NSW Government Workplace Guidelines

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)

Should we consider working differently?

In finding ways to integrate changing attitudes and opportunities into the workplace, many organisations are investigating and implementing different kinds of Alternative Workplace Strategies (AWS). The strategies, scope and scale of the alternatives will vary depending on the opportunities for flexibility within the organisation. They can be used to radically change the workplace and stimulate rethinking of management structures, business strategies and process improvements.

The most frequently employed AWS are

IN THE OFFICE

Hot desking
Hotelling
Activity settings

OUT OF THE OFFICE

Telecommuting
Teleworking
Virtual

A more comprehensive review and detailed description of AWS is provided in Workplace Points of View.

A good beginning point in considering the suitability of AWS is to review the roles/job functions within your Agency and determine how much time is actually spent working IN THE OFFICE requiring face to face contact with team members and other groups, as opposed to time spent OUT OF THE OFFICE.

If you do spend time IN THE OFFICE, how much time is actually spent at your dedicated workspace?

Step One

Review the following three generic styles of work, and comment on how your agency, or groups/branches within your agency, principally work.

Generic styles of work

--	Generic styles of work	Principle requirements
1	IN THE OFFICE (100%) (Traditional - principally in the office)	High level of face-to-face interaction
-	-	Centralised support systems
-	-	Tools located "in the office"
2	PART-TIME OFFICE (30-50% of time is out of the office)	Some time spent away from the office
-	-	Requires regular short-term visits into the office
-	-	May have long-term periods IN/OUT eg. auditors, project teams, task forces, etc
-	-	Established home office and/or seamless technology
3	OUT OF THE OFFICE (Infrequently in the office) (Remote/virtual/nomadic)	Majority of time spent away from the office
-	-	Requires level of "social support" and knowledge transfer opportunities
-	-	Supported by dispersed real estate strategies
-	-	Seamless technology links with office

Step Two

If you have identified that your agency or parts of your agency are currently or may in the future work partly or principally OUT OF THE OFFICE, identify whether you should pursue AWS further by completing the following AWS Checklist.

The checklist needs to be completed for each job function/role within your agency.

Note that each job function/role will be different within organisations but some styles of work will fall within parameters that allow generalities to be grouped.

AWS Checklist

The following Checklist presents a series of general questions which can assist you to decide whether you should consider AWS.

The Checklist needs to be answered for each job function.

-	Questions	Your Answer	Should you consider AWS?
1	Are you OUT OF THE OFFICE a lot of the time?	If yes	Yes
2	If you are OUT OF THE OFFICE a lot, what percentage of your time is spent either in a car, working from home, telecommuting or working elsewhere (eg with a client)?	If >30%	Yes
3	When you are IN THE OFFICE, are you away from your desk (either working elsewhere, in scheduled or impromptu meetings) or do you work principally at your desk most of the time?	If you are away from your desk >30-50% of your time	Yes
3	Do you need a lot of special (dedicated) equipment to do your work? (computer and phone excluded)	If yes and there is special equipment provided to all workspaces	AWS is possible
-	-	If yes and there isn't special equipment provided	AWS is possible only if the dedicated equipment issue is resolved
4	Do you presently have a dedicated desk?	If yes	AWS may be considered if you are OUT OF THE OFFICE more than 30% of time
5	How important is the issue of "personal space"?	If it's very important	AWS may still be appropriate. Other ways need to be identified for personalising your belongings (eg personalised team spaces, dedicated mobile storage, group support etc)
6	Do you presently share your desk?	If yes	You are already using AWS
7	Do you work approximately 9am-5pm?	If no	You may suit AWS
8	Do you work in a Call Centre?	If yes	You can certainly look into AWS