Future of Work Prototype
Like many organizations after 2020, this international bank was curious about the possibilities of their future of work, and understand which future best aligns with the organization’s plans. As an embedded consulting strategist for the national corporate services team, I provided ongoing advisory services, planned and executed a prototype, and engaged directly with users and business leaders for 18 months to produce actionable insights.
CLIENT
ROLE
Organizational Strategy Consultant
SERVICES
Business Advisory Consulting, Prototype Design, User Research, Change Management
What should the future of work experience be
for an evolving organization?
Prototype Design
The Test & Learn pilot was designed to test how users would adapt to using the office post-pandemic, emphasizing hybrid work, 100% shared seating, hospitality support roles, desk-booking, and change communications. I was responsible for rolling out a 10,000 square foot pilot to 800 users in New York City, then quantifying and sharing insights with executives to influence headquarter design decisions.
User Research
A plan for a three-month launch study was made to ensure that key learnings could be informed by a variety of research methods. The research was organized to ensure understanding around both what is happening in the pilot and why.
Change Management
In order to ensure the results of the study were based on the best possible user behaviors, a parallel change management program was designed and delivered three months before testing began. This program included working with a group of representatives from all participating departments, and deploying a digital and physical communications program.
Findings & Impact
Every month, findings from the ongoing research of 800 users are compiled and shared with the corporate services team as well as the design team shaping the new headquarter for 3000 employees. As a result of the pilot:
The bank was able to significantly downsize their footprint proportion when selecting a headquarters location
1500 employees will be desk sharing at the new site, supported by space and technology informed by the pilot project
Gensler was asked to continue workplace strategy services throughout the design and move-in process
