BDHP Architecture and Citrix discuss how partnerships are formed through the development of projects.

CoreNet Global's Tim Venable interviews Jamie Kinch, Vice President, Real Estate & Workplace Experience for Rapid7, to discuss how his company opened a series of new offices during the past year.