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Work Transformation: |
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Ken Robertson |
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$13.95 |
(c) 1999 |
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Preface The concept of work transformation
is created by integrating human resources, facilities management and
information technology strategies together in new and creative ways to
deliver business value to an organization. Work transformation involves
rethinking the way we work, where we work from, and the environment we work
in. This book describes how
an organization can break out of its traditional definition of work and move
forward to an environment that is more flexible, empowering, communicative,
and pleasing. One of the ways this is accomplished is by implementing
alternative work arrangements such as teleworking, work at home, part-time
work, modified work weeks, and phased retirement. These new work arrangements
help employees balance work and family while delivering significant business
benefits to the organization. The second element of
work transformation is the implementation of alternative space arrangements.
This concept requires organizations to rethink the way space is structured.
The new space strategies include concepts such as space sharing, hoteling,
team spaces, casual meeting areas, and meditation zones. The new space
arrangements create more of a community feel to the office environment as
opposed to the rabbit-warren cubicles so many employees work in today. Alternative
space arrangements also provide direct bottom-line business benefits in terms
of reduced space requirements, reduced churn costs, and more effective
utilization of space. The third element of work
transformation is the effective use of enabling technologies. The information
technology solutions make it possible to support employees working from home,
in shared spaces in the traditional office, in distributed work centers, and
on the road. The information technology available today can enable the
implementation of alternative work arrangements and alternative space
arrangements. This book has been
structured to give readers an overview of these concepts. It is different
from other books in this field in that the focus is not just on human
resources, facilities management, or information technology. Instead the
focus is on integrating these concepts. This diagram is used
throughout the book to stress how critical the integration of these three key
elements is to successfully implementing work transformation. I have been
researching and implementing these concepts for the past eight years and
realize that the common thread of all successful implementations is their
integration of these concepts with a strong focus on creating business value. This book is designed to take the reader from concept to theory to implementation. Chapters 1-2 introduce the concepts of work transformation. Chapters 3-5 review the theory of the human resources, facilities management, and information technology components. Chapters 6-8 describe how to implement a work transformation program. Chapter 9 provides a detailed case study along with a summary of several actual implementations. Finally, Chapter 10 provides a brief glimpse into the future to show how work transformation is just a stepping stone towards even greater changes down the road. |
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