When executed properly, Weckesser says that the growing trend of Workplace Optimization Strategies is a process that has produced very positive results when executed properly.

The drivers behind WOS, according to Weckesser include: the economy, which affects the net effect of space reduction; technology, which has truly accelerated this transformation with the advancements that allow employees to work virtually, anywhere, at any time; culture, where the challenge is to address the different work communication styles, values, and expectations in the workplace; and new systems at work, such as smaller workstations, “the new cube,” reconfiguration, virtual offices, hotelling (aka unassigned seating), and open spaces and common areas.

Many companies, according to Weckesser, are also engaging in sustainable practices, “which promote healthier worksites and don’t necessarily add additional expenses. Studies show that going green is another way to improve morale and give companies a competitive edge.”

Other benefits of WOS, he says, include staff recruitment and retention along with better social networking. “But bottom line savings are cited by most companies as the number-one reason to implement new workplace solutions,” he says. “For those companies that might question an initial investment in WOS, it’s hard to argue with increased overall productivity and faster time to market for products.”

It is important to keep in mind, according to Weckesser, that all new programs come with trade-offs and growing pains. This can include the reluctance of some senior managers who may still have entitlement issues with titles and corner offices despite the cultural trend toward workplace equality, he says. “They may also have concerns about managing remote staff that don’t have 9 to 5 accountability.” To be sure, it’s a new paradigm, and new management skills may be required, he adds. “Staff at all levels will need to adjust and strive toward new levels of trust. This should become easier as new workplace strategies become more mainstream and companies accept the need to focus on the common good.”

In order to get started, Weckesser suggests that companies need to first determine their true vacancy and true cost of occupancy, which will help them to evaluate what kinds of workplace solutions are right for them…and what resources are necessary for implementation.

There are various staffing scenarios involving in-house versus outsourced responsibilities and the roles of upfront strategic planning and project management implementation, he continues. “While you will want to conduct your due diligence and review different options, we have found that an advantage of using outside, objective consultants—preferably in a real estate advisory firm that provides fully integrated corporate services—is that it is easier to arrive at consensus.”

The success of this process, he says, depends on how well companies align their workplace strategies with their business plans—and how well plans are executed. In any event, Weckesser says that it is time to look ahead as the office of the future is here today.