The Workplace of the Future

Many great organizations - both big and small are pioneering the workplace of the future - a combination of traditional and nontraditional work practices, settings, and locations. The evolution in the nature of the US economy is drastically changing where and how people work. It is currently estimated that between 30 and 40 million people are either telecommuters or home based workers.

Potential benefits of alternative workplaces for employers can be reduced costs, increased productivity, and a competitive advantage is recruiting and retaining top talent. Alternative workplaces are certainly not for everybody, or for every job, and can be difficult to implement even in organizations that are well suited to them. Ingrained behaviors, practical hurdles, and the challenges of managing both the cultural and system "improvements" can make the transition difficult.

Executives considering alternative workplace strategies should consider the following issues:
- Are you committed to new ways of operating?
- Is your organization informational rather than industrial?
- Do you have an open culture and proactive managers?
- Can you establish clear links between staff, functions, and time?
- Are you prepared for some push-back?
- Can you overcome external barriers to a new workplace strategies (ie small homes and/or apartments)?
- Are you prepared to invest in the tools, training, and techniques to make the initiative work?
- Can you really eliminate office and other "fixed" costs?

Please be advised that Synchronous has transformed our service offering to providing industry and operational excellence concepts and advice, but we are currently unable to provide on-site consultations or engage new clients. Current clients can continue to expect the same fully dedicated support and advice, but on limited hours of availability as we have already communicated to designated company contacts - usually the project manager. Thanks to all of our loyal and dedicated clients, who have allowed and honored us to be part of their transformation efforts...