Research Study: Recruiting the Next Generation.
DEGW Munich

DEGW’s research approach is multi-level and multi-dimensional. We work closely with senior leaders to understand the directions for business change, exploring in interviews how business strategy can be supported by the design and use of workplaces and buildings.

Through quantitative data collection and qualitative feedback from leaders and staff, our team uncovers the specifics of the business operation, current staff work patterns, and staff perceptions. Our Observation Study captures robust data on space utilization to illustrate actual real estate performance over time. These data are used to compare space use across departments and job functions, and against staff perceptions collected through the online Workplace Performance Survey. In Focus Groups, staff are actively engaged in the discussion of research findings to validate the data collected and further understand user requirements.

The assessment of current work patterns and user requirements is translated into a workplace strategy that applies design to the particular needs of the organization and the business that guides a future direction of change.

Typical DEGW questions:

1. In what directions of change is the business moving? How can the design and use of the workplace add value to organizational and business performance?
2. How is space currently used – where are there opportunities for better utilization and effectiveness to support users and the business?
3. What are the current perceived patterns of work?
4. How can current work patterns be translated into future work styles that support business and organizational goals?Which job functions or work groups might be candidates to work in a mobile way (not having dedicated workspace)?
5. What kind of space and variations in IT and HR policy will be needed to provide efficient use and support staff working in new ways?
6. How will staff be eased through the transition from their current work patterns to new ways of working?
7. What are the costs and benefits of a new way of working? How does this affect staff productivity?

These kinds of questions guide our research efforts and activities. Our research process is an effort of discovery – always specific to the individual organization – to determine the demands for the future workplace.

We carefully assess and integrate all sources of quantitative and qualitative data to provide a well-rounded and in-depth perspective on strategic direction and choices for the new workplace. These processes of research and engagement are consistently documented and shared with the project team and leadership – we see the development of the workplace strategy as a collective effort involving close review and feedback with the client project team.

Performance measurement

DEGW develops performance criteria for the workplace and for the building systems that support it. For the workplace, this means articulating the sets of activities and user demands that a particular space, neighborhood, floor, or facility must support; for example, rather than simply describe a meeting room by its dimensions, technical systems, and capacity, we will also provide a snapshot of how it will be used, allowing designers to meet high-level strategic objectives as well as follow tactical direction. Concerning building systems, this entails developing quantitative performance criteria for HVAC, lighting, electrical, and IT systems, for example, number of air changes/hour, or watts/sf. Where appropriate, qualitative criteria may be coupled with these as well.