BIFM and CIPD launch Workplace Conversation to discuss future of work

The BIFM and the CIPD have launched a joint initiative that aims to examine the evolution of the working environment and the future of work. The Workplace Conversation, project, which was announced by BIFM Chief Executive, Gareth Tancred, at the Workplace Futures conference yesterday, builds on the agreement made between the two bodies last year to collaborate on ways the ‘custodians of two of the most important drivers of business performance – people and place’ could build bridges between the two disciplines. The project will aim to identify and define the challenges, ideas and opportunities on how work is enabled, both now and in the future, and will explore topics such as the emergence of new technologies, economic forces and flexible working alternatives, and their impact on business performance and the way people work.

FM and HR professionals, as well as anyone with an interest in the future of the workplace, can participate at the Workplace Conversation site. The 3-month project invites participants to take part in online conversations which aim to will draw insights, ideas and practical solutions from individuals across a range of countries.  Participants will be set specific tasks throughout the duration; the outcome of which will lead to a user-submitted idea, selected by the community, being voted as the best idea to ‘create better workplaces in the future’.

Announcing the initiative BIFM Chief Executive, Gareth Tancred said: “This collaboration is a unique partnership between two professional communities who already make an important contribution to the way we work. We’ve spent a number of months working with the CIPD, planning and putting the framework in place to deliver this ambitious initiative.

Whilst there has been plenty written about the changing nature of the workplace, we’re keen to hear from those at the frontline of having to manage the types of changes we’re experiencing, in order to help shape the discussion.”

Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of the CIPD, said:

“If organisations want to achieve better work and better working lives for their people, they must recognise the changing and increasingly flexible nature of the workforce as part of their workplace design.

“Workplaces have incredible potential to both influence and reflect corporate cultures, behaviours and working styles but it takes teams from across the business to create the right kind of workplace.”

He added: “The Workplace Conversation is a great opportunity to bring FM and HR professionals together to understand and influence how workplace design can positively affect engagement and productivity while reinforcing corporate values and culture. It’s all about understanding how and where people work well and I look forward to seeing the ideas that are generated through the conversation.”