Our time is characterised by fast, information overload and the rapid development of everything around us. As human beings, we have evolved significantly since the turn of the century, however the work environment in which we apply ourselves in is playing catch up. We are no longer content with our workplace not being reflective of our personal evolution and devoid of innovation. We not only crave it, we insist on it.
An innovative workplace is therefore more of a necessity than a nice-to-have, as innovation is no longer a thing made of dreams or a destination for the future, but a living, organic way of living.
In a tech savvy world, the ability to process information at a rapid speed and the stamina to go from paradigm shift into paradigm shift has become non-negotiables in the business world, it has become imperative for a business to create and maintain a successful and healthy workplace culture. As a result, companies are expected to lead the way in innovation in today’s experience-focused economy.
Employees have access to so much more information and are now insisting on a healthy and innovative company culture when looking for their next opportunity. Gone are the days of blindly following the pack and what used to be acceptable in terms of leading a company and managing employees with the sole focus on the bottom line, is no longer acceptable.
We hear of and know so many successful, talented and skilled people who have left the seemingly comfortable world of corporate firms for a more flexible, innovative experience. There is already a huge shift in the employer-employee relationship where we can see a decentralisation of influence due to everyone having access to the same information and therefore, more people are able to raise their own capital and create their own ideal work-life integration.
This demand for an innovative work culture is also evident in the booming serviced office and co-working trend which allows start-ups and large corporations alike, the opportunity to immediately immerse themselves in an environment which is designed for innovation and collaboration. The serviced office and co-working industry continues to grow rapidly, with many touting it as being the “future of work” and not merely a passing popular movement for start-ups. What makes the industry so dynamic is the flexibility it offers regarding short-term flexible leases as well as the “plug and play” environment which allows companies to be up and running in their new workspace within minutes, which ensures productivity time is not lost and allows companies to focus on running their businesses and not on the administrative side of managing an office.
Innovation is often at the forefront of any serviced office and co-working company, both in terms of design and its information technology offering. This focus on innovation is what has resulted in the shift away from traditional space to a serviced flexible workspace model being adopted by a growing number of companies.
Cube Workspace, a premium serviced office and co-working company, based in South Africa, has seven (7) workspaces nationally, and is a prime example of innovation in the workplace. Cube’s mantra is “Where Workstyle Meets Lifestyle” and it forms a pivotal part of the overall experience Cube creates for its clients. The CEO of Cube Workspace, Wayne Windell CA(SA), states that innovation in the workplace is no longer merely a buzz word which is only associated with the large tech companies but is a fundamental requirement for any business wanting to grow, scale and succeed. He continues to state that “Innovation is often mistakenly thought to relate purely to the technology space but it’s far broader. Innovation is more about the ability to adapt and enhance the sector you operate in with the aim of disrupting the status quo.” Wayne’s approach to innovation is evident in the success of Cube Workspace, which has grown by over 40% in the last 6 months. He puts this success down to understanding and meeting the ever-changing needs of his clients by ensuring the environment in which they operate promotes innovation and collaboration.
Highly innovative companies ensure they are aware of the forces that have the potential to disrupt their businesses and their industries, enabling them to better position themselves to take action today to face the impact of disruption tomorrow.
When disruption occurs, companies need to be able to rapidly redeploy systems, assets and people to address external opportunities and threats. By embracing new ways of working and making decisions, companies can avoid becoming mired in the bureaucracy that brings change to a screeching halt.
The world is changing at such a rapid speed that it is imperative to remain ahead of the curve and always have your eye on the future. If your company, from the top down, believes, breathes and lives a narrative based on innovation and a future-focused approach, the rest will follow.
Workspaces that foster creativity and collaboration are designed with an acute understanding of the work accomplished on-site, as well as the individuals that occupy the space. From the startup to the large global company, serviced office and co-working providers such as Cube Workspace are experts at partnering with companies to achieve an innovation, holistic workspace for its employees; and the results speak for themselves – increased productivity and an empowered healthy workforce; both powerful influences on the bottom line.
People love to be grounded, yet free to contribute in our own way. We thrive off diversity. When our environment doesn’t support our human needs, well-being and innovation are compromised. Without innovation, a company (regardless of size) is running on empty.
For all types of innovation spaces, it is simply fundamental to be responsive to the changing needs of employees and clients in this highly volatile and dynamic environment. By embracing workspace innovation, you will ensure the success of your company across all spheres.
In conclusion, Tony Robbins, strategist and speaker said it best:
“Innovation is an ongoing process which you build into your culture”.
Wayne Windell – CEO of Cube Workspace
Natalie du Preez – Owner of Equivivere
