How office transformation is changing the face of the British Workplace

Today, teleworkers make up almost 10 per cent of the UK's workforce and video conferencing is becoming more and more accepted. Even the Government supports on-line working. Why then, is there a need for further change to the workplace and how will it be delivered?

Office transformation specialists, Morgan Lovell, believe that changes to the social fabric of the country and the increasing sophistication of ICT are two key factors in the changing face of the British workplace.

Paul Downing, Managing Director of Morgan Lovell's Birmingham office, said: "There is extensive research and data illustrating how the average office operates and the differences in how the same company functioned as little as a decade ago. Modern ways of working dictate modern methods of office design, necessitating flexible workspace and cutting edge communication systems."

Quoting changes in social trends and an increase in independent working as key motivators to advances in technology, Paul Downing continues: "The proportion of households with internet access has increased significantly since 1998, when research showed that just seven percent had internet access ? today, it is nearly two thirds." This supports research by the UK Labour Force estimating that there are 2.2 million teleworkers in the UK. Now flexible working opportunities are needed to cater for all workers, especially working parents who make up a large proportion of the employed population.

Reducing workplace stress is another important factor. Recent research carried out by Morgan Lovell, in a survey of more than 2,000 people across a range of sectors of British companies supports findings from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that one in five offices fail to provide an adequate working environment.

Shaun Baker, Senior Designer at Morgan Lovell, added: "Office space must adapt accordingly to work efficiently for those who are based there full time as well as those who "stretch the desk" by working remotely. The innovative use of space and ICT products can cleverly transform existing office space to ensure maximum usability and flexibility."
Changes in the workplace are even supported by the Government. Through the Office of the e-Envoy, they are seeking to achieve long term cost savings by joining up online government services. This is part of the Prime Minister's Delivery and Reform team which is working to meet targets of facilitating internet access as well as supporting work across the Government to develop the UK as a world leader for electronic business.

So, a revolution or just evolution?
Paul Downing concluded: "It's an evolution and one which will continue. The way we work is always in a state of flux as new technologies and ways of working are introduced. Just look at the telephone, it was more than 60 years before every employee had one on their desk rather than just the boss ? perhaps we'll be saying the same about video conferencing equipment."

Morgan Lovell is the UK's leading provider of design, fit out and refurbishment solutions for the workplace. It is a member of construction brands group Morgan Sindall plc, which operates a national network of fit-out, regional construction, affordable housing and infrastructure services divisions.