this approach celebrates experimentation - prototyping, testing, learning and incorporating insights into
future
design
variety
of workplaces and an improved employee experience
deliver a
Using an evidence-based approach to test and refine a novel real estate strategy…the introduction of satellite Hubs.
the opportunity
As part of a broader strategic agenda to create a more dynamic and flexible workplace, the department is piloting a flexible work Hub. The Hub is an alternative and convenient workspace, close to where staff live, with access to department networks and tools.
Currently, portable devices are not provided to staff, many need to access a secure network, so working from home isn’t commonplace. The Hub was designed as a viable remote working option, easily accessible to where people live.
This approach celebrates experimentation - prototyping, testing, learning and incorporating insights into future design. It tangibly engages people in the future of workplace, by allowing them to experience new environments and ways of working and provide feedback.
Puzzle partnered with the department to evaluate the Hub’s effectiveness and to ensure these insights are considered in future Hub designs and locations.
our approach
Puzzle worked in partnership with the client and other stakeholders to develop rich insights and an evidence | research based approach to the design of the Hub.
The Hub opened in late 2020, with 400 staff registered as potential users. It was designed with a variety of work settings, to support different workstyles and tasks, and as a means to test and trial which settings are most utilised. Settings included:
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Workstations, some with secure terminals
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Focus rooms
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Open, collaborative workspace and meeting tables
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Formal meeting room
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Kitchen | breakout
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Print utility area
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Working with children room
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The building is also equipped with end of trip facilities
Puzzle developed a bespoke survey designed to capture insights from staff and help the department understand:
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Hub performance, including the facility, equipment and workplace experience
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Staff usage patterns and purpose for visiting the Hub
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Opportunities for improvement
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Value and benefits to inform the design of future flexible working hubs
the results
The Hub experiment enabled the department to define what ‘flexible working’ means for them, deliver a variety of workplaces and an improved employee experience.
Key findings from the survey included:
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99% overall satisfaction
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Over 70% of Hub users live within a 5km radius, which reduces travel by an estimated average of 22km per day and cuts travel time in half (about 30mins)
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The main reasons for attending the Hub were a reduction in travel time (74%), followed by access to tools and technology not available at home (59%) and the ability to better manage work and life responsibilities (47%)
The deeper understanding gained through engagement provided validation of the real estate strategy, and confirmed how much, and why staff valued the approach.
Through an iterative and continuous improvement methodology, areas for future roll-out improvement were identified, including:
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Formally inducting staff would further enhance user experience
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Communications were needed to build etiquettes and agreeing how the spaces are to be used and shared
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Managing behaviours like resetting spaces, noise and distractions are critical for a harmonious work environment and need to be instilled in a new working environment, particularly as usage increases over time
"This is an outstanding facility. It is the kind of people-focused thinking that gives meaning to the often vocalised (but less often lived) statement "people are our most important asset."
blueprint
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