Sabrina Schaal, Drees & Sommer, and Markus Weber, Volksbank Mittlerer Neckar, invited festival visitors to discover the key factors for successful office concepts from the perspective of HR departments and organisations. Using the example of the bank, they explained how companies can design their working environment to promote employee satisfaction, productivity and corporate culture.
Volksbank Mittlerer Neckar needed more space following a merger. At the same time, new work and communication structures needed to be developed and supported by a modern workplace design that struck the right balance between flexibility, ergonomics and teamwork. Markus Weber reported on the change process, which began with the definition of a vision and verifiable project goals. This was followed by the involvement of managers and an initial information session for employees. After the initial planning, volunteer change agents were recruited from among the employees. These agents actively support the project, organise communication with the teams and have contributed additional requests such as the creation of a childcare facility. At the time of the presentation, interested employees could sign up for pilot areas to test the new forms of collaboration. Asked for an interim conclusion, Markus Weber recommended the following to the audience 1. Develop a clear vision and define verifiable goals, 2. Find an experienced partner like Drees & Sommer to support the project, and 3. Involve staff from the outset.
Photo: © IBA
