Smarter Working is Widely Encouraged But Practice is Lacking
Smarter working is the business model reshaping the public & private sector working environment. It is a shift in working using new tools, new processes and new approaches. Many businesses drive for smarter working reflects an openness to flexibility and encourages the rationalisation of existing office accommodation. Supported with the necessary ICT infrastructure, smarter working has the clear potential to deliver continuing revenue cost savings. Furthermore, through smarter working, businesses can commit to its corporate social responsibility (CSR) and follow ethical, environmental and sustainability business practices.
Our survey reveals that 84% of organisations encourage smarter working and 50% say they have reduced their workspace through the introduction of smarter working. This is movement in the right direction, however, it must be noted that, when asked what best describes their organisation’s storage of paper-based records, a concerningly high 93% of organisations are still holding paper records onsite.
Following on from this, it is also important to note that, with more stringent regulations of GDPR, ‘clear desk’ policies are becoming more common. This is a result of business organisations’ experience of numerous data breaches where exposed files and paper documents have been left on desks containing sensitive data.
Organisations are putting upgraded security controls in place with clear desk policies to address the challenges with paperwork. Documents are being locked in cabinets, drawers and other office storage, but, whilst this appears to address the issue, this practice fails to work in alignment with the criteria of smarter working. To reduce office space, office storage and furniture must also be reduced. This survey finding reveals that, whilst organisations encourage smarter working, there are key qualities of this model that businesses are yet to maximise, to further reduce workspace and drive more value out of its spaces.
