FUTURE-READY WORKSPACE: THINKING TOGETHER

When considering the workspace, start by looking at roles and behaviour - by understanding what individuals and communities of workers need to perform exceptionally in their jobs. Be prepared to learn from the workforce rather than imposing assumptions. Do people find it easy to communicate?Can they collaborate securely with peers inside and outside the company? Does their workspace allow them to genuinely work where, when and how they need?

When considering any significant change, it's important to understand who is going to be affected and how. Look at both the business and the ICT communities within the organisation so that you can define the full scope of requirement, approach and impact.

To get the best from the workforce, think of people as both private and corporate citizens who, as regular consumers of technology, bring their own preferences to work.

Although your ICT policy needs to impose codes of behaviour that some employees may find restrictive, good communication coupled with a desire to be ready to move forwards, will place you in a strong position. If your liaison with the user community is strong, if they understand the reasons for what you ask of them and they are aware that you can work together to progress, then you increase the pace and confidence with which you can adopt the new.