Work+ vs. Traditional Design Process
The chart below details some of the differences between Work+ and the conventional design process at the University of Minnesota.
(View as a detailed PDF chart )
| Traditional Project | Work+ Project |
|---|---|
| Planning process is mostly formula-driven with limited opportunities for input and doesn’t address technology and organizational issues. | Process engages participants through interviews, observations, surveys, and workshops and considers space, technology, and HR issues holistically |
| Space is allocated based on your title, with only a few places to get work done - basically desks and conference rooms | Space is not one-size fits all and is allocated based on the work you do, with a variety of places to work, including quiet areas, lounges, and more collaboration spaces |
| Technology provided largely assuming everyone is able to get the most out of the technology. | Training and support are provided so that participants can leverage their tools to work anywhere and enhance collaboration |
| Training typically not considered as part of a renovation / relocation | Proactive approach by providing training on new ways of working,setting norms for how groups use space and technology |
| Evaluation of project success through informal means | Formal post-occupancy evaluation to measure project success and make adjustments if needed |
New Spaces and Technology
Spaces and technology that support working in new ways include:
A Work+ project:
- Can support larger changes already underway becoming more holistic about the interconnection between space, productivity, culture and engagement
- Changes the focus from first creating dedicated heads-down work to first creating spaces that support the work and focuses on what the work is, not the number and titles of impacted workers
- Requires surveying employees on functionality of Space, IT and HR related issues prior to design
- Requires the team to discuss and agree on expectations for communication and collaboration
- Requires education and training on IT tools to gain full functionality
- Requires HR Change Management support for the new way of working – focusing on how to achieve the desired work results
- Includes an expectation that additional types of spaces can be created out of space saved from under-utilized workspaces while still saving space compared to a traditional layout
- Shifts discussion about space from an entitlement to a tool that ties directly to the required activities
Included space types (may be unique based on the work of the group):
- Small quiet spaces for phone calls
- Collaboration space
- Non-dedicated workstations
- Soft seating areas
- Filing/storage areas dedicated to mobile workers
- After the construction of the space;
- Post-move surveying to see how well the new space supports the work
- Space may be adjusted as part of the project, to fix minor issues
- Space is easier to grow or shrink to adapt to changes in number of workers using the space