The Challenges of Building for a Transforming Workforce
Today’s business cultures vary by age, speed, size, innovation and more – and successful brands thrive by attracting and retaining top talent in an environment that inspires them. This Nov. 1-2 at O.CON: The Office Conference, Jason Hickey, president and CEO of Hickey & Associates, will discuss how every office reflects the company’s brand, and why a business’ physical space should reflect the personality of the company, invite growth potential, and be an invigorating and encouraging space for employees. Here, we get an early look at what Hickey plans to cover at his session.
NAIOP: What are some of the ways that successful brands are creating environments to attract and retain key talent?
Hickey: Companies that promote the potential for an individual employee to make a positive impact in the workplace is critical. Job seekers often rank their ability to change the world while on the job as just as important as – if not more important than – monetary compensation.
NAIOP: How can companies make sure their office space is true to their brand and company culture?
Hickey: Workspace design should mirror a company’s goals, culture and the collaborative expectation the leadership has for their employees. Some CEOs work from a cubicle to show they are “one” with the staff residing in a farm of four-foot-high modular offices. Other companies invest heavily in collaboration spaces and hot desks to allow workers to work in various environments as they choose.
NAIOP: What are some common mistakes when building a space for a diverse, multigenerational workforce?
Hickey: It is common for baby boomers to find challenges with an open working environment after spending so many years in a culture of private offices. In the ’80s and ’90s, private offices often meant status. Today, a private office is rare and reserved only for top executives. Privacy can be found in cell phone rooms that allow employees the privacy to conduct conversations away from others. However, with older generations the expectation for private space has not diminished and can lead to unforeseen frustration.
Hear from Hickey and other leaders in office at O.CON: The Office Conference, Nov. 1-2 in Los Angeles, California. Visit the conference page to explore session topics and register.
