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Journal of Facilities Management

ISSN: 1472-5967

Online from: 2002

Subject Area: Built Environment

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The future of the office

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Article citation: Michael Pitt, (2009) "The future of the office", Journal of Facilities Management, Vol. 7 Iss: 2, pp. -

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Article Type: Editorial From: Journal of Facilities Management, Volume 7, Issue 2

I was honoured to be asked by Dr Marie Cecile Puybaraud to act as an expert at the JCI Futures Workshops Series which are organised by Professor John Radcliffe of the Dublin Institute of Technology. The third workshop was held at Canary Wharf, London on the 5 November 2008. Whilst I cannot say too much here concerning the outputs, as these will be published separately, I would like to talk a little about the experience itself.

The attendees were invited to consider three scenarios for the future and to give their opinions across the day as to what was most likely and how the office would be shaped in the future. The scenarios were as follows:

Hive scenario:

• workplaces become increasingly agile to support work anytime, anywhere …;
• the workplace is a networked hive, with high connectivity and interactivity between members;
• employees opt to “telecommunicate” work from the hive structure which integrates home, work, and social life;
• knowledge workers demand customised homes for increasing home working – the role of facilities management becomes increasingly important;
• workers have less sense of belonging;
• workplaces are equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as neuro-headsets for remote collaboration; and
• the organisation becomes more virtual.

Eco-office scenario:

• the eco-office promotes sustainable transport initiatives, and integrates biodiversity plans in design;
• workplaces support a shift from hierarchical to self-managed team, working within a flexible work/life balance;
• this workplace is increasingly supported by information and communication technologies;
• the eco-office has a digital company card that encourages workers to use community and workplace facilities;
• social activities improve within workplace, with common spaces and interaction; and
• workplace is the community.

Gattaca scenario:

• workplace democracy decreases and hierarichal structures increase as corporations protect themselves and profits;
• this workplace uses technology such as retinal and genetic identification, to protect itself and control access and information;
• this workplace no longer focuses on work style ethics and practices and also health and safety procedures;
• ideas, thoughts, collaboration and job satisfaction have no part in the daily work routine of the employee;
• lack of environmental quality severely devalues office buildings; and
• workplace is a fortress.

During the whole day event there were thought provoking talks, small group discussions and feedback sessions.

Here is the unusual thing. The outputs were recorded in pictorial form by a pair of artists. Across one whole wall of the Morgan Stanley offices sat large sheets of white paper upon which the artists depicted the progress of the day. Presenting images of people and thoughts in an exciting and vibrant form that stimulated thought and delivered a group of people at 4 p.m. that still looked fresh. The drawings told the story of the day in a Bayeaux Tapestry sort of manner. I would encourage you to look for this JCI Report as soon as it becomes public. I do hope that in some way it will include the art element, as this was one of the most unusual and satisfying elements of the day.

I do not think I have ever seen such enthusiasm from people at a workshop.

Thank you to all concerned for delivering a new dimension in research workshops.

Michael Pitt