How Companies Can Update the Workplace

Your technology may be cutting edge, but how is your workplace environment? Does it need an update, or maybe an upgrade? If you want your company to achieve the best results, then maybe it’s time to focus on the workplace.

Up to 70 percent of knowledge workers are not fully engaged in their jobs, according to CoreNet Global, the premier association for corporate real estate and workplace professionals.

CoreNet Global recently released a position statement encouraging organizations to adopt 21st century workplace practices and policies in an effort to make the corporate environment more conducive to the needs of both employers and employees. But how do they do that?

Below is a series of action steps that can be done immediately without major expense, as well as a set of steps that can be accomplished over time that can improve workplaces, for the sake of efficiency, productivity and health.

Workplace practices companies can implement immediately:

• Provide food choices that reflect healthy options and offerings such as fresh, local healthy meals and snacks
• Offer flexible work terms and work schedules and introduce “third places” and “third spaces” as alternatives to the main workplace setting
• Integrate personal devices with company servers and systems as an extension of the emerging work-life support “eco-system” trending toward employees using their own technology while working

Workplace practices companies can implement over a longer term:

• Rework the office space so that all employees have access to windows and natural lighting
• Provide employees with ergonomically sound furniture and equipment that include the use of non-toxic and reusable materials
• Incorporate personal amenities with an eye toward integrated wellness, such as on-site wellness facilities, or offer employees incentives to make health and wellness a part of their workday

For more information, visit www.corenetglobal.org.