THE stuffy corner office and cold cubicle work spaces are set to become a thing of the past, as one of the biggest consulting firms in Australia dives into a new way of working.
First it was Macquarie Bank, then Microsoft, Jones Lang LaSalle, GPT Group and Goodman followed. More recently Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Yarra Valley Water joined in.
Now KPMG is getting in on one of the hottest trends in architectural circles: activity-based working (ABW). Instead of allocated seating and desktop computers, employees in an ABW organisations predominantly use mobile devices and are seated based on the activity or project they are working on at the time.
Consultant Philip Ross, chief executive of the Cordless Group and author of Activity-Based Working: The Hybrid Organisation, says work is "becoming a process, not a place". He predicts the death of the individual desk and desk phone.
In order to keep pace with clients, attract a broader set of employees and mitigate the pain of the daily commute, KPMG has begun a pilot ABW on one floor of its Shelley Street office in Sydney. Groups of about 80 employees will work in the ABW space for four months at a time to test the approach and discover optimal working patterns.
"We are testing and extending a whole range of our own technologies to support that," KPMG digital economy partner Malcolm Alder said.
"We have been progressively expanding a whole range of tools from our internal social-media platform to crowd-sourcing ideas internally on behalf of clients, which is really taking off.
"We have also expanded our range of telepresence facilities between our major offices, which are booked solid, to increasingly using office meeting and virtual environments for people in multiple locations."
If the pilot is successful, KPMG will adopt the new way for its new office at Barangaroo when it opens in 2016.
Mr Alder said it was critical to get the technology right so clients and staff experienced no disruption.
"It is rather like your first experience with online shopping for fresh groceries," he said. "If this stuff lobs up on your doorstep and there is one rotten pear in there, it'll be a long time before you go back."
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
What is activity-based working (ABW) and why is KPMG testing it?
Activity-based working (ABW) is a flexible office layout where employees choose seating and space based on the task or project rather than having an allocated desk. KPMG is testing ABW to keep pace with clients, attract a broader set of employees and help reduce the pain of daily commutes.
How is KPMG running its ABW pilot in Sydney?
KPMG has launched a pilot on one floor of its Shelley Street office in Sydney. Groups of about 80 employees will use the ABW space for four months at a time to test the approach and discover optimal working patterns.
What technologies is KPMG using to support its ABW and mobile working trial?
KPMG is extending tools from its internal social-media platform to crowd-sourcing ideas, increasing telepresence facilities between major offices, and using office meeting and virtual environments. Employees predominantly use mobile devices instead of fixed desktop computers in ABW setups.
If the KPMG ABW pilot succeeds, where will the firm implement it next?
If the pilot is successful, KPMG plans to adopt the activity-based working approach for its new office at Barangaroo when it opens in 2016.
What are the main concerns KPMG highlights about moving to ABW?
KPMG stresses the importance of getting the technology right so clients and staff experience no disruption. The firm warns that poor execution—like a single bad experience—could put people off the model.
Which other Australian organisations have already moved toward activity-based working or similar flexible office models?
The article notes several organisations that have adopted similar trends: Macquarie Bank, Microsoft, Jones Lang LaSalle, GPT Group, Goodman, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Yarra Valley Water.
How does ABW change the traditional office setup, such as individual desks and desk phones?
ABW shifts the focus from a fixed workplace to work as a process. Consultant Philip Ross predicts the end of the individual desk and desk phone as employees use mobile devices and choose spaces based on activities.
What practical benefits does KPMG expect from ABW for employees and clients?
KPMG expects ABW to support closer collaboration with clients, attract a wider talent pool and reduce commuting strain. The firm is also expanding telepresence and virtual meeting tools to maintain strong client connections across locations.
Call 1300 880 160
Start a chat
Schedule a call
