Workplace design can pose financial services companies for success amid trends that could transform the industry, according to a report, “The New Financial Workplace,” recently released by HOK’s WorkPlace Group.
New technologies like cryptocurrency, biometrics, and blockchain are disrupting the financial sector. These technologies are providing emerging companies with the tools to compete with venerable financial giants.
In order to compete for talent with these upstart technology-focused firms, old-line financial companies have to adopt the cultures and workplace design practices of the technology industry, the report asserts. The report’s findings include:
- A continued decline in square footage across the industry indicates that more financial firms have adopted progressive work styles and are catching up with early adopters.
- Firms that had previously reduced their space have stabilized and are now looking for ways to enhance the employee experience and retain top talent.
- Office space has evolved from being the only place of work to one of many in an entire ecosystem of choices.
- Firms are moving beyond open-plan offices and instead installing more flexible space.
- Neighborhood-based Choice Environments (NCE) provide neighborhoods for teams to operate out of while still giving people access to a variety of work settings.
The document includes case studies of projects for Scotiabank, TD, Nasdaq, Union Bank, and Harris Bank that provide insight into current best practices.
The report can be downloaded at: http://www.hok.com/thought-lea
Related Stories
| Nov 14, 2014
Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Paulson works to upgrade China’s building codes
Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson is today focused on making new construction in China more energy efficient by working with leaders to upgrade building codes.
| Nov 14, 2014
California aims for 20% reduction in water consumption by 2020
California’s comprehensive new water use plan makes conservation a priority, reinforcing a 2009 plan to reduce statewide per capita water consumption by 20% by 2020.
| Nov 6, 2014
Demountable structural steel could up the ante on sustainability
Demountable structural steel assemblies would be a greener way to make use of steel in the construction industry than recycling.
K-12 Schools | Nov 6, 2014
New Sandy Hook school features could influence security standards
The design of the new Sandy Hook Elementary School on the site of the 2012 Newtown, Conn., school shooting features enhanced security measures—some subtle and others more prominent.
| Nov 6, 2014
OSHA seeking input on electrical standards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is reviewing electrical standards for the construction industry to make sure proper safeguards are in place as electrical wiring is being installed and maintained.
Smart Buildings | Oct 30, 2014
Energy Department pledges $9 million for energy efficiency improvements on commercial buildings
The U.S. Dept. of Energy will spend $9 million to encourage investments in energy-saving technologies that can be tested and deployed in offices, shops, restaurants, hospitals, hotels and other types of commercial buildings.
| Oct 30, 2014
Steel Framing Industry Association’s certification program aims to ensure connector quality
The Steel Framing Industry Association has launched a certification program to ensure that cold-formed steel connectors meet quality guidelines, building codes, and ASTM standards.
| Oct 30, 2014
American Concrete Institute releases reorganized structural concrete code requirements
The reorganized document is organized from an engineer’s perspective. The requirements flow more intuitively and have fewer cross-references for improved logic and flow of information.
| Oct 30, 2014
USGBC pushes back LEED v4 deadline
Extending the deadline gives LEED users additional time to prepare for LEED v4, the latest version of LEED, which features increased rigor and multiple updates.
| Oct 24, 2014
Solar panels could be required on most new construction in San Francisco
A San Francisco city councilor will propose a new regulation that could soon mandate solar panels on most new construction in the city and on many existing apartment buildings.