Purpose – To explore current practice and integrate proposed concepts from academic literature into a more comprehensive conceptual framework for workplace solution planning that is applicable to professional services firms. The paper aims for facilitating holistic considerations of strategic opportunities and, therefore, may enhance approaches in the early stages of workplace transformation projects. It also presents a critical reflection of the contemporary cost reduction paradigm.
Design/methodology/approach – Review of literature from a wide range of academic disciplines and practitioners.
Findings – In the realm of contemporary workplace solutions there is little evidence to be found of an evolution of CREM towards a truly strategic discipline but it still appears to be focused on operational metrics in the aftermath of the greatest recession after World War II.
Originality/value – This paper integrates findings and theories from different disciplines in order to create a contextual understanding about the nature of knowledge work and the requirements for productivity-focussed workplace solutions in multinational professional services firms.
Table of Content
- PREFACE
- INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
- Strategy, CREM and Workplace Solutions
- Professional Services and Knowledge Work
- Strategic Driving Forces and CRE Strategies in P-KIBS Firms
- Objectives
- LITERATURE REVIEW
- Integrated Resource and Infrastructure Solution
- The Business and HR/Office User Perspective
- Work tasks, styles and roles in professional services firms
- Significance of the workplace in a generational and cultural context
- The CREM and Finance Perspective
- Resource and infrastructure costs in a multinational context
- Performance Measurement
- CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
- CONCLUSIONS
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper investigates the current practices in workplace solution planning for professional services firms and aims to integrate proposed concepts from academic literature into a more comprehensive conceptual framework. The paper aims to facilitate holistic considerations of strategic opportunities, enhancing approaches in the early stages of workplace transformation projects. Additionally, it offers a critical reflection of the contemporary cost reduction paradigm.
- Strategic approach to workplace solution planning
- Integrating academic concepts into a comprehensive framework
- Holistic considerations of strategic opportunities
- Contemporary cost reduction paradigm
- Knowledge work and productivity-focused workplace solutions
Chapter Summaries
The preface provides context for the study by outlining a comparative field study conducted by the author on the traits of contemporary corporate real estate management. The study highlighted the focus on cost reduction through increased workspace density and desk sharing across various companies. The study found little evidence of strategic planning based on specific user requirements.
Chapter 1 introduces the paper's objectives and explores the relationship between strategy, corporate real estate management (CREM), and workplace solutions. It delves into the characteristics of professional services and knowledge work, and examines the strategic driving forces and CREM strategies in professional services firms.
Chapter 2 presents a literature review, discussing integrated resource and infrastructure solutions. It analyzes the perspectives of business, human resources, and office users, examining work tasks, styles, and roles in professional services firms. The chapter also explores the significance of the workplace in a generational and cultural context. Finally, it discusses the CREM and finance perspectives, including resource and infrastructure costs in a multinational context and performance measurement.
Keywords
The main keywords and focus topics of the paper are corporate real estate management, strategy, workplace, knowledge work, and performance measurement. These terms reflect the paper's focus on developing a strategic approach to workplace solution planning for professional services firms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Corporate Real Estate Management (CREM)?
CREM involves the management of a corporation's real estate portfolio to support its core business goals. In professional services, this includes planning office spaces that enhance productivity and align with organizational strategy.
Why is a strategic approach to workplace planning necessary?
Traditional approaches often focus solely on cost reduction and desk density. A strategic approach considers user requirements, cultural context, and how the physical environment can foster knowledge work and innovation.
How does knowledge work differ in professional services firms?
Knowledge work in these firms is highly collaborative and cognitively demanding. It requires workplace solutions that support different work styles, from deep focus to spontaneous interaction.
What is the "cost reduction paradigm" in office planning?
It refers to the prevailing trend of minimizing real estate expenses by implementing desk sharing and increasing workspace density, often at the expense of employee comfort and productivity.
What role does culture play in workplace solutions?
Generational and regional cultural differences significantly impact how employees perceive and use the office. Strategic planning must account for these variations to ensure high levels of engagement and performance.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Diplom-Kaufmann Thilo A. Bäß (Autor:in), 2014, Towards a Strategic Approach to Workplace Solution Planning for Multinational Professional Services Firms, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/455174
