The average workplace today is very different to what it was just a few decades ago. From emerging technologies becoming more sophisticated and accessible, to the popularity of flexible working and beyond, the accepted standards of working environments are evolving. Satisfying the needs and requirements of this new era of flexible business, means service providers must evolve too.
 

Rise of millennial-dominated workplaces

Millennials are growing up and flooding into workplaces all over the world, and quickly re-shaping the company cultures previous generations are used to. According to research conducted by PWC, by 2020 millennials will make up 50% of the global workforce. In less than three years, over half of the working population will be made up of younger colleagues.

Although your typical nine-to-five, open plan office space still exists, modern thinking businesses are now looking at new ways to increase productivity and colleague retention. The most widely recognised organisation for making these radical changes is, of course, Google. From nap pods and ping-pong tables, to slides instead of staircases, it’s clear that the company is investing in creating a culture of happiness and success.

Of course, you don’t have to go as far as installing slides to embrace a modern approach to working environments. Known for being tech savvy and entrepreneurial, millennials have been brought up to be competent multitaskers. Providing tech-centric and capable people with the tools to manage their own environments is a huge step forwards. Imagine having a workspace that is tailored to you, by you. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
 

Evolving work stations

The modern work environment is evolving and it’s imperative that service providers are aware of and responsive to the changing needs of their customers. Sourcing innovative solutions and maintaining consistent, safe and productive workspaces is key to successful facilities management.

Thanks to their benefits of reducing stress, helping posture, and maintaining a healthy body, treadmill and stand-up desks are becoming increasingly popular. Some organisations are even introducing personalised environments, where colleagues can select their optimum lighting and temperature settings to suit their preferred needs. Others are focussed on improving productivity, seeking new ways for their colleagues to manage their working day. From booking meeting rooms to pre-ordering lunches and coffee, technology is enabling more efficient processes. As a Servest customer, we’ll work with you to find the right solution for your business to create an environment that inspires and motivates your teams.
 

Network infrastructure

With the flexibility of ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) policies and cloud collaboration tools, open communication is becoming more prevalent. By allowing colleagues to use their own devices, companies can save a vast amount on IT equipment and mobile phones. It also means that people can use devices and equipment that they are familiar with and more comfortable using, which can help to improve productivity. However, this approach to working can also cause an abundance of issues for IT departments, as IT support will need to be device dependant.

BYOD policies, although convenient for employees, present a threat to security. Ensuring ease of connectivity and IT security relies on a robust network of systems to ensure productivity and to safeguard businesses from cyber-crimes. Arthur McKay, part of the Servest Group is expert in in designing, building and maintaining network infrastructure solutions. Regardless of which sector you work in, Arthur McKay delivers scalable, resilient and cost effective infrastructures to businesses and organisations of all sizes.

 

Increased flexible working

As the internet has evolved, and a new generation of super web-savvy professionals have joined the workforce, more and more companies are beginning to offer remote working. There are a range of benefits to flexible working hours, but one of the most-lauded is giving colleagues the freedom to work when and how they prefer, which can help to increase productivity and output.

By allowing colleagues to choose their own preferred working patterns, means working hours at all levels of a business can now vary greatly from week to week, or even day to day, especially in the professional services. Now, more than ever, it’s essential for service providers to have a good channel of communication with the customer, and a clear picture of who’s working when, where and how so that they can offer the highest level of support.
 

New challenges for facilities management providers

The idea of flexible working, personalised environments and stress-busting work spaces is certainly going to appeal to a growing population. However, taking this bold step relies on putting in place a robust and adaptable structure of support services.

For every exciting development in workplace design, comes a challenge that needs solving. Allowing employees to work outside standard office hours means that they must be able to access company buildings safely and securely. Electronic access cards or biometric scanners, coupled with onsite security patrols is an efficient way to ensure ease of access and safety. Encouraging flexible working also means that employers need to ensure their work environments are operating as efficiently at 9pm as they are at 9am.

Utilising data collected by workplace sensors and heat maps can give facilities management providers crucial intelligence into the use of a building. By analysing this data, trends can be identified, meaning operational strategies can be designed based on building usage and occupancy. Everything can be tailored and designed bespoke for your business. From deploying additional cleaning teams to high footfall areas, to adjusting temperature controls and managing maintenance plans when your building is empty, partnering with a service provider that can anticipate these requirements and work flexibly with your organisation is key to creating and maintaining innovative, enjoyable and productive workspaces. Contact a member of the team today to find out how you could benefit from working with Servest.

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