Practical Application

1. Work with business leadership to understand short- and long-term staffing objectives so appropriate strategies can be developed.
2. Familiarize staff with the company’s flexible neighborhood goals and to seek an understanding of any needs associated with a particular work group such as amount of team rooms likely to be required. One common complaint about the flexible neighborhood is acoustics so care should be taken in this area (See Indoor Environment: Acoustics)
3. Review options to redesign current office spaces with moveable desks, storage units, and lighting as well as flexible utility distribution, such as under floor cabling to allow changes to be made without demolition and renovation.
4. Train staff on adjusting office furniture and lighting (See Indoor Environment: Ergonomics) as well as using office scheduling software so employees can reserve conference rooms, huddle spaces, or presentation tools such as projectors on an as-needed basis.
5. Prepare a summary proposal outlining the recommendations, timing and cost to implement and expected savings to seek final approval for a transition to the flexible neighborhood.