Re-imagining the Office

Author: Adryan Bell
Publisher: Gower
Size: 126 pages

Reviewed by Nicola Thorp

This book starts out talking about the changes in technology within the office workspace – a few quips about how emails are deemed “for old people” by the younger generation now as time moves on and the essentials we use in everyday life are perceived as dated. The text is focused on attitudes towards challenges within the professional environment and change management. Written in an easy to read format the book does tend to lean towards reiterating what is already generally known but with any good change concept; the key is to drive home the benefits and reasoning behind a move in how we do things.

Working through a “six ‘e’ theme”; Efficiency, Effectiveness; Engagement; Expression; E-work and Experience, Adryan talks through a step by step guide of concepts, implementing and embedding.

• Efficiency is based around the physicality of the workspace and use of hot desks and keeping down running costs – Adryan refers to personal experiences of challenges faced previously.
• Effectiveness is a more detailed chapter – talking around the functional aspect of an office space which not only works in regards to being cost effective but practical.  
• Engagement tackles the people elementdiscussing psychology, communication and resistance to change.
• Expression looks into the office space stimulating and motivating it’s users.
• E-work, Adryan describes as a “New word” and focuses on work models and practices.
• Experience is the last topic covered and covers areas such as atmosphere or culture and how this can be improved through nurturing a “buzz”.

Finally there is a short summary followed by a case study. When I first started to read this book I was skeptical about its content feeling that the detail or lack of it was already known – “It’s common sense”, but as I read on further felt that actually this is a good quick overview of the politics involved in creating a new environment. Personally I felt the re could be more detail around the change management aspect as this is always a tricky area within organisations; especially those that are long established. The book took an hour to read – it did not require deep concentration due to top level approach and no nonsense terminology.

Would I recommend it? Yes, to those looking at making a change to the work environment as a starting point to consider all factors at the higher level.

This book is available at a 20% discount to Tipoffs readers on our personalised page with Gower Publishing

Reviewed by Nicola Thorp

ABOUT OUR REVIEWER: Nicola Thorp is a project management consultant with Arras People. With a background in operations and project management, she has previously created & embedded operational support processes and procedures within a globally-based central support office. She also a specialises in the field of P3O (Portfolio, Programme and Project Office) and can advise candidates wishing to develop in this field. You can book a careers clinic with Nicola online.

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