What are the “New Ways of Working” (NWOW)? – Definition
The “New Ways of Working” (NWOW) refer to innovative work practices that reinvent traditional professional environments to better meet contemporary demands for flexibility, efficiency, and work-life balance. This multidimensional approach is based on three pillars:
– Bricks: This refers to the physical transformation of workplaces. The concept of the flex office is a perfect example, where spaces are designed to be versatile and modifiable according to current needs. Activity-Based Working environments enhance this idea by creating areas dedicated to specific activities, such as quiet rooms for tasks requiring calm, and open spaces for collaborative work.
– Bytes: The technological aspect of NWOW is essential. It includes the use of digital systems, such as desk booking solutions, which allow employees to reserve workstations suited to their daily activities. This technological integration facilitates smoother resource management and supports flexible work, telecommuting, and coworking.
– Behaviours: This last pillar focuses on cultural changes within organizations. It promotes management practices based on trust and autonomy, where directives are less prescriptive and more oriented towards coaching. This encourages a work environment where collaboration and innovation can naturally thrive, while supporting the personal and professional development of employees.
Thus, NWOW are not just adjustments to existing work practices; they represent a revision of the work philosophy. By adopting these methods, organizations create a workplace that values and maximizes individual contributions while addressing the dynamic challenges of the modern professional world.
3 Examples of “New Ways of Working” (NWOW)
To illustrate how NWOW are applied in professional environments, here are three examples that redefine workspaces by promoting flexibility and efficiency:
– Flex office: The flex office redefines the configuration of office spaces by eliminating assigned workstations to promote dynamic work areas that adapt to the needs of the day’s activities. This approach stimulates collaboration and innovation by allowing employees to choose work environments that match their specific tasks, ranging from open spaces for teamwork to quiet areas for concentration.
– Hot desking: Similar to flex office, hot desking allows employees to choose their workstation on a daily basis without prior reservation. This method maximizes space utilization by reducing unoccupied desks and encourages cross-departmental interactions, thus enriching internal communication and the spread of new ideas.
– Desk booking: Desk booking integrates technology into workspace management by allowing employees to reserve workstations in advance through digital solutions, like Sharvy. This work organization offers more precise planning and reduces conflicts for access to spaces, ensuring that each employee has the necessary environment for their planned activities. This practice also supports hybrid work strategies by facilitating the transition between home and office work.
How to Effectively Implement NWOW in an Organization?
To effectively adopt the New Ways of Working within an organization, a structured and well-thought-out approach is required. Indeed, this transformation involves rethinking not only physical spaces but also work methods.
To succeed in this transition, here is a five-step strategy:
1. Define Objectives: Start by identifying the challenges and opportunities within the organization to set precise goals. These objectives might include improving interdepartmental collaboration, increasing employee well-being, and reducing operational costs.
2. Technology & Tools: Select technological tools that facilitate communication and flexible work. For example, the Sharvy workstation management solution. Ensure that these tools are tailored to the specific needs of teams and that employees receive the necessary training to use them effectively.
3.Redesign Spaces: Adapt workspaces to be multifunctional and flexible. This could include creating open spaces for collaboration, as well as quiet areas for concentration-intensive work. The goal is to make each space capable of supporting various types of activities.
4. Transparent Communication: Inform all organization members about upcoming changes, the reasons behind these changes, and the expected benefits. Encourage feedback to involve employees in the adaptation process and to refine strategies based on their input.
5. Evaluation & Adaptation: Establish mechanisms to regularly assess the impact of new practices. Use feedback to adjust approaches and continuously align NWOW practices with organizational goals. This includes adjusting tools, policies, and space configurations as needed.
By following these steps, an organization can not only introduce NWOW effectively but also ensure that these new work practices are beneficial and sustainable!