Corporate real estate asset management : aligned vision

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the relationship between corporate strategy and corporate real estate (CRE) strategy. Design/methodology/approach – The paper will identify, and evaluate, a number of components that collectively form the CRE strategy. Linkages between the business environment, the aims and objectives of the organisation and the real estate solution will be explored. Findings – The paper will illustrate the alignment of the CRE strategy to the corporate strategy through the development of a CRE alignment model. The model will demonstrate that only when optimum alignment is achieved can the CRE strategy deliver added value and enhanced organisational performance. Practical implications – CRE managers can use the model to evaluate the alignment of their CRE strategy with their corporate strategy. Originality/value – The paper fills a void by proposing a framework that seeks to identify the true impact of real estate to business by examining the benefits of optimal alignment between, planet, position, purpose, place, paradigm, processes and people to produce performance and productivity.</p

Office design for the multi-generational knowledge workforce

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact the workplace can have on knowledge working for a multi-generational workforce. Design/methodology/approach – A case study analysis is undertaken of Leeds City Council (LCC) workplace in the UK. Findings – The findings from the study show that in the context of LCC there are some key differences between the generations regarding knowledge working preferences for formal/informal meeting spaces. In other aspects, such as knowledge sharing, the generations appear to agree on key aspects such as mentoring and team-based working environments. Practical implications – Corporate real estate managers can use the research findings to assist them in providing a range of workplace settings to enhance multi-generational interaction. Originality/value – This paper fills a gap in current research by evaluating workplace preferences based on generational differences.</p

Impact of workplace connectivity on office productivity

This study developed a validated theoretical framework for the evaluation of office productivity which included components to represent both the physical and the behavioural environment. It is proposed that by adopting such an approach, insights into the dynamic nature, or connectivity, of office environments can be established. The main objective of this research was to investigate the effects of the office environment on its occupants perceived productivity. Results are analysed for specific work patterns (Laing et al, 1998), to establish meaning and relationships. In all of the four work patterns evaluated it was found that interaction was perceived to be the component to have the most positive affect on productivity and distraction was perceived to have the most negative. It is proposed that the results in this paper will provide support for the hypothesis that it is the behavioural components of the office environment that have the greatest impact on office productivity

The impact of generational differences on the workplace

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to explore workplace implications of the changing workforce demographic. Design/methodology/approach – The author identifies the different generations in today's workforce. The workplace expectations of the different generations are explored. Findings – Corporate real estate (CRE) managers need to establish the different needs of the different generations. In addition, the CRE manager needs to create an environment that allows all generations to coexist in the same workplace. Practical implications – CRE managers can use the information to assist in alignment of their workplace to the different generational expectations of the workforce. Originality/value – The paper fills a void by evaluating office occupiers' workplace preferences based on age.</p

An evaluation of the impact of the office environment on productivity

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a validated theoretical framework for the evaluation of office productivity, which includes components to represent both the physical and the behavioural environment. It is proposed that by adopting such an approach, insights into the dynamic nature, or connectivity, of office environments can be established. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the effects of the office environment on its occupants' perceived productivity. Design/methodology/approach – The study's strength is that it is based on two sizable data sets. The data collected consists of data about the physical characteristics of the office environment and data pertaining to the behavioural environment. Findings – Results are analysed for specific work patterns, to establish meaning and relationships. In all of the four work patterns evaluated it was found that interaction was perceived to be the component to have the most positive affect on productivity and distraction was perceived to have the most negative. It is proposed that the results in this paper will provide support for the hypothesis that it is the behavioural components of the office environment that have the greatest impact on office productivity. Research limitations/implications – This research establishes that to truly appreciate office productivity there is a need to further understand the behavioural environment. Whilst this research evaluates different work styles and office productivity, there is a possibility to extend this to investigate personality and team role types. Originality/value – This study establishes that it is the behavioural environment that has the greatest impact on office productivity. It demonstrates that it is the dynamic elements of the office environment, interaction and distraction that are perceived as having the greatest positive and negative influences on self assessed productivity.</p

The impact of office comfort on productivity

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact that office comfort has on office occupiers’ productivity. Design/methodology/approach – The author evaluates the literature that claims to make a linkage between the physical comfort of the office environment and the effect on the productivity of the office occupiers. Office comfort will initially be discussed as a generic concept and subsequently be broken down into sub-components. Findings – The review of the literature reveals that the evaluation of office comfort is a complex one. There appears to be no universally accepted definition of office comfort, and there is a clear lack of agreement as to how office comfort should be measured. This paper establishes that, there is enough evidence to support the claim that office comfort can affect productivity. Originality/value – This paper adds to the debate by identifying the need for a common and universally accepted measurement of office comfort. It is proposed that this can largely be achieved by evaluating office comfort with a multi-item scale, and adopting an office occupier perspective to any future research.</p

Examining the building selection decision-making process within corporate relocations : to design and evaluate a client focused tool to support objective decision making

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to consider the complex decision-making process involved in corporate relocation and the validity of a tool designed to improve the objectivity and strategic management of this process and to change the focus of the decision upon the strategic management objectives rather than the real estate deal. Design/methodology/approach – The authors identify the progression of the decision-making process; disaggregate components of that process; and evaluate a tool designed to improve the decision-making process. Findings – The size of the organisation can have a significant impact on the building evaluation and decision-making process, smaller firms with less resources are more likely to make the relocation decision based on “gut feeling” rather than detailed evaluation. However, with increased transparency, accountability and corporate social responsibility, decisions based on more rigorous and objective approaches are being demanded. The evaluated tool facilitates a more objective approach and shifts the focus from a real estate to a business decision. Practical implications – Corporate real estate managers can use the information to evaluate their own decision-making processes against the framework of the tool and decide if it may be applicable to their context. Originality/value – The paper fills a void by examining the decision-making process from a fresh perspective, updates the thinking by providing a contemporary tool which has been beta tested with students and is about to be piloted with corporate clients.</p

The impact of office layout on productivity

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact office layout has on office occupiers' productivity. Design/methodology/approach – The paper evaluates the literature that claims to make a linkage between the office layout and the effect on office occupiers' productivity. Two main themes are developed. First, the literature that links office layout to work patterns is evaluated, and second, the open-plan office vs cellular office debate is developed. Findings – The review of the literature reveals that the connection between the three major components of office layout, office occupiers' work patterns and productivity is not clearly established. Originality/value – The paper establishes that there is a requirement to link together office layout to the work patterns of office occupiers. It is only when the connection is made between the office layout and the office occupiers' work patterns that productivity gains can be achieved. To support the different work patterns undertaken, the facilities manager can create office environments that consist of a balance between private space and communal shared space. The amount of balance will be very much dependent on the mix of the work patterns in the office.</p