The Leader - July/August 2008 - (Page 60)

s pec Ia l fe at ur e Workplace Design: Reflecting Our Changing World and Work Patterns By kareN e. thuerMer WheN prIceWaterhousecoopers WoN the top Br ItIsh couNcIl for offIces (Bco) aWard IN 2004 for Its headquarters desIgN IN BIrMINghaM, eNglaNd, the hoNor reflected MaJor shIfts IN Workplace desIgN that coNtINue across the World today. N ot only did the company turn a tired, dark and uninspiring 80s office block into one deemed truly inspirational; the work space introduced flexibility and stimulation to financial sector workers, a group more associated with traditional work space and work patterns. A complete package of elements makes the PricewaterhouseCoopers space unique. These include an atrium that allows for circulation and temporary work space on each floor; a ground level French café designed in lively colors and textures that entices even workaholics to linger; a color scheme used throughout that gives work space a sense of orientation; a range of desk systems that match different needs; a variation of cellular space that provides privacy yet sweeps away the old-fashioned hierarchy of enclosed space and rigidly defended territory; an offering of meeting/conference rooms and touchdown spaces; and a concierge that provides services ranging from centralized filing with a sophisticated electronic retrieval system to restaurant bookings, dry cleaning and even storage for dinner jackets. “It’s an open office layout with break out areas, WiFi throughout, and quiet areas,” comments David Waller, PriceWaterhouseCoopers senior partner in Birmingham. “The offices are available 24/7 and workers have flexible hours. No one has filing cabinets. You see clean desks everywhere. The reception is regarded a `welcome’ area.” That welcome area receives quite a workout given the number of companies that visit the facility in search of ideas to incorporate in their own space. Especially important, Waller points out, is how the facility helps the company attract new talent. “This is critical to the company since the office is its second largest in Europe,” he explains. “Access to skills, a knowledge base, and clients are important for us. Finding adequate space in London is difficult and extremely expensive. Plus it’s hard to find good, available talent in London. The market is too competitive.” Birmingham, itself, has transformed itself into a vibrant city filled with the le ade r 60 J u ly / a u g u s t

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Leader - July/August 2008

The Leader - July/August 2008 Leadership Contents Message from the CEO Real Estate in the News Organizational Design Accommodating Growth Responding to the Challenge EMEA's Building Energy Rating TVA's Shortcut to Success ANZ Banking Group’s Jane Hamilton Tractus Asia’s Dennis Messeroll Arizona’s Greg Weiner Workplace Design Workplace Directory The Texas Report Industry Tracker Discovery Forum Findings Career Development Congratulations to 2008 Corenet Global Award Winners! Young Leader Economic Development in the News Connect with Corenet Global A Look Ahead

The Leader - July/August 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.