June 2nd, 2011, By Dana Haugh
In a recent interview with Matthew Fanoe, VP of real estate for Coca-Cola, he comments on the changing work environment and its positive effect on human relations. He remarks that the interaction today between peers and service providers is a major change from 20 years ago. There is more of a partnership between service providers and their clients due to outsourcing which creates for a more personal work experience.
Offices have taken action toward driving costs down by making work spaces more collaborative and open. Gone are the tall walled cubicles that seclude workers from each other, discouraging participatory work chatter. Many offices are opting for low walled, open desk areas that allow their employees to easily share ideas and develop a more personal relationship.
Downsizing office space helps shrink the size of the carbon footprint. More executives are opting for open offices over private, encouraging management to participate in more collaborative interaction and permeate the workspace. These positive changes go hand in hand with the advancements in technology, where suddenly it becomes easier to share ideas with coworkers without the deterrent of immobile and time consuming projects. Laptops and handheld devices have made it easier to express ideas in a manner all can appreciate.
There is less dependence on the fixed office space and a larger focus on meeting with peers and potential business partners because of the mobility of technology.
All in all, Fanoe feels these changes in CRE are crucial to the positive advancement and collaboration in the the work place.