Hot Topics: Should we consult our staff?

Is there any real benefit to consulting staff about their current & future working environment?

A frequent client concern is establishing how the office actually functions based on the end users day to day knowledge? Whilst at the same time avoiding raising expectations which cannot be met & subsequent disappointment. We have all heard all the wise cracks about sauna & pool!

From our experience a carefully controlled staff engagement process can provide valuable briefing information and see their comments reflected in the finished design. Providing the results from this initial consultation are fed back in a controlled manner, end users feel they have had an input and ownership.

This process played a vital part in our design for the new contact centre at Stoke on Trent UK for Vodafone and has resulted in a very positive end user feedback following occupation in November.