How can knowledge workplaces be optimised by new layout and technology?

Per Anker Jensen, Henrik Juul Nielsen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

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Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the implementation and use of new workplace layout and technology in managing knowledge work organisations.
Theory: The study applies an overall Facilities Management (FM) perspective with a particular focus on workplace management and technological development. The analysis also draws on theory on value and business models, change management and intelligent buildings.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The empirical data is based on four case studies. Data was collected by document studies and interviews in three case organisations based in Denmark, while the last case was based on desk research of a US based Multinational Corporation. The cases investigate knowledge work organisations' experience with workplace change projects and workplace consultants' experience from advising their customers on these types of project.

Findings: The case studies partly support the common assertion in literature that enhancement of efficiency, both in terms of production efficiency and maintenance cost, is the most important reason to engage in new layout and technical redesign of knowledge workplaces. However, corporate branding, recruitment strategy and employee satisfaction are other parameters that in some cases are even more important to knowledge work organisations than enhanced efficiency.
Two of the cases show how meeting rooms equipped with advanced audio-visual technology and virtual conference facilities can be used for production purposes. A common conclusion from the interviews is the importance of focusing on change management, especially in the postimplementation period, to ensure that the ambitions of the new workplace designs are being adapted to the work processes of the organisations in the way they were intended.

Originality: The paper contributes with new insights on how knowledge workplaces can be managed and optimised by new layout and technology. It also provides new insights on added value to the organisation, beyond the initial expectations of added efficiency.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the Transdisciplinary Workplace Research (TWR) Conference
Publication date2020
Pages502-511
Publication statusPublished - 2020
EventTransdisciplinary Workplace Research Conference 2020 - Germany, Frankfurt, Germany
Duration: 16 Sept 202019 Sept 2020
http://www.twr2020.org/

Conference

ConferenceTransdisciplinary Workplace Research Conference 2020
LocationGermany
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityFrankfurt
Period16/09/202019/09/2020
Internet address

Keywords

  • Facilities Management
  • Knowledge work
  • Workplace
  • Layout
  • Technology

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