A successfull change management, when we consider a possible relocation of Headquarters, consists of some phases for a workspace change which contribute to improve productivity, efficiency and customer loyalty (employee or client).
Normally companies decide to make a change of location forced by external agents: growth of workforce, change of communication channels or simply by reduction of costs.
These types of decisions are usually taken too fast and based mainly on two pressing factors: lack of space and reduction of costs. The disorderly “short-term” solution misses the opportunity to make a real change in the business organization, which would allow to seek a goal of growth and a real cultural change.
In We love work Spaces we accompany companies in this process of change: We change the processes to improve the content.
The remodeling of work spaces is a great opportunity to enhance the company’s culture, its internal and external image, to unite teams, making them participate in this change, and to define and transmit the mission, vision and values of the company.
Thus, the “first step is inward” as indicated by the professor of Psychology at the University of Barcelona, Manuel Domínguez.
And for that reason the first phase consists on reflecting: Why do we want to change? And why do we want this change in our company?
In this first phase we promote a period of transversal reflection in which employees, management leaders and owners of the company participate.
Form is conditioned by content. It is not just about changing the brightness of the rooms, creating “Google” spaces or offices with “hot desking” just because they are fashionable. What will favor happiness at work is to be more productive and effective, aligned with the objectives of the company. That is, we take advantage of space changes to promote a cultural change.
Leaders in the company must select the real reasons for change, which can be: new headquarters could be a better reflection of its owners, with its values and aspirations; a more efficient and productive company; to improve communications; to avoid the double expense of two facilities and the extra travel expenses; to optimize resources; to manage generational transfer and become a real business family; and other reasons.
For those analysed reasons, of our unique company, is why a change is needed. It will allow us take decisions with all the security that a professional and optimized company deserves.
These unique reasons are the 1st key and the path to improvement in the process of change towards a 3.0 company !
Carmen Pérez-Pozo
Lawyer
22/01/2019