Communicating change to staff in a positive way can be difficult, even daunting. But helping staff to understand and embrace an evolving workplace, specifically the design-build changes you may envision for a branch or flagship office, cannot be hit-or-miss. It’s essential to craft a comprehensive communications plan to address a variety of staff needs at varying times in the building cycle.
Be diligent and proactive:
- Communicate to staff early.
- Give everyone a voice (not just managers).
- Take the time to survey staff needs, likes, and dislikes.
- Be upfront. Explain the reasons for the evolution of their workspace.
- Share the big picture.
- Focus on the positive outcomes, turn the negative into a positive (i.e. improved productivity, member service, and retention).
- Present a timetable on the changes before they occur and refine throughout the process.
Why consider staff in your design-build plans?
Staff buy-in makes the likelihood of success much greater and gives you an edge in the war for talent. Like every generation, the next one views things differently. Millennials are currently entering the workforce in droves, and, by 2020, expected to comprise 50 percent of our country’s workforce. Gone are the days of closed doors for this generation. They’re seeking open, collaborative workspaces, urban influences, and green design. There’s no doubt their preferences are driving today’s design-build techniques. So the stakes are high in communicating your vision.
Along with effective communication, Millennials are changing the way businesses approach their building needs. Plan for today’s generation. See our list of what Millennials want from their workspace.
