Workplace Week is a showcase of workplace and workforce innovation that’s taking place in London between the 4th and 8th of November 2013. This year’s convention theme is “Driving productivity through the connected organisation”. Discussions will cover the concept of a connected organisation, the creation of work conditions to bring out the best in every employee and workplace evolution.
A number of businesses will also be inviting visitors into their offices, in order to showcase their workplace innovation in action.
Innovative Workplaces in London
- Mintel: A London-based market research firm, Mintel will be opening its doors to visitors at 11 Pilgrim Street. Their offices can only be described as incredibly cool – boasting a Tardis-themed meeting room, a caravan kitchen and a colourful, ‘hierarchy-free’ workspace. Indeed, employees are not allowed to sit at the same desk for more than a day, to encourage workplace collaboration and socialising amongst employees who would otherwise not interact.
- Innocent Drinks: Located at Fruit Towers, on the canal at the top of Ladbroke Grove, Innocent Drinks are a manufacturer of smoothies, juices and noodle pots. Their inspiring workspace includes an astro turf, picnic benches, table football and a ping pong table. They also have a rooftop garden with wonderful views of the city, and a large chill-out space on the ground floor where employees can enjoy free smoothies and breakfasts. The astroturf and dozens of potted trees create a calming atmosphere, and when workers really need a break, there’s even an outdoor beer garden to relax in.
- RBS: The Royal Bank of Scotland has one of their 4 main offices in Premier Place, Devonshire Square. With bookable desks, special collaboration areas, an on-site café and video pods and audio booths, this office centre is certainly fitted out for maximum productivity. Last year, the bank won the “Top Employers for Working Families” award – their Choice Programme, which facilitates a flexible working culture, combines the latest technology with HR solutions and creative workspace design. This programme encourages employees to have a degree of control over how, when and where they work, aiding their work-life balance, productivity and overall well-being.
- PricewaterhouseCoopers: This multinational professional services firm moved into their Riverside headquarters in 2011. 7 More London is a ten-storey building, which houses 5200 of PWC’s employees. The business centre was built with sustainable principles in mind – there are solar panels for water heating, green roofs and automated building management and metering systems. According to PWC’s website, this culture of sustainability is encouraged within the workplace – there are plenty of audio and video conferencing facilities to reduce business travel, and plans for a car park were scrapped and replaced with bike racks, showers and changing facilities. Furthermore, around forty percent of the workspace in the centre is designated as a collaborative area, for both co-worker and client interactions. Finally, there’s also a wellbeing centre with a doctor and a dentist, as well as a space for meditation, relaxation and prayer.
Why is innovation in the workplace important?
The word “innovation” refers to the process of coming up with new ideas, methods or ways of getting things done. By definition, innovation is a vital aspect in the running of any business. Forward-thinking companies continually encourage workers to come up with new product concepts or ways to improve upon tried-and-tested methods.
Of course, in order to generate new ideas, a work environment that fosters creativity and lateral-thinking will help. Different spaces for individual and collaborative work and relaxing breakout areas for socialising and fun can make all the difference.
Innovation with Instant
If unique work decor appeals to you, then these Alice in Wonderland-themed offices are the perfect solution. Due to open in January 2014, the business centre is decked out with prints, pictures and furniture items that perfectly mimic the quirky fairytale. A meeting room designed to look like the Mad Hatter’s tea party is just one of the highlights of this Waterloo office space.
Landmark Canada Square, located in the heart of Canary Wharf, offers Grade A serviced offices. Instant can provide you with an all-inclusive lease, comprising of fit-out and furniture to meet your exact requirements and desired layout. As the client, you can specify exactly what you want – from meeting pods for creative brain-storming sessions, to bench-style desks for flexible workers. We sort out all the details, leaving you to concentrate on your business.
For those requiring collaboration and creativity, this spacious Euston office centre provides a variety of workspaces, from meeting rooms and conference spaces, to shared work areas, lounges and break-out spaces. Plenty of natural light and stylish interior design make this centre an ideal space in which to foster ideas and innovation.
Call us now to discuss inspiring workplaces for your next office move.