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| Which workplace model should we use? | How much space do we need? | Should we consider working differently? | Which building should we select? | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |
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Which workplace model should we use? What is a workplace model and why is it relevant? "Workplace model" is a generic term, which describes a set of characteristics related to a unique style or structure of the workplace. Four generic models have been utilised on this site. In reality workplace models are very diverse and rarely exist in a simple form. Instead, workplaces are made up of a number of different characteristics that merge between models. The model definition, however, is useful because it enables agencies to identify and focus on the principle characteristics that their workplace may reflect. The four workplace models presented here relate to the physical configuration of space. These physical models may well be used in a variety of different ways based on management styles and policies, nature of work, job functions and real estate choices. For example, the physical configuration of the Activity Settings Model may be overlaid with groups "hot desking" while working principally from home and/or out of the office. The real estate selections may better suited to an Open Plan Model in a CBD location for the executive with a variety of centralised meeting spaces and a Community Model in a suburban location providing opportunities for larger floorplates in a campus-style environment. This is further summarised in the Workplace Strategy diagram (see at the bottom of this page). Some commonly occurring terms "Workplace" is a general term, which is used for the entire physical environment for work and refers to the whole building, whole floor etc that an agency occupies. The workplace contains numbers of workspaces. "Workspace" is the space where an employee does dedicated work when they are in their workplace eg a workstation or an office. "Work style" refers to the way that work is organised within the workplace and encompasses issues such as job functions, management policies, etc. Workplace Model selection using the Triple Journey® All organisations are different and it makes sense that organisations need different workplaces. The relationship between specific organisational and business characteristics and a resultant "best" workplace model is complex and requires careful analysis. In these guidelines twelve questions are utilised to provide a general insight into some of the key differences between organisations to assist in defining a workplace model which "best" illustrates relevant characteristics. One approach is an analysis tool known as the Triple Journey®. The Triple Journey® process included on this site is an abridged version of the full analysis tool and as such the results are indicative only. The purpose for its inclusion is to illustrate the relationship of business direction and organisation structure with the selection of specific workplace characteristics. Whilst there are a myriad of other factors which will impact the precise style and nature of the appropriate workplace, the Triple Journey® is useful because it creates an opportunity for high-level, strategic thinking and assists to better illustrate the relationship between business and the workplace. The simplified Triple Journey® is an interactive
tool, which comprises twelve questions, the answers to which are
rated on a scale from 1 to 10. Once the analysis is completed the
user is presented with a RESULTS page which describes the most appropriate
workplace model, based on the specific scoring of answers to questions.
Users are invited to answer the twelve questions both from the CURRENT
perspective and also in terms of the FORESEEABLE FUTURE. The purpose
is to identify the SHIFT in thinking in relation to CURRENT and
FUTURE positions, and by identifying this SHIFT to be able to describe
the characteristics for a NEW workplace, which will assist the agency
achieve its preferred FUTURE position.
Click here to see larger Diagram Workplace Models Summarised The Triple Journey® presents four different workplace models, which are described below. Whilst there are many versions of these models, the physical characteristics of the vast majority of workplaces are based on one of these four models. Other workplace characteristics such as hot desking or hotelling, etc, relate to "styles of work" and are in fact management-based policies, which an agency may choose to adopt. The four models are Model No 1 Model No 2 Model No 3 Model No 4
Click here to see larger Diagram Workplace Strategy The above description of the workplace models describes the physical structure of the four generic workplaces, as defined by business directions and organisation structure. There is another level that helps to define workplace strategy and is related to use of IT and issues describing management policies. These are the so-called Alternative Workplace Strategies (AWS) of new officing ideas that include, amongst others, concepts such as hotelling, hot desking and levels of virtuality. It is important to note however that the basis
of developing the appropriate Workplace Strategy is based on these
two factors together with the appropriate real estate strategy.
These factors together describe the Workplace Strategy, and can
be represented in the following diagram:  Executive Level Input In order to fully answer the Triple Journey® questions it is desirable to seek involvement from a senior level, thus capturing the strategic thinking of the agency. This has the additional benefit of reinforcing at executive level the relationship between business, organisation and workplace strategies. If at all possible executives should be encouraged to complete the Triple Journey® questions for the CURRENT and FUTURE positions. If there is a number of executives involved, which is ideal, this could be done as a group utilising a monitor or laptop directly connected to the Internet, and agreement sought amongst the group and the average of their scores recorded. If it is not possible to engage with the executive in a group, then the following list of questions can be printed out in hardcopy and handed to individuals who can record their answers by hand. If a number of senior people complete the questions, the average score would then be calculated and used in the interactive tool.
INTERACTIVE TRIPLE JOURNEY® Please click here to Download a PDF version of the questions used in the Interactive Triple Journey Launch the Interactive Triple Journey
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