Flexibility suits uncertain times
September 2, 2010 - 9:41 am
Recent economic forecasts from the British Chambers of Commerce underlined how uncertain the economic picture is going forward. They suggested that growth might be higher than they had thought, but that unemployment would probably rise and that this could impact on demand adversely. Coupled with signs of continuing economic uncertainty in the United States and arguably the only clear thing is that future economic prospects are extremely unpredictable.
Firms then have to plan their activities in the context of this uncertainty about the future. One of the best ways to adapt to a situation like this is to embrace flexibility. For example, a firm which gets a new contract may not require full-time staff. Employing temporary workers may be a more prudent way of matching resources available to the work which must be accomplished. The modern worker often appreciates the value of flexibility and is prepared to work hard and well without full-time status.
Too many managers only look at flexibility in terms of the workforce. It can be very beneficial to step back from the firm and examine every aspect of it. Office accommodation is an area in which a flexible approach may pay dividends. For instance, using a serviced office may be a great way forward which is often more affordable than some more enduring alternatives. It is really important to keep an open mind and not to be afraid of combining office solutions. Allowing a virtual office to take some of the workload in a busy period can make a lot of sense.
Training rooms that tick the right boxes
September 1, 2010 - 1:40 pm
A firm can accumulate considerable prestige when it holds a training day. If it has information and skills to share with other players in its sectors, it can generate a lot of goodwill and enhance its image by orchestrating a participatory event of this type. Event management demands meticulous attention to detail and careful planning. If things go wrong, the positive outcomes an event can have for a firm may be eroded substantially. In a worst case scenario, a poorly organised training day can prove to be a reputation management disaster.
One of the ways a training day can be less than satisfactory is if it is held in an unsuitable venue. If the venue is inaccessible, those who attend may turn up late and stressed. If the audiovisual equipment is faulty, individual sessions may leave audiences frustrated. There is also the significant matter of acquiring the use of meeting rooms which are sufficiently large to make the event go smoothly. There is also the issue of affordability. Hence there are quite a few aspects of the venue which can have a partly determining impact on outcomes.
Training days should always be held in buildings which combine functionality and aesthetics in an effective manner. This means that the individuals who listen to the speakers and involve themselves in the workshops should be in a positive mood. Meeting rooms which are dirty, cramped or unattractive generate a negative atmosphere which can have a really negative impact on collective performance.
Choosing the location of your virtual office
September 1, 2010 - 11:40 am
It is often the case that an office solution is the right one for a firm for a plethora of diverse reasons. This means that the accommodation or alternative solution is rated according to several criteria before the decision to use it is made. Of course, the cost-benefit analysis performed may involve a mixture of quantifiable and subjective factors. This is actually probably the best way to proceed because some of the factors which impinge upon the performance of a firm are very hard to pin down in a numerical format.
An example can serve to illustrate the point. When a firm is seeking to use a virtual solution there are various considerations which its management will undoubtedly reflect on. The cost is obviously something which will be focused on. The features of the service will be thought about in terms of their relevance. Furthermore, access to other facilities may be on the list of factors which ultimately shape the decision. In addition to these three salient factors, some reassurance with regard to quality should be sought. It might be that client testimonials are looked at or customer service awards considered.
One aspect of the decision which is sometimes neglected is the physical location of the office solution. Due to the fact that the firm may be working from somewhere else, it is sometimes forgotten that external perceptions of the firm will partly be shaped by the precise address of the office solution being used. A virtual office around West End cultural amenities could prove to be a useful asset.