What is an ‘alternative workplace’?
New Ways of Working® (NewWOW, http://www.newwow.net ) has done some useful studies to understand the changing nature of workplace, technology, and the environment. This research consortium conducted a survey on alternative workplaces in 2013, to understand why and how organizations decide to use alternative workplaces.
According to NewWOW®, an alternative workplace is the combination of non-traditional work practices, settings, and locations that supplement or replace traditional offices. This particular study revealed a few solid trends in alternative workplaces, one of them being the importance of “people issues” over cost savings for businesses. In other words companies just like yours have realigned priorities in recent years, revealing employee satisfaction issues to be the top motivation for using alternative workplaces.
What are the top benefits of alternative workplaces?
- Attraction and retention of employees
- Employee work/life balance
- Increased employee satisfaction
- Increased employee productivity
- Cost savings, including space reduction
Attraction and retention of employees:
People are happy with the organization’s work environment- they are more likely to be drawn to the company. More importantly, they continue to see the benefits of nontraditional work environments- they stay there.
Employee work/life balance:
Mobility is key in alternative workplaces. When employees have the ability to work in a variety of settings, both inside and outside the office, they can maintain a better work/life balance.
Increased employee satisfaction:
Put simply, people are happier when they aren’t stuck in a traditional workplace! Most people are much more satisfied sitting in a comfortable café-like area than a bleak cubicle.
Increased employee productivity:
Alternative workplaces allow people to work together and in turn be more productive. Furthermore when people enjoy work, they are more productive!
Cost savings, including space reduction:
Real estate expenses are reduced, while more sustainable practices also take away organizational costs.
Could your company benefit by implementing one?
NewWOW®’s surveys supports the use of alternative workplaces to help companies focus on more than simply saving money. People that work in these environments are happier and more productive. If your company is looking to address both people and cost-saving issues, you would be doing yourself a favor by looking into implementing an alternative workplace.
What have been your experiences with non-traditional, alternative workplaces? Discuss in the comment section below!
For the executive summary of the NewWOW® study, click here
To see how other companies have employed alternative workplaces, click here
Written by: Chelsea DeBoer
Interphase Interiors 