Virtual Workplace - Drivers of Virtual Workplaces

Drivers of Virtual Workplaces

The pace of change: Not only is our environment changing fast but the rate of change is accelerating. New technologies are only part of the challenge: some companies are finding that their three-year business plans need refining, within months.

Productivity: Companies are under increasing pressure to deliver better quality products and services faster. Competition from Asian countries is already intense and it will not be long before similar competition is felt from other regions.

Office space and its cost: Office space has become a major expense for many organisations. One response has been to reduce the amount of space each employee occupies. Another is to increase the flexibility of the office’s layout and design. It’s not easy to make the most of these approaches and keep employees happy—unless flexible work practices are also used.

Demographic change: We are seeing more women in the workforce, more employees of other nationalities, increased participation from indigenous people and the average age of employees is increasing. These trends are forcing employers to rethink how they employ and manage staff and how they respond to employee interests and demands.

Fuel and energy costs: The costs of the energy we need to commute, live and work are increasing rapidly. Our urban forms could change as a result.