Following on from yesterdays bog about new approaches to this, i went to three offices in Holland. The first was DELA, a company that insures funeral costs and provides funeral services
Each of their meeting rooms is known by its colour
and there is a wide range of types of workspace
We then went to the offices of Veldhoen, the consultants that developed all three projects. they had a curious chandelier in their reception. I know what it reminded me of but this is a family blog
This is one of their meeting rooms with a North African theme but also developed around the verbal culture of the region - no tables for taking notes - everything is discussed
Their general work areas are more like a club than an office
And finally to Interpolis, as mentioned yesterday. The main underlying themes here were:
- people - everyone is empowered and trusted. I know this sounds a bit trite but there were many examples of this in action - for example they ring up their own food items in any of the 11 restaurants in the building.
- workspace - you can see for yourself the wide range of spaces
- process - everything is based around digital flow - so you'll in the call centre photos there is no paper - in fact it doesnt look like a call centre
- technology - this ends up being fairly low key - everyone has a laptop and they just hook it up wherever they want.
- culture - the Dutch are a wonderful people (similar to the English in that they are tall, independent minded and enjoy toilet humour, but different in that they are all healthy and attractive and have good teeth - at least that makes them different from me). This shines through at Interpolis where the overall impression is one of relaxed order, good sense and vitality
Looks more like a starbucks than an office
This is one of their call centres. An example of empowerment is that each of the call centre staff can negotiate and close claims themselves. There is literally no paperwork, and you could feel the efficiency in your fingertips.
...another type of workspace...
...and another....
...and another - I like the lights...
...a very smart meeting room - the one next dor had 5cm pile carpet on the table surface
In summary I have never seen the five things referred to in the title of this post brought together so well and to the obvious benefit of all stakeholders - why cant every workplace be like this?