What are the critical driving forces that leaders are facing to improve the workplace?

These are just some of the ways that people start a conversation with POS and reflect some of the key themes that keep business leaders awake at night – such as digital transformation, managing growth, improving the bottom line, skills retention and the wellbeing of their people.

Sometimes the conversation may start about office layouts or ergonomic workstations; however, that also soon reveals other complex challenges at play where our strategic advice and expertise can become invaluable.  

1. Change

Leaders come to us because the size or nature of their business is changing. Armed with a new strategy, they have a clear direction for their growth plans and how these need to be supported with a variety of changes and resources.    

It might be that the nature of their work is changing because of technology and the digitalisation of roles and the expectations of an evolving market or workforce. On the other hand, it could be due to an acquisition or merger, an event that will significantly impact their requirements and the culture of their business.   

Successfully bringing teams together in a new workplace environment for both organisations and reflecting the desired culture can be challenging. However, done well, it provides an energising way to bring teams together around a new shared purpose.    

As part of our strategic consultancy, we dive deeper into understanding what these changes mean for a business, their people and the evolving nature of work. Inevitably, this involves taking a holistic view of the interrelation of technology, the physical environment, the culture and how our design recommendations ensure the creation of the right conditions to support a productive and positive employee experience. 

2. Budgets & profitability   

Every organisation needs to make the most of the available space and deliver value throughout the business. Business leaders want long-term value and stay focused on the aspects of their business that deliver profit.    

POS talks to business leaders about the long-term value of an up-front investment in their workplace environment.    

How much are you investing per head? What return on that investment can you expect?    

Can you afford this? Can you afford not to do this?   

Crucially, we will also discuss the uplift in productivity and wellbeing that a great working environment can have on people.   

Staff retention, reducing absenteeism, getting people into the office and generating a productivity lift. Improved use of space or a reduction in space. A better working culture. These are all typical outcomes of our projects and the kind of objectives that business leaders need to tackle, and we can help.

3. People

The wellbeing, morale and health of people are important. In fact, it's critical. Leaders know how the work environment and employee experience shape their culture. Employees' needs and expectations are changing. Recent research found that happy people are 31% more productive.   

The workplace is central to employee experience; it can support agile working practices, bring people together, support employee health and wellness and reduce stress.    

Every organisation needs to get the best out of its people and creating an environment where they can perform well – whatever the task – is mission-critical.    

Workplace design needs to support diversity and foster inclusivity. It can support people's different neurological and physical needs, stimulate a sense of connection and belonging and ultimately drive productivity. 

4. Sustainability

Future-proofing the workplace will help to reduce your environmental footprint. Business leaders need to consider the long-term impact of the workplace. It's not as simple as using recycled materials; if we want to reduce landfill, minimise Co2 emissions and maximise efficient use of water, energy and natural light, then we need to make wise choices now.    

As soon as conversations about an office move or expansion of premises start, it's time to call POS. We add value from the start. For example, most organisations do not have someone on the team who is an expert in the workplace; they don't have design expertise or understand the project management processes involved in an office move. Our consultancy services can help leaders to avoid mistakes that could mean they find themselves in the same position in just a few short years.    

5. Functionality and design  

People talk to POS because they want things to work. Who isn't frustrated by an office that never quite delivers what they need?    

Form and function are part of our DNA. Great design isn't just about good looks. We design spaces for the tasks your team need to complete. We design offices for your organisation's unique needs, from quiet spaces to places that stimulate connections and conversations. No two offices are the same, but the common thread is that they create positivity and productivity.    

Most business leaders understand the value of good design and POS taps into the latest research on workplace wellness, working habits and technology to create offices that deliver a productivity bounce and are fit for the organisation's future goals.   

Conversations with POS start in many different ways, but our clients are always delighted when they find a local partner who can guide them through what is usually a significant project.

Get in touch to see how we can help.